Book 2, Chapter 15 Summary

The signing of the Declaration goes as Prof predicts, at the end of a long day. Selene inspires the people and turns the meeting over to Prof at 22:00. He encourages petty squabbles over wording to bore people into wandering off. Prof says the document is dated 4 July, in anticipation of days of debate and for historical reasons. As they leave, the hall fills with Party members, who vote down amendments. At 03:00, Selene suggests waiting to perfect the Declaration and passing it as is. People affix their "chops" (signatures), including a dozen "yammerers" who had not expected to risk "their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors."

Prof next calls for volunteers to deliver the document. The odds against success stand at 53:1, provided Prof goes Earthside. Davis is his backup should he die en route. Mike has redesigned a grain barge to...