Chapter 8 Summary

Dr. MacPhail, Will, and Susila talk about their "next door neighbor", Colonel Dipa. He's gathering more armaments and is calling for the reuniting of the Greater Rendang—a territory that included Pala before the various nations were on their own. Will points out that Pala is in a precarious situation because they've ignored the outside world, making them unpopular with all developing nations. They've also got a Utopian society, making them unpopular with underdeveloped nations. In addition, Murugan has told Will that there's no military force at all so Pala has no way—and no intention—of defending itself against an invasion.

Will asks for permission to remain on Pala for three months. He says that he likes what he's learned so far and that he wants to learn more. Susila says that she'd be willing to take the risk...