For Reeka Chorizzo, the third day of the war had thus far been like piloting a starship through the storms of a gas giant. The morning had gotten off to a splendid start when she had first risen, only to find that Laera, her longtime comrade, friend—and something more—had once again disappeared. She had very nearly lost her nerve right there and then, with thoughts of the previous afternoon having all been a dream threatening to consume her. Her old mentor's presence and understanding had kept her going, at least long enough for them to accost Laera outside of headquarters and deliver the appropriate warning.