nice job, I love the narrative style. Its also very interesting to see that Claude is missing an eye, It makes him look very human and "defeated". It also leaves me wondering which rebellion he was a part of and what role he had in it. Its also very funny that Maria can't go to sleep, but James can't stay awake. I also until now have felt that the rebellion has been slightly favored over the loyalists, but while the Mr. Aranea (whose name reminds me of a spider, I think that was intentional) passage leaves you with the impression he may not be a good guy, particuarly with his soldier smoking in front of a no smoking sign. its maria's passage that tells you the rebellion may not be all good.