wow. So much going on. Lovely action-packed installment.

The suicide bombers were indeed a good plan. You did a wonderful job of showing the conditioning with just one line. I love that you remembered Worm and used her talents.

Syl was great here. As was, of course, Alec. The conversation with Tate was totally genious. 

I am so sad for Mara. For Gem and Telora too. But mostly Mara. And that letter... wow. I have to go read the rest.

Thanks again for this wonderfully thought out story. It is always great to see so much effort put into a  story.

Maia.

Heartbreaking.  I must admit that I was truly pulling for Mara and Troy to work through their differences and get together, so this ending was just heartbreaking...for everyone involved.  Plus, Max is such a difficult character to actually "like or support" because she has so many issues (self-absorbed, re-defines stubborn, acts before thinking, easily casts blame but is unable to accept it, afraid to trust or apologize, unable to give or receive comfort, and the list goes on).  It's hard not to want to see Alec just give up on her and move on with someone better, or at least more adult, like Syl, but that door was effectively closed as well.  *Sigh*