As Rex and Maire reunite, Aetherian operatives swarm Cthonia. The Cthonians, Rex, Maire, and Aral flee, but they are soon embroiled in a firefight with an advance Aetherian guard. When the Cthonians defeat the Aetherians, they force the sky dwellers to remove their respirators. Realizing the air on Cthonia is breathable, the Aetherians join with the Cthonians to tell the remaining Aetherians above the truth about Cthonia. A revolution begins.