Part 3, Chapter 5 Trans-History Summary

Quath has to squeeze into the Port's loading dock because she is too big for the personnel areas. She seems to have added legs again. The party, including Toby and Killeen, is escorted by an "Honor Guard" whose purpose is clearly to keep Quath and the Bishops in line. There is a brief thunderstorm, amazing Toby with delicious water falling from the sky like a gift. Instantly, Toby is plunged into Shibo's girlhood memories of storms on her homeland. Cermo reports that the esty is solid. It appears to be a long tube, so broad that clouds form along its axis. If they could see straight up, Quath says, they would be looking at another part of the city hanging above them.

While Toby is watching, one of the buildings melts and reforms itself into a different design. The...