Gregory Markham cycles to the Cavendish Laboratory and meets Renfrew and Peterson.
Markham, a theoretical sort, explains to Peterson that the proposal and experimental technique are sound. Whether they can actually communicate with the past or not is a gamble, but he believes they could save millions of lives eventually.
Peterson explains it's all a matter of priorities. In fact, the World Council has been meeting since that morning, discussing the dieback in North Africa and the algae bloom in South America.
Although the King promised funding for scientific experiments as a top priority, Peterson says that was to look good for his coronation. In truth, money is short and decisions must be made carefully.
Markham drops some hints about potential paradoxes, but Peterson says he'll want to discuss those later.
Peterson leaves to return to London with the proposals. Markham and Renfrew walk him out.
Markham gets the feeling that Renfrew and Peterson are two opposite men. Renfrew is a good man but dull, while Peterson is anything but dull, and certainly not a good man.