Key Out of Time · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Key Out of Time by Andre Norton.

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Chapter 1
I: Lotus World
Ross Murdock surveys the idyllic but unsettlingly perfect world of Hawaika, a rose-tinted paradise that lulls its Terran settlers into forgetfulness. The planet does not match the ancient voyage tape that guided them there, and no trace of the civilization that once existed has been found. Ross, scarred by a past encounter with the Baldies, is wary of the world's seductive peace. Karara Trehern, a dolphin handler, emerges from the sea and exchanges tense words with Ross about their lack of progress. Later, Gordon Ashe and Karara study maps, noting that the modern islands may be remnants of a larger landmass shattered by a cataclysm. Ross proposes a systematic search with a team including dolphins, and Ashe agrees, relieved to have a plan. Ross reflects on his past as a loner and Time Agent, his partnership with Ashe, and his discomfort with Karara's presence, but resolves to join the search the next day.
Chapter 2
II: Lair of Mano-Nui
Ross Murdock leads an underwater search for ancient ruins on Hawaika, discovering a suspiciously regular depression on the seafloor. While investigating, he is attacked by a dragon-like sea creature and takes refuge in a crevice. After the creature is killed, the team debates the implications of the encounter and the need to carefully set up a peep-probe at the site.
Chapter 3
III: The Ancient Mariners
The Terrans set up a peep-probe on a reef to observe Hawaika's past, aiming at 10,000 years ago. After installation, they view a rugged coastline with a fortress and a war canoe, glimpsing the ancient inhabitants. Karara questions the ethics of altering history, while Ross and Ashe prepare for further exploration.
Chapter 4
IV: Storm Menace
As the team races to complete the time gate before a severe storm hits, Ross Murdock is unexpectedly pulled through the gate into a violent past. He finds himself shipwrecked on a rocky shore during a tempest, witnesses the murder of a survivor by armored men, and takes refuge in a sea cave, separated from Gordon Ashe.
Chapter 5
V: Time Wrecked
Ross and Karara recover from their involuntary time gate passage, stranded on Hawaika after a storm. They plan a search for Gordon Ashe, with Karara tasked to find the gate while Ross scouts the shore. Ross observes two alien groups on the beach: furred laborers and armored overseers, then a cloaked figure with a wand that interacts with his sonic device. The chapter ends with Ross witnessing a tense standoff between the parties.

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I: Lotus World

II: Lair of Mano-Nui

III: The Ancient Mariners

IV: Storm Menace

V: Time Wrecked