Chapters 20-22 Summary

Chapter 20 is subtitled "Can't you time trip?" Peer is on his virtual skyscraper, descending. Kate had lied to him. She had not sent a clone into Permutation City; she had simply transferred her copy, leaving him alone. This does not bother him, because he has programmed himself not to be bothered.

Chapter 21 is dated June, 2051. Maria wakes up after an uneasy dream in Durham's bed. It is empty. Sensing something wrong, she goes looking for him and finds him dead in the bathroom. He has killed himself with a knife.

Maria is uncertain what to do. She goes to his computer to see if his scan file is still on it, but he has deleted everything. She tries to make herself believe that Durham continues to live in Permutation City, but cannot quite grasp it. She hears footsteps, then pounding at...