The Gate to Women's Country: pg. 182- end of Chapter 19

The garrisons of the cities seem to be planning rebellion. Michael has become commander, and ensured that all the other garrisons would either follow suit with their own cities, or will not attack the Marthatown garrison. In the current year, there was a larger harvest. Both of Michael's conditions for rebellion have taken place, and he decided to wait until after the harvest and trade. The only part which could possibly mess up their plan is the weapon, which the men still know nothing about.
Exploration teams are being gathered. The last set of teams brought back bugs and a type of tea plant. The different jobs of the different teams are set up.

• South- 2 people (one servitor, one woman) The south team will find botanical specimens and see how far north the strangers have come. 
• North-  The group is to see the limits of the ice.
• East- The group is to investigate into the desolations, and whether or not they have shrunk.
• West- They will take a boat  and explore the shore.

Some workings of exploratio teams seem to be that young people without children, and with training in a useful field tend to be sent. Medical training and a knowledge in gardening make Stavia a perfect choice. It seems like finding people for these teams would be difficult, after Kostia and Tonia point out the irregularity that someone of Stavia's age would not have had a child yet. 

While Kostia and Tonia's abilities were already shown by their having some sort of long-feel, they chose a different way of presenting the information than Corrig. They used cards in order to tell Stavia her future, while Corrig uses his power of long-feel to suggest that Stavia does not go on the expedition.

Chernon seems to be a very complex character, who simultaneously loves Stavia yet also uses her in order to fulfill his duties to Michael. He convinces her to bring him on her expedition, instead of a servitor.