time-travel-slippage

In this chapter, Polly grapples with anxiety over the increasing 'slippage' in their time travel operations and the absence of Mr. Dunworthy and the retrieval team. She deciphers a hidden message from Mike in a crossword puzzle, prompting her to investigate an old remote drop site in Hampstead Heath, while also attempting to coordinate a meeting at St. Paul's Cathedral. The chapter explores Polly's growing fears about the dangers they face, the uncertainty of rescue, and the impact of wartime London’s destruction on their mission.

Polly reunites with her group after a bombing raid and recounts her ordeal of spending the night in a basement shelter, while others explain the dangers and losses during the attack. The group discusses the absence of the retrieval team expected to bring Polly back, leading to speculation about delays caused by wartime disruptions or possible time travel complications such as slippage and divergence points. Meanwhile, the group plans to boost morale by forming a theatrical troupe in the shelter, and Polly investigates recent events that might have affected the retrieval team's mission.