Summary

Chapter 8 is the first chapter of the second section titled, “Phase Two.” Zach arrives at the EDA station they call “Crystal Palace.” This chapter gets him through the security corridor. The corporal at this checkpoint, Floyd, gives him a Quantum Communicator (QComm), which is a smartphone without range, a tricorder, and a small laser pistol. Zach meets Captain Dagh, another recruit whom he had been playing Armada with for years unknowingly. Zach has to say goodbye to Ray, which proves hard for both of them.

In Chapter 9, Zach meets and falls in love with Alexis Larkin. Alexis is a tattoo-toting, hard-booze drinking, rough and tough girl Zach spots and is instantly drawn to. She is ranked seventeenth in the Terra Firma game.

Analysis

Chapter 8 is where the story introduces the new world Zach will live in. He physically enters a new place. He...