Chapter 2, The Whole Sick Crew, and Chapter 3, In which Stencil, a quick-change artist, does eight impersonations Summary

Rachel Owlglass is living and working in New York City as a interviewer at an employment firm. She goes to see a plastic surgeon, Dr. Shale Schoenmaker, and pays her friend's account, Esther Harvitz. Rachel is disgusted by Schoenmaker's profession. She leaves his office and thinks about a conversation she had with Slab, another member of the Whole Sick Crew whom she sometimes dates. Slab says Esther is using Rachel for her money and Rachel helps her too much. Rachel returns to her apartment, where she lives with Esther and Paola Majistral. She showers and goes to a party. Stencil, a world adventurer, is also at the party. Herbert Stencil is seeking a...