'Fairly CAPable, Chapter 3' has been met with mixed reviews. When I wrote it (four years or so ago), I thought it was a bit innovative for the Swarm Cycle. I wanted to use Chapter 3 to compare and contrast the different points of view of each of the concubines, to delve into their characters a little. I couldn't think of a better way to do it - in depth - as describing their thoughts as they first set foot on the moon base.
When I create a new character, it starts with a name and age. I then go and build up their family - even if I never plan to use the family members. As I go on writing them, I build up who they are. When they say something or do something, I always review their actions to make sure what they say and do is in their character and in line with their motivations. Chapter 3 was my way of sharing some of that background with the readers - I thought it would give some insight into why Calix's women do some of the things they do.
One of the largest complaints about Chapter 3 is it's too slow. It doesn't advance the plot. I think those arguments are valid.
Personally, I'm happy with how it turned out. I agree it's slow. I agree it's long. I'm proud of it, though. I was especially proud of the way each described the window layout - it's the same window but different from each person's point of view. Maybe I was trying to be too clever for my own good.