Cheng Xin returns to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point one year after meeting Yun Tianming, this time as a volunteer in a joint Fleet International and UN simulation for the Bunker Project. The test uses a huge hydrogen bomb as a miniature exploding sun and asteroid fragments as planets, with volunteers sheltered behind the gas-giant models. Although the experiment is scientifically unnecessary, it is designed as public propaganda to restore confidence in the Bunker Project after lightspeed research has been rejected.

AA had urged Cheng Xin to volunteer, seeing the broadcast as good publicity for the Halo Group’s possible role in the Bunker Project. Cheng Xin waits alone in a dinghy behind the asteroid representing Jupiter, alongside other volunteer vessels, while billions on Earth watch. Shortly before detonation, Thomas Wade contacts Cheng Xin from a neighboring dinghy, revealing that he has recently left prison after a reduced sentence.

Wade docks with Cheng Xin’s ship and immediately challenges Cheng Xin about lightspeed propulsion. Cheng Xin says lightspeed ships are the only choice that makes humanity grand, and Wade agrees with the ideal but argues that Cheng Xin lacks the will and skill to realize it. Wade asks Cheng Xin to give him her company, wealth, authority, position, and reputation so he can build lightspeed ships, warning Cheng Xin not to repeat her earlier mistake.

The hydrogen bomb detonates, melting the exposed sides of the asteroid planets while the vessels behind the gas-giant fragments remain unharmed. The successful spectacle triggers worldwide celebration and achieves its goal of strengthening faith in the Bunker Project. Wade, unmoved by the display, repeats his demand; Cheng Xin notices Wade’s loyal followers and realizes he still possesses dangerous influence, then tells Wade she will think about it.

On the way back to Earth, Cheng Xin tells AA about Wade’s proposal, and AA unexpectedly urges Cheng Xin to accept. AA believes Cheng Xin would be destroyed by the attempt but Wade, despite being ruthless and dangerous, has the ability to accomplish it. Two days later, Cheng Xin meets Wade at Halo Group headquarters and agrees to transfer everything, while planning to enter hibernation so her presence will not interfere.

Cheng Xin imposes one condition: if the lightspeed project ever threatens humanity, Wade must awaken Cheng Xin and let Cheng Xin make the final decision, including reclaiming authority. Wade initially refuses but finally promises to obey. AA chooses to hibernate with Cheng Xin so they can reclaim Halo if necessary, and ten days later Wade becomes president of the Halo Group while Cheng Xin and AA enter hibernation, stepping out of time as humanity’s story continues.