earth-return

Nirgal wakes disoriented in a small chamber on Earth, experiencing intense sensory and physical reactions to the tropical environment and cultural surroundings. Despite initial intimacy and hospitality, he struggles with low-altitude sickness and the overwhelming sensory input of Earth, leading to emotional and physical distress. The chapter ends with the group traveling to Europe, where Nirgal hopes to recover and confronts complex feelings about lost companions and the mythic status of the First Hundred.