Chapter 23

Tensions in the Outer Edge continue to worsen as the CoCP's tax cut fails to appease De Finibus's demands. Co-Governor Hernandez has yet to comment on the matter, but CoCP military exercises have increased over the past few months.

-Earth newscast, October 26th, 2172 CE

TETH ASCENDED FROM the sewer on a rusty ladder. The ladder creaked and groaned, but it held as he climbed. The top rung complained the loudest as he pushed the manhole cover aside, which squealed as it scraped against the weather-beaten concrete above.

Bright sunlight shined into the sewer, and Teth shielded his eyes as they adjusted. He took a moment to relax, stretching his back and spreading his arms out wide.