Chapter 12 focuses on Mickey3, the third version of an individual who has suffered immense trauma from the loss of two previous bodies. The emotional burden of losing his original body is immense, with memories of the tragic event haunting him deeply. Initially, Mickey grapples with fear and a constant sense of impending disaster, as he waits for something else to go wrong. His existence becomes dominated by these fears, and each day feels like a struggle to find meaning in an overwhelming sense of loss. Over time, though, Mickey begins to find solace in reading the histories of failed colonies. These stories provide him with a new perspective on humanity’s expansion into the universe, revealing how the optimistic narratives taught to him in school were often incomplete, hiding the harsh truths of failed colonization attempts.

Through his research, Mickey discovers that many colony ships set off into the unknown with inadequate knowledge of their destinations. This lack of preparation often led to catastrophic outcomes, as colonists faced unforeseen challenges that made their new worlds inhospitable. One story that stands out is that of a failed colony on Asher’s World, where settlers arrived full of hope only to discover that the planet’s environment was unlivable due to conditions that hadn’t been anticipated. This history serves as a painful reminder to Mickey of the unpredictable nature of space exploration, and it forces him to reflect on his own past. His reflections on these stories mirror his personal losses, drawing painful connections between the fate of past colonists and his own struggles with survival and identity.

Amidst this period of self-reflection, Mickey forms a connection with Nasha, a fellow crew member aboard the ship. They first meet in the carousel, an area designed for physical fitness in microgravity, but Mickey is more interested in his research than the exercise routines. Nasha, however, doesn’t let him remain in isolation. She disrupts his focus with her playful banter and gradually opens up about her life, revealing how her immigrant background and struggles shaped her determination to become a combat pilot. Through their conversations, Mickey begins to understand Nasha’s strength and resolve, finding a surprising comfort in her perspective on life.

Their bond deepens as they continue to share stories and hopes for the future, finding common ground in their desires to survive and thrive in a challenging environment. Nasha’s resilience and optimistic outlook stand in contrast to Mickey’s initial pessimism, providing him with a sense of hope. As the ship nears its destination, Niflheim, both of them share a sense of anticipation, believing that this new world will offer them the possibility of a fresh start. However, as the ship enters orbit and they prepare for deployment, they are faced with an unexpected revelation. Instead of the lush and welcoming landscape they had envisioned, they are greeted with a barren, frozen planet, leaving them to face the grim reality of their situation.

The stark, frozen world of Niflheim shatters their expectations and brings a wave of uncertainty. Mickey tries to reassure Nasha by drawing parallels to Earth’s past, where life thrived in harsh conditions. He tries to maintain hope that they can still find a way to survive, but the uncertainty of the situation becomes overwhelming. A sudden command for immediate deployment only adds to their growing sense of anxiety, as they are left with little time to process what lies ahead. With survival now uncertain and the landscape far from what they imagined, Mickey and Nasha must find a way to adapt to the harsh conditions of Niflheim and determine their next steps.

As the chapter progresses, Mickey must confront not only the external challenges of survival on an inhospitable world but also the deeper emotional scars left by his past. His struggle with loss and identity becomes intertwined with the harsh realities of their mission, forcing him to navigate both physical and emotional turmoil. The tension grows as the crew faces the unknown, with their futures uncertain. The chapter ends on an unresolved note, with Mickey and Nasha preparing for what lies ahead, unsure of what they will find on the frozen planet, and whether they can overcome the challenges they face together. The journey ahead is filled with questions, not just about survival, but about their ability to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.