the civil war between the tris and the oligarchs continues. however, muriel convinces jot that the tris cannot defeat a powerful fel through violence. they devise a non-violent strategy derived from the biological interdependence between tris and suranans. in this strategy, biology is politics, and persuasion and public relations take the lead. as the strategy gains traction, a still-powerful destuta becomes desperate and more violent, and the tris begin to suffer losses among the leadership. but the tri strategy fragments the oligarchs and encourages many to seek a peaceful, cooperative resolution. subsequent betrayal leads to assassination, violently resolving the civil war. the survivors on both sides take their first steps towards mending their society and undertaking reforms designed to encourage peaceful co-existence. the story ends as surana embarks on massive and widespread cultiural and political change.