Contents
Chapter 56
Overview
On the morning of the Order Five vote, Wren learns it would grant Kallister sole control. She urges Gray to oppose it and confronts Kallister at the Temple. Wren reveals Evlynne said Fisher is Travis’s son, shifting blame from Adrienne. Kallister refuses to withdraw Order Five and undermines Wren.
Summary
After a sleepless night—Poppy restless and Wren anxious—Wren researches Order Five and learns little. At breakfast, Gray explains only Authority members and mission leads vote. Karra clarifies that if Order Five passes, Kallister seizes full control without challenge; if it fails, a new council is elected. The vote is that night, and Adrienne will likely be stripped regardless.
Wren urges Gray to oppose consolidating power, arguing the Uprising needs the Authority’s balance. She proposes they appeal to Kallister directly. Gray reluctantly agrees.
At the Temple, after Hawkins departs, Wren defends Adrienne, while Kallister blames her for Bramble, Fiona’s death, and Teriq’s capture. To shift responsibility, Wren discloses that Evlynne told her Fisher is Travis Redden’s son, arguing Evlynne’s betrayal compromised the bunker. Gray is stunned; Kallister remains skeptical.
Debate intensifies: Kallister dismisses cooperation with the enemy as naïve and insists on a single strong leader. Gray asks him to withdraw Order Five and delay upheaval while tensions run high. Kallister refuses, declares Adrienne unfit to lead, and pointedly questions Gray’s judgment by invoking Wren’s family’s role in Gray’s past loss.
Who Appears
- WrenNarrator; advocates preserving the Authority, confronts Kallister, and reveals Evlynne said Fisher is Travis’s son.
- KallisterInvokes Order Five to seize control, blames Adrienne for Bramble, rejects withdrawal, and undercuts Wren.
- GrayMission lead; weighs his vote, accompanies Wren to the Temple, urges Kallister to withdraw Order Five.
- AdrienneAbsent but central; faces removal after Bramble. Wren argues for grace; Kallister deems her unfit.
- EvlynneDefected; her disclosure that Fisher is Travis’s son reframes blame for the bunker’s compromise.
- PoppyRestless overnight, contributing to Wren’s sleeplessness before the vote.
- SaintMission lead; confirms voting role and the stakes of Order Five.
- KarraExplains Order Five grants Kallister uncontested control; grim about the Authority’s state.
- HenleyAdds historical context, recalling a past single-leader period.
- HawkinsInciter seen with Kallister at the Temple before leaving; minor presence.
- FisherRevealed (via Evlynne) to be Travis Redden’s son, key to the betrayal’s motive.
- Travis ReddenCompany leader; revealed father of Fisher, tying him to Evlynne’s defection.