I both agree and disagree with you. Can I have it both ways? Five thousand years is indeed a considerable amount of time to pass between part two and three. However, I found it fascinating to see the results of the selective genetic reconstruction of the human race and get a glimpse into the society and habitations created after abandoning Earth. And besides, as I mentioned in my review, I was having such a fun time reading the book I wanted to stay in that universe awhile longer and enjoy the view. I also found it interesting to get a glimpse into a society living so close to the stories of its own creation – but yeah – five thousand years is a huge leap between sections. What I want to know is what happens to the splinter group that lights out for Mars? That could be a book in itself.