"It's beautiful," she said. "A floating city, impossible for any government to contest." Worth visiting, certainly. It was also one of the saddest places she had ever been, but that didn't bear mentioning now.

And she smiled, just a little, despite the general atmosphere. As hectic as Ryder's lack of a rapid decision had made her life, she couldn't fault his choice to wait for Anton. "It's that state of striving that has the most value, though, isn't it? Continuing to stand up, even when it's impractical or difficult."