65

Racing through intermittent cold showers under perpetual clouds, Nomad analyzes the planet’s strange meteorology and the dangers of sunlight behind them. He notes the hovercycle’s minimal lighting and infers that flying in darkness is unusual. Reconsidering his assumptions, Nomad concludes the supposed raiders are actually refugees who struck back to rescue captives.

Observing the driver’s features, Nomad realizes the ember prisoner is Rebeke’s sister, likely transformed and dangerous. As Auxiliary’s Connection improves, Rebeke radios Beacon, speaking with Zeal. She reports that Divinity has fallen and admits she defied orders to retrieve her sister, Elegy. Zeal warns of the risk but grants alignment and passage.

Nomad and Rebeke approach Beacon, a smaller floating city running dark with shielded engines and red lights. On arrival, Zeal proves to be a short man with a commanding presence; a very tall, thin man with a red lantern assists. Thomos is taken for medical care, while Zeal examines the bound, growling Elegy and orders her secured.

Zeal arranges quarters for Nomad but agrees, at Rebeke’s urging, to present the stranger to the Greater Good. Nomad resists being led away by the tall man, Adonalsium-Will-Remember-Our-Plight-Eventually, and follows Rebeke and Zeal into a lightlocked building, noting the recent modifications that support stealth in darkness. Zeal keeps a hand ready to control Nomad’s bracers, assuming they remain active.

They pass into a dim hall and enter a room where Nomad finally meets Beacon’s leaders. The Greater Good are revealed as three elderly women, setting the stage for judgment on Rebeke’s defiance and decisions about both Elegy and Nomad.