Came across an interesting idea on a review of Issola (does include spoiler but it is noted as such in the review and you have to highlight it to read it) http://www.physics.ucla..edu/~kor2/booklog/ I think the idea is certainly technically possible, given Aliera's history, and it definitely triggers my 'ooh, that would be neat' feeling, although if true, Vlad would be an even more unreliable narrator than usual. Karen