# Continuity Report: Chapter 17

## Diagnosis

Chapter 17 begins Act III by turning resource need into unavoidable conflict. Kharos executes Suryan envoys, making the copper and rare-earth shortage a strategic crisis rather than a negotiable trade issue.

## Timeline Updates

- The chapter opens at 9 years, 318 days until keyhole crossing.
- Several years have passed since Elian's age-thirteen message and the corridor crisis.
- Suryan stockpiles are enough for 28 months at current build rate, 12 months under accelerated launch-grid work.

## Character State Updates

- Aravel responds to envoy executions by asking material questions first, showing grief under discipline.
- Kael is vindicated in fearing hostage risk.
- Mira supports Suryan's right to secure survival-critical resources but avoids directly promising military help.
- Jonas and Hana confirm that material shortages cost time.

## Worldbuilding Updates

- Kharos executes Minister Evara, Yul Menn, and Brother Hal, returning bodies in white banners.
- Copper and rare-earth metals are tied directly to grids, motors, coils, shielding, rails, and launch systems.

## Unresolved Promises

- Whether Suryan will take the mines by force.
- Whether Earth can help without becoming an occupying military power.
- How the public deaths change Suryan appetite for war.

## Foreshadowing Introduced

- Aravel naming the executions as strategy foreshadows resource war logic.
- Mira's careful answer foreshadows later limits on Earth military involvement.

## Required Bible Updates

- Track the executed envoys and material stockpile limits.