Nine months after the September incident.

After negotiations and debriefings, after concerts and confrontations, the future of the righteous

Vanguard had been determined.

It would happen tomorrow night, all pomp and theatrics.

Aria Joy would lift her arm bright and golden, say a few inspiring words, and then the party would be hers.

In some ways it had been hers all along.

That's what Ebeck said anyway.

Jackie Green ran her fingers along her partner's brilliant new limb.

So, I have a question.

Are you upset that Paisley won't be here?

I'm more upset that a meal will come.

I mean, she's just...

That's understandable, don't you think? No, I mean why are you asking about music? I just you know you you saved him on September after he, whatever he became, he was not even a man anyone.

He meant a lot to me once and I...

It's my fault.

So I don't know, I couldn't just leave it there.

There was a chance that I could have helped

if I would have.

I'm worried for you Aria. You know you can't save everybody right?

Yeah but I can try to.

She laughs.

I thought that too once.

...