Freefall Chief Scientist Paran Hol delivers his latest transcript to the High Mor while Katar trains with tri-holos which test his agility and reflexes in the old form of Thanagarian combat. Commander Byth makes an unexpected visit and tries to test Katar's skills in swordsmanship. Byth has subdued by Katar and Byth confides in Katar about the suspicions thath have been going around. Byth wants Katar to assist him since Captain Kragger is dead. Byth informs Katar of a meeting that will be going down between the arms supplier and the Downside rebels. Katar asks if there will be reinforcements in order to detain the culprits for questioning but Byth informs him that it will only be the two of them on this mission. Byth doesn't intend to take any prisoners because of the scandal this arms supplier could bring to the Wingmen Corps. Byth gives Katar until nightfall to decide on whether or not he will be in on the mission. Katar goes to see his father at the Ascolon Tower and bumps into Shayera. Shayera apologizes for her rash behavior on the hunting trip and with the waiter the other night. Katar admits that he too can sometimes be overzealous. Shayera and Katar embrace in a passionate kiss then Shayera asks Katar to accompany her back to her place. Katar was more anxious to be with Shayera than join Byth on this supposed crackdown on corruption. Just as Shayera was about to excuse herself with her father, a waiter walks up to their table and detonates and explosion. The suicide bomber killed three people at the Ascolon Tower including Shayera Thal. Administrator Thal reports his grief to the Central Authority Committee and demands immediae action on the Downside inhabitants.
