The scientists have returned with a bold agenda. The explorers are rescued unharmed but there's been a change in the relationship between the woman and the man who introduced our story.

A colossal project is started to revive the planet's ancient biosphere. Deep holes are dug into the mantle and giant explosions set off, the atmosphere is enriched with the help of comets and asteroids, and the temperature warms significantly.

The travelers stir first and come to life, reviving their eternal three way discussion. Finally, Planet emerges from a deep slumber and finds that Sky is returning as well.

Planet is plunged into deep gloom and sadness upon learning that Sky is leaving. He goes through all of the stages of grief and feels guilty for not being strong enough to hold on to her.

In his lonely time without her he projects his awareness to various parts of his world. He discovers a lifeform that has created a special kind of clay that has some miraculous properties.

Sky has terrible news for Planet. His gravity is failing to hold her. She has accepted the reality that their wondrous path has come to an end. She will drift off into space and leave him and all of their children to be raked by the scorching heat and deadly radiation from their star.

She goes through a range of emotions; deep sadness, anger, denial, fierce resistance to the inevitable, and eventually woeful acceptance.