Over the next few years, Mars makes amazing progress on a wide range of technologies. For example, Martians have cybernetic implants that allow them to communicate directly through a wireless network; most Martian "conversations" are completely silent. In addition, they use artificial wombs to gestate babies and grow the colony faster and more safely that would otherwise be possible. Zhen and Kurt are still very much in love, and use virtual reality to interact regularly. But their precious hope of living with each other again begins to fade as the reality of Earth/Mars politics sinks in. Finally, they drift apart and marry new partners.