17. The Not So Silent Woman

Stageside, Corby passes to Cassie a coded message from Reis.  Cassie invites him to her dressing room.

Catching Corby’s reflection in a mirror, Cassie recognizes Gideon in disguise.  She chastises him for keeping his identity a secret.  Gideon distinguishes between his changed appearance and Reis’ invisibility.  Splashing water on his face, Gideon dispels the illusion of Corby.  Cassie asks for a kiss.

Driving a rented car, Gideon speeds Cassie away from the city.  He ruminates on the powers Reis acquired on Woldercan.  Gideon admits to being sent by Reis to bring Cassie to the island nation of Takanga.

Gideon ditches his loaner car on the roadside in favor of a hopper posing as a black sedan.  As the craft ascends into the atmosphere, Cassie and Gideon discuss Aaberg and the aims of his surveillance.  

Gideon professes his love for Cassie, and the pair reflect on trust and its limits.  Cassie confides her growing reluctance to conspire with Gideon and the government against Reis.  She is relieved to learn that Gideon is similarly conflicted in his allegiances.