Chapters 8 and 9 Summary

Chapter 8 - In the first part of this chapter, Connie is taken through a chain of dank underground tunnels for the next in Dr. Redding's series of tests. In the waiting room she reconnects with Skip and with Sybil (who has also been selected to participate in the tests) and is introduced to a tall, outspoken black woman (Alice Blue Bottom). The next day, a depressed Connie reaches out for Luciente and is again taken into the future, where Luciente takes her to see how "government" works, describing how the participants in the governing process are chosen by lot, serve only a year, and make agreements by consensus. After leaving the government meeting, Connie is taken to the deathbed of Sappho, a wise old woman who has asked to be taken to where she can hear the river. Frantic communication establishes...