She is back, she is pissed, and she has people with her the likes the Regime has never faced. The problem? The Regime is considerably more capable than the Chancellor has acted. Dreth and Meligorn support each other, but the Regime is not stupid. Can the Regime keep the two alien navies separated? Back on Earth, John is being presented as the Apostle. Can he persuade enough of the existing groups to matter for Stephanie’s hopeful return to Earth? Or will the Regime capture him? All Amaratne can do is have John try. Jaleck’s best Admiral is asking for a leave of absence without discussing the why. Will his absence doom Dreth in the moment of need? Not if Stephanie has anything to add to the discussion.