Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry

In a time of war, Sara Werec dreams of taking up the Union cause in their endless fight against the Deague. At the top of her academy class, she has inherited the amazing piloting skills of her legendary brother Ralph. When the Deague unleash a devastating surprise attack on her school, Sara is shocked to discover that the leader of the enemy assault is no anonymous villain.

Sara has a new purpose: confront her treasonous brother. Enlisted at a new school, and struggling to master the less agile Gambee mechs, Sara wrestles with the rigors of training and the scorn of her peers. But nothing is more grueling than dwelling on all she has lost. Thankfully, she finds something which might serve to fill the hole in her heart.

A Reasoner named Lottie thinks she and rookie Sara might be kindred spirits, believing both of them to be girls lost and alone in the void between stars. When a Deague assault interrupts an important exam, Lottie quickly learns that they are not alone at all. Once more, Sara watches those around her get torn apart – but rather than sit helplessly, she devises a plan.

Sara has entered into battle utilizing the Mimic Emily and a custom Strain. Her team is shocked as she rushes toward a confrontation with the feared Ralph Werec. The rage of combat gives way to confusion – how can it be that Sara the rookie is so skilled? As the Libertad limps into space to find repair, the trust between Sara and Lottie will prove to be much tougher to patch.

The Libertad is pushing through space in search of repair. If the crew is to survive the journey, new tactics must be devised to succeed against such an unpredictable enemy. The Reasoner team is warming to Sara ever since she exposed herself as an adept pilot. But not everyone is so willing to shower her with affection – especially the angry Gambee pilots that blame Sara for the deaths of their comrades.

The Spatial Armor Division is having a party, but the gathering is about to be crashed by some uninvited guests – the Libertad falls under attack! A team which had suffered from the willful independence of its newest member watches as Sara joins Lottie in an incredible display of Reasoner talent. This new unity might be the strongest weapon the Union has in the battle against the Deague.

Sara has captured the heart of Lavinia, who goes to severe lengths to snare her new obsession. Most of her ploys end up falling short, and the heartsick girl keeps making a fool of herself in very public ways. When Sara stays behind to train while her comrades take some leave, Lavinia sees her chance for some serious bonding – but things quickly go painfully wrong.

Emily is missing and likely in danger, so Sara and the team will have to venture out into the city to recover her. But the search is interrupted by a mysterious little girl and the arrival of a strange vessel. Sara isn't prepared for what happens next. In fact, none of the hearts gathered are ready for what is about to be revealed.

Sara is suspected of treason after her ties to Ralph are exposed. The Spatial Armor Division is reeling from the revelation – especially Lottie. Her most painful wound has been ripped open once more, and if revenge against Ralph is not readily available, Lottie will settle for another with Werec blood. She moves to confront Sara – and the confrontation ends with a vow of murder.

The horrible history of Emily's kind is revealed, and the shocking truth might explain Ralph's treason. But there has never been an explanation offered for Sara's ability to link with Emily. Upon closer study of the Mimic, the mystery only becomes more indecipherable. The lines between good and evil are beginning to blur, and the true horrors of this endless war have been exposed.

Sara is certain her brother is tearing across the stars to reach the Mimic Emily – and Medlock is certain that Ralph has lost his mind, forcing her to seek sanctuary with those she once vowed to kill. The final confrontation is coming, and the Strains are scrambled. The Spatial Armor Division is whole once more, as Ralph prepares to punish those responsible for crimes perpetrated against the innocent.

The Spatial Armor Division has taken flight and all the heroes of the Union must reach deep into their courage to stop Ralph Werec in his mission to punish humanity. As swarms of Strain, Gambee and Tumor clash overhead, brother and sister meet face to face aboard the Libertad, Emily between them. The last waltz of the Werec siblings is about to begin.

13 "Last Waltz" 2007-02-14 Sara feels betrayed by blood. Ralph feels betrayed by humanity. Between them waits a little girl who has felt the pains of an entire species. In the vast reaches of space, a war which has raged for generations comes to a climax. At the speed of light, the past and future mingle in the hopes of two girls who might never have to be alone again.