Chapters 12-14 Summary

Chapter 12

Raul, plummeting through the expansive atmosphere of a gas giant, pushes the emergency button on the kayak, converting it to a glider. The ship comlog is unable to identify the planet, but informs him that his drop, though slowed greatly by the new parawings of the kayak, is not endless. If he cannot locate another farcaster portal soon, he will drift into the lower atmosphere and be crushed by the gravitational weight. The kayak is hit by lighting, and Raul is again in free fall. A zeppelin-like creature dives toward him, opens up its huge maw, and swallows both Raul and the kayak.

Chapter 13

The Pope meets with Lourdusamy, Oddi, Mustafa, Father Farrell, members of the FLEET military including Admiral Wu, Admiral Marusyn, and Admiral Aldikacti, and members of the Pax Mercantilus, including Isozaki and Cognani. Also present is Cardinal DuNoyer, in charge of...