Chapter 22

A quiet week sees Wren bringing Xavier to her range assignment. Despite initial skepticism, Zak and the recruits warm to Xavier, who proves a natural teacher. Wren avoids the darkest parts of her mother’s file, skimming Valterra Ridge material in Kallister’s quarters before dinner.

At the mess hall, Wren and Xavier join Gray’s table and interrupt a debate about the labor camps. Gray reports worsening conditions after Travis Redden’s incendiary speech. Roe, newly promoted, beat a Mod to death at Ice Canyon, where Tana is imprisoned. Saint urges raids, while Wren presses for a rescue. Gray outlines steep obstacles—force fields, distance, monitored airspace—and says the Authority will run recon and likely hold a vote.

After the others disperse, Wren asks to join recon. Evlynne’s jab foreshadows Gray’s blunt explanation: most mission leads won’t take Wren yet, citing her being untested in the wards and, for some, fear of her inciting. Gray would choose her himself, but it isn’t his call. Wren lies awake, stung by distrust and determined to build a better legacy.

The next morning, Xavier coaxes Wren onto a mountain walk. Cross reaches out telepathically, explaining he’s been caring for his mother while his father had to be restrained. He laments that both parents’ minds are effectively gone. When Wren reveals Roe’s killing at the mine, Cross—uninformed—vows to speak to Travis. They clash over whether the Uprising or the Company is the lesser evil.

Back on the trail, Xavier frames the conflict as a choice between imperfect sides and praises Cross’s harsh but principled judgment. As they turn to head back before sunset, a sudden, high-pitched scream splits the forest, cutting the conversation short.