Chapter 25

The standoff at the Outer Edge border continues as Edge ships refuse to release the C.S. Opportunity, which has been held under nuclear missile lock for seven days. Co-Governors Hernandez and Petrenko have threatened military action if the Opportunity is disabled or destroyed. There has been no comment from First Mayor Michaels.

-Mars newscast, April 3rd, 2174 CE

DAYS CAME AND went on the Sword. Pyra and Silas gradually became a part of Nift's group, getting to know each other over their usual table in the cafeteria. The jokes and conversations helped Pyra steer her thoughts in a slightly more positive direction. She still thought about Teth, though more and more infrequently. It was hard, but Pyra needed to accept the fact he was gone. She was on her own here.