Libra contacted Juan mentally: "Return to Acis. We have taken the city. Malachus has surrendered and is our prisoner. Your Vimana can be of use to liberate the labor camps and prisons."

Surveying the blockade, Juan regarded the black, poisoned water of the bay, the wreckage of ships and aircrafts, the waterways choked with an inferno. He asked Boganasheth, "Why do I feel so satisfied? I should be mortified."

"Maybe that part of yourself you gave to Nox contained those feelings of humanity," sighed Boganasheth. "Or the hive mind we're in, we've absorbed the vengefulness of Oberon and Libra, the ferocity of Scorpio. I don't understand it either; I'd be reproaching you and protesting if I felt any different."

"I guess humanitarian goals give way to militancy and inhumanity if you want to see them applied," mused Juan. "I'd better recall Cancer before we return."

He sent out a psychic beacon to Cancer, who replied, "I ... think I'll stay out here with the whales and dolphins, Gemini. If the battle is won, I'd just as soon remain in the sea. It's where I'm most at home."

Shocked, Juan said: "Cancer, what about your wife? You haven't even seen her yet. Your sons rely on you."

"My wife has said goodbye to me already. I needn't burden her with this last echo of my life," Cancer answered. "Explain to them what I'm doing, please. Perhaps I'll return to land one day."

"I respect your decision," said Juan. "I'm sorry to see you go. You've been a good friend and a valiant warrior." Juan felt a tear drop down his face as he bid Cancer farewell a second time.

"The feeling is mutual, Gemini. Godspeed." Answered Cancer, and then he was gone.

Juan raised the Vimana into the clouds and within minutes was over the now conquered city of Acis. Oberon's white Vimana squatted low over the battlefield, as Sanglorian prisoners were loaded aboard. Scorpio's red Vimana hung lonely in the sky. Fighter jets and satellite burnt out husks were scattered across the battlefield.

"This is our victory," remarked Juan. "I hope Oberon has some peace."

Libra contacted him: "My operations in the city are successful, but our forces are still working to eliminate the last pockets of Sanglorians in the city. Go to the prison at Dibuis, liberate it, and bring the sick prisoners to the hospital at Acis."

Juan told her he would, then piloted the Vimana to Dibuis, in the hills outside the city. Indigos had opened the front gates and were exchanging rifle fire with the guards there. With his missiles, Juan quickly eliminated the guard towers. The remaining Sanglorians surrendered.

Bringing the Vimana to ground level, Juan lowered the walkway. Prisoners began streaming through the gates: Indigos, Harlequins, Xanthics, and Golgonozzan settlers who'd joined the resistance. The Indigo soldiers emerged carrying emanciated prisoners, with some bearing prisoners on stretchers. They began bringing the sick and wounded onto the ship.

Juan left the ship to aid the rescuers, with Boganasheth maintaining their psychic link to the Vimana. Mechanical arms helped the soldiers into the ship, and the patients were nestled into beds on the ships, so their vital signs could be monitored.

Watching the faces of the freed prisoners, Juan was shocked to see how many were clearly starved and abused. Many wore deep wounds in their wrists and ankles from long months of wearing manacles. Some huddled against their fellow prisoners, shielding themselves from the light.

When the children emerged, Juan found himself aghast. Xanthics led clusters of children so young that they needed to be carried. Tears welled up in his eyes; Juan had to restrain himself from executing every Sanglorian present and burning the evacuated prison to the ground.