Woman on the Edge of Time

In the ward, Connie refuses to be part of the experiment. The doctors warn her that her brother has already given consent on her behalf; if she refuses, she will be sent back to the other ward with papers marking her as uncooperative. She contacts Luciente and Jackrabbit, asking if they can help her escape. Luciente decides that Connie can be taught to fake unconsciousness and that this might help her escape the ward.

While in Mattapoisett, Connie notices signs of tension. Jackrabbit has signed up to do his turn in militia defense and is anxious about going. Luciente is part of a council debate arguing against the Shapers faction, which believes in managing human genetics for select traits. Connie realizes that Luciente is under a great deal of pressure and that Connie is only a small part of her life, though an important one.

Back in the ward, Connie tries to convince Sybil to leave with her. Sybil claims that she is too tired from her last round of shock therapy to do so, but she agrees to help Connie. The two of them stage a fight, during which Connie uses her skills to pretend to be unconscious.