Witek runs after a train. Three variations follow on how such a seemingly banal incident could influence the rest of Witek's life.
After the end of World War 2 a division of female soldiers settles down at Recovered Territories and make an oath to never enter into relationships with men, which may prove difficult, because male soldiers have also made their home nearby.
"The Dancing Hawk" refers to the son of a peasant who senses he can climb to the job in troubled times by playing his cards right. His slavery to work match his ambitions, and gradually he reaches the social position he desires. But the costs have included a dehumanized soul and a loss of a moral conscience. People have had to pay for his advancement, including those nearest to him. The downfall is equally painful: either imprisonment or the easy wasy out are offered as the alternatives.
