The narrative has jumped forward 10 years. Jean and George are having breakfast as George reads the reviews of his latest television program. In frustration, he decides to answer an invitation from New Athens to visit their community. Jean is hesitant, concerned that the community will be a step backward, especially for their two children.

Ben Saloman initially imagined New Athens soon after the occupation of the Overlords. An Israeli citizen, Saloman was worried for the independent thought and creation of mankind and wanted to create a space where there would be some conflict and struggle in the pursuit of continued human advancement. Although the initial intent was partially to defy the Overlords, Karellen has left the community alone, and they have been able to apply their experiment.

New Athens is a small colony that consists of two islands: one named Athens, the other named Sparta. The population is roughly 50,000, half of the possible maximum imagined by Saloman and the architects of the colony. Jean and George are told that they can visit for a few days to see if the community is attractive to them. If it is, they will take psychological tests that community members must pass before relocating there.