Seveneves

In a meeting with Markus and others, Julia delivers a lengthy account of her survival but is soon dismissed. Ivy observes her embrace a woman as she leaves. Discussion turns to the Human Genetic Archive (HGA), nearly obliterated when Arklet 214 destroyed its thermal blanket. Radiant heat from Earth eliminated all but 3% of the stored human genetic samples. Markus dismisses the HGA as “bullshit” and asks if Dubois knows that his and Amelia’s embryo has been lost.

Meeting with Markus and Moira, Dubois rejects his “Doc Dubois” persona and accepts the destruction of the embryo with muted resignation. Markus insists that the Cloud Ark contains sufficient human genetic diversity and points out that, in time, Moira’s equipment could reconstruct digitized genetic material if properly protected within Amalthea’s shielding. They discuss the “Swarmamentalists,” who advocate abandoning Amalthea for greater maneuverability, but Markus outlines a different plan. Sean’s ship, Ymir, is on course to pass near the Ark. Though Sean and his crew are dead, their captured comet ice can be redirected to fuel the “Big Ride,” a massive orbital maneuver to carry Izzy and Amalthea to a safer orbit. Markus asks Dubois to plot a course to Cleft, the remainder of the moon’s core.