“What a day!” Rachel wrote in her journal while seated cross-leg on the cool, dry floor with her back against the refuge cave wall. “Today, the crew was chased by malevolent aliens for the sole purpose of capture and torture. They succeeded in stunning Zar-ra, and I took several hits to my torso. Fortunately, I was not harmed permanently, but my shoulders and chest still felt seared where the bruises were located.” Rachel smirked, for she fared better than her attackers.

After a thoughtful pause, she continued with her writing, “This war has changed me. I have discovered capabilities unknown previously drawing from inner strength that I never knew I had. Love makes one capable of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Even the two least trusting gentarians, Pel-ban and Arana-hiz, now see me in a different way. I am hopeful that their change in attitude towards me will make my job easier in the future. We shall see.”