The senator grunted. 'Fine. Bad night for travelling. How was London? Did she say?

'She enjoyed the performance.

'Music hail, the senator explained to Blake. 'Revival of an ancient entertainment form. Very primitive, I understand. My wife is taken with it. She is an arty person.

'What a horrible thing to say, said Elaine.

'Not at all, said the senator. 'It's the truth. But to get back to this business of bioengineering. Perhaps, Mr. Blake, you have some opinions."

'No, said Blake, 'I can't say that I have. I find myself somewhat out of touch.

'Out of touch? Oh, yes, I suppose you would be. This business of the stars. I recall the story now. Encapsulated, as I remember it, and found by some asteroid miners. What system was it, now?

'Out in the Antares neighbourhood. A small star — just a number, not a name. But I remember none of that. They waited to revive me until I was brought to Washington.

'And you remember nothing?

'Not a thing. said Blake. 'My life began, so far as I'm concerned, less than a month ago. I don't know who I am or…

'But you have a name.

'A mere convenience, said Blake. 'One that I picked out. John Smith would have done as well. It seems a man must have a name.

'But, as I recall it, you had background knowledge.

'Yes' — and that is a strange thing. A knowledge of the earth and of its people and of its ways, but in many ways hopelessly outdated. I am astounded continually. I stumble into customs and beliefs and words that are unfamiliar to me.

Elaine said, quietly, 'You don't need to talk about it. We hadn't meant to pry.

'I don't mind, Blake told her. 'I've accepted the situation. It's a strange position to be in, but some day I may know. It may come back to me — who I am and where I came from and when. And what happened out there. At the moment, as you may understand. I am considerably confused. Everyone, however, has been considerate. I was given a house to live in. And I've not been bothered. It's in a little village…