I agree with the idea of this plan. It’s the only way to stop the war, and as shamefully as I reacted last night, I realize Shey is right: The average Gaian is entirely innocent in this. They don’t deserve to be punished for their leader’s mistakes any more than the people of Titan deserved to die for Altair’s hubris. The more I think of them, trapped on that dying planet with no idea what was going to happen, the more sympathy I have for the people of Gaia. The storms Shey spoke of, the food supply that must be dwindling after the failure of their crops… it reminds me of the harsh climate my own people suffered in. If no one helps them, I know they will follow the same path Titan did while the rest of the planets watched from afar: starvation, war, and an eventual, tragic end.

I couldn’t fight to save my own people, but I am prepared to fight for the Gaians. Never again will I be silent and helpless while government officials decide the fate of innocents.

But Shey is no average Gaian. She’s the president’s daughter, and a scientist specializing in Primus research as well. Are we really supposed to believe she’s as innocent as she claims to be, or that her reasons for being here are entirely benevolent? It all seems too convenient; she snuck onto our ship, laid out this plan for us, assured us her mother would agree, and now seems eager to take the lead. What does she stand to gain from this? If her mother sent her after all, what is the goal?

I watch as she discusses the logistics of scheduling an emergency council meeting with Scorpia, trying to figure her out. Perhaps she’s here to keep an eye on us, but she does seem determined not to follow her mother’s plan. Maybe Leonis really does want one final attempt for peace, without sacrificing her pride by asking for help herself… but knowing the woman’s policies, I find that unlikely. If only I had five minutes alone with Shey, I would find a way to get her to spill her true intentions. But with the way Scorpia fawns over her, I doubt she’s going to grant me that chance.

“I don’t think you’ll have any problem securing a meeting,” Scorpia says. “Off-worlders are rare, and you’ve got political clout. They’ll listen. But whether or not they’ll make a decision with any haste is a different matter.”

“I never did understand how seven people are supposed to agree on something,” Shey says, sighing.

“Well, personally, I don’t understand how a single person is supposed to be a figurehead for a whole planet,” Scorpia says. “But… yeah, they’re notoriously slow when it comes to big choices like this.”