bureaucratic-control

In this chapter, Peron and Elissa face the choice of how to undergo deceleration upon approaching the Solar System, ultimately deciding to remain conscious to experience their return to Earth despite discomfort. They witness the extensive development of Earth's orbit with numerous space stations and then dock at a large station where they meet Jan de Vries, a bureaucrat overseeing travel to Earth. After being prepared for their visit, they emerge into normal space and join a crowd of tourists descending to Earth, learning that the planet is currently in an Ice Age due to reduced solar activity.