Part 3: The Crucible, pages 159 - 202. Summary

When Nadia's expedition returns, she realizes how badly Underhill has damaged the surface of Mars. Underhill is beginning to fall apart, with Maya and Frank not speaking, John and Frank fighting, and several other relationships are on the rocks. Nadia feels alone again, but Arkady returns from Phobos, and Nadia is relieved. At a dinner, Arkady admits he and his crew wish to come down from Phobos, and run the space station by robot, since they are tired of no gravity. Later, Arkady admits the colony is progressing as he dreamed, with no real leaders and community conversations, but Nadia reminds him those conversations often turn to arguments. The two hold hands, and Nadia finds herself warm and happy with Arkady near her. However, others find new arguments with him constantly questioning their reasons, and...