During the last 4 weeks of fallout the temperatures continue to drop and every day it feels like the sun shines less.  Yanna's religious sermons and individual counseling becomes a source of hope for many of the former inmates, and prison guards.

Despite this it is a struggle to survive.  Resources are expended to continue keeping the air clean of radioactive dust particles, and keep the electric heating system functioning as temperatures drop into the negative.

There is loss of life due to suicide, and desperation. Seven women commit suicide, and five manage to steal a speed boat.  Dr. Magnus, and Yanna's medical expertise indicate that it is highly unlikely they survive more than a week due to radiation poisoning.  However, they doubt the women will be fortunate enough to die from radiation poisoning.  While the shore is far away binoculars enhance human vision enough to make out the large number of walking dead.

Yanna also recovers many of her memories from a hidden past.  She remembers growing up as Hecate Alexander from Electra, Texas.  Her father was Perseus Alexander, and her mother Aster Alexander (maiden name Polus).  Her father and mother were Greek immigrants originally from Athens.  Perseus earned his and his wife's Confederate citizenship by serving in the CSA armed forces.  He later took a position in the legal field before eventually ending up as a legal arbitrator.  His wife on the other hand had been a astrophysicist in Greece but found fulfillment in being a mother.  After settling in Electra she became a High school Science teacher.  They had Hecate when in their late 30's, and Menfra in their mid 40's (7 year gap).  Perseus was unfortunately died not long after Menfra's birth.  As a result Hecate and Menfra despite their age gap became extremely close.  When Hecate was midway through college her mother Aster died in a road accident.  Menfra ended up moving in with Hecate.  During this time Hecate began to see Menfra's Psychic powers begin to manifest.  She knew that under law all psychers were to report to Federal authorities for training.  As her little sister was the last remaining member of her family she could not bear to part with her.  This spurred her interest in occult engineering and opened her mind to the "muses".  She used her inventions to hide her sister, and even after the muses stopped talking she used her knowledge to contact the tech spirits.  Her study of Menfra allowed her to develop the soul tap which attracted the notice of Pentacorp.  At the time Hecate thought this was a good thing but she was soon proven wrong.