Chapters 22-31 Summary

In Chapter 22, the Steward armies arrive in San Francisco. As suggested by Bird and designated by the Council, a pseudo-Council of Bird, Marie, Roberto, and Lan greet the troops, who Bird observes are segregated by race. These "leaders" say the sentence that is echoed repeatedly throughout the City's resistance to the invasion, which is that, "there is a place set for you at our table, if you will choose to join us" (pg. 310.) The Commander scoffs but the pseudocouncil refuse his commands, stating they do not recognize his authority. Their calm response infuriates the commander who steps forward and slaps Roberto across the face.

"We don't accept your authority," Bird said. "We will do nothing to aid you in any way. We will not cooperate, we will resist you in every way short of violence. But we will never stop offering...