Chapter 17 Summary

Karellen decides to send an Overlord to Athens to observe the goings-on of the new colony. The Overlord, named Thanthalteresco, a.k.a. the "Inspector," is led on a tour by Dr. Charles Yan Sen, a philosopher and current council chairman. On the second day, Dr. Sen compares humans' child rearing practices to the Overlords' cultivation of earth. However, The Inspector gives an unflattering reply, so Dr. Sen prepares the Overlord for an upcoming conference with the rest of Athens' council.

During the conference, the town officials discuss the reason for the creation of Athens to the Inspector; then they all take in a concert. On the third day, George meets the Inspector, and is frustrated, because they can not speak in private about the tsunami incident.

After the Overlord leaves, Jeff tells his father that he thinks the Inspector was the one...