Earth's time is almost done. The Vigilant is destroyed, and the crew is dead...or are they? Ajalan, a Bocca Captain, suspects something sinister when he discovers the wreckage, but no bodies. He tracks an energy signal which leads him to a Soulite ship. On the ship, he finds only one humanoid-Mary Osirus, wife of Renolds Osirus, who also searches for the crew of the Vigilant. She brings him terrifying news-there are only fifteen hundred survivors left on Earth, and the Soulites are mobilizing a final assault to destroy the remainder of the human race. Meanwhile, Renolds Osirus wakes up marooned on an arctic world, alone and thousands of miles from the nearest shelter. Without a ship or any weapon against the Soulites, it seems impossible that he can do anything to change Earth's fate. But then, most people underestimate him...

Question: Does he care to find his wife? And what about Ajalan? Is his part significant? Should there be another mention of him?