Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two methods to destroy a Ravager fleet: instantaneous "vaporization" of the Mothership or boarding operations to kill the Brain Beast.
• Umbrella fleet engages Ravager fleet with a combination of plasma artillery, missiles, and nuclear bombs.
• Umbrella's God Body, Sanguinius, leads the fleet through the enemy line, using its unique defensive field to protect it.
• Umbrella fleet approaches the Ravager Mothership.

Character Developments

• Sanguinius demonstrates his prowess as a pilot and the power of his God Body, which generates a unique defensive field.
• The unnamed Falcon pilot showcases skill and bravery in combat, choosing to ram a biological enemy craft instead of evading.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and tactics in warfare, as seen in Umbrella's use of combined arms and the two methods to defeat the Ravagers.
• The power of unity and coordination, as the Umbrella fleet works together to breach the Ravager defensive line.
• The resilience of the Ravagers and their ability to repair damage, highlighting the challenge of defeating them.

Character Interactions

• Sanguinius and the Umbrella fleet work together to breach the Ravager defensive line, with Sanguinius at the vanguard.
• The unnamed Falcon pilot and the biological enemy craft he engages, showcasing a tense and brief interaction before the craft's demise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The pilot of Craft 03 docks the Falcon with the Dawn Guardian amidst a fierce space battle.
• The ship's main battery fires a synchronized volley to create a boarding opportunity for assault troops.
• Drop Pods carrying Osprey-Fishers and escorted by Sanguinius and Falcon squadrons breach the Ravagers' Mothership.
• Inside the Mothership, Ravager creatures are encountered, and a battle ensues.

Character Developments

• Case, the captain, remains calm and composed under pressure, instilling confidence in the crew.
• Russ, the Primarch, leads a squad of Helljumpers in the assault on the Mothership.

Significant Themes

• The brutal and dehumanizing nature of the Ravagers' assimilation process.
• The desperate struggle for survival and freedom against overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Case gives orders to the crew, demonstrating his leadership and strategic thinking.
• Russ and his squad work together to fight against the Ravager creatures.
• Wolf assists Russ and the Helljumpers with his Shoulder Cannons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The assault team, led by Russ, encounters Ravagers controlled by a Brain Beast.
• The Ravagers attack with bone spurs, which are deflected by Russ's energy shield.
• The team eliminates the Ravagers capable of firing bone spurs.
• A Paratrooper uses a launcher to detonate a cluster of Ravagers, causing a disgusting explosion.
• Nine assault teams, including Russ's, infiltrate the Mothership to find the Brain Bug while the main force draws enemy fire.

Character Developments

• Russ demonstrates his formidable combat skills and use of the Mjolnir's energy shield.
• The Paratroopers show adaptability and quick thinking in combat.
• Wolf and Celtic choose their respective teams based on their preferred combat styles.

Significant Themes

• The ferocity and adaptability of human (and Yautja) combatants.
• The importance of teamwork and strategic planning in overwhelming enemy forces.
• The disgust and inconvenience caused by the Ravagers' biological attacks.

Character Interactions

• Russ leads the assault team, making tactical decisions and utilizing his unique abilities.
• The Paratroopers support each other, using their varied equipment to maximize their effectiveness.
• Wolf and Celtic choose their teams based on their personal combat preferences, demonstrating their individuality within the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The main force, led by Colonel Mikhail Victor, engages in a fierce battle against Ravagers in a large corridor of the Mothership.
• An MTF soldier is wounded and temporarily treated with a foam-like substance that stops the bleeding.
• The Assault Squad, led by Primarch Russ, corners and eliminates the Brain Bug, halting the Ravagers' advance.

Character Developments

• Colonel Mikhail Victor demonstrates his leadership and concern for his soldiers' well-being, even reprimanding a wounded soldier to boost morale.
• The wounded MTF soldier shows resilience and determination to continue fighting despite his injury.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Determination: Characters display unwavering resolve in the face of adversity, pushing forward despite injuries and overwhelming odds.
• Leadership and Unity: Colonel Victor's leadership inspires his troops, while the combined efforts of the main force and the Assault Squad lead to victory.

Character Interactions

• Colonel Victor interacts with the wounded MTF soldier, reprimanding him for considering suicide and reminding him of his duty to humanity and his family.
• The main force and the Assault Squad work together, with the main force holding the line while the Assault Squad eliminates the Brain Bug, ultimately turning the tide of the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Russ successfully kills the Brain Bug of the Ravager scout fleet, leading to its stagnation and eventual annihilation.
• Sui Bian, the leader of Umbrella, is relieved as the immediate threat is neutralized.
• Umbrella's fleet, under Captain Jacob Keyes, destroys the Ravager fleet.
• Sui Bian orders the restoration of humanity's development and the preparation of a final retreat on the Prehistoric Planet.
• He tasks the White Queen with various responsibilities, including screening elites, expanding the base on the Prehistoric Planet, and guiding public opinion.

Character Developments

• Sui Bian demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking, prioritizing humanity's survival and future.
• The White Queen shows efficiency and dedication in handling multiple tasks assigned by Sui Bian.

Significant Themes

• Humanity's Survival: The primary theme is humanity's struggle for survival against various threats, both external (like the Ravagers) and internal (like anomalies on Earth).
• Preparation and Caution: Sui Bian's actions emphasize the importance of being prepared and considering all possibilities, even in victory.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Sui Bian's burden as the leader of Umbrella and humanity's strongest psionic is explored, highlighting his duty to ensure humanity's future.

Character Interactions

• Sui Bian interacts with his employees in the Command Center, displaying rare joy at the victory and giving orders for the next steps.
• He communicates with the White Queen, delegating tasks and expressing gratitude for her work.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, but the mention of Captain Jacob Keyes and the White Queen's tasks imply ongoing interactions.

Chapter Summary: “Chaos Erupts”

Key Plot Points and Events

• On Christmas night, officers at the Oxnard Police Department pass the time in a nearly empty station. Television broadcasts mention Umbrella’s lunar mining vessel and its growing influence, establishing the corporation’s major presence in society.
• Sergeant Joel Miller finishes his paperwork and looks at a family photograph, revealing his affection for his wife and daughter.
• A young blonde officer asks Joel for permission to invite Sarah out on his day off, but Joel immediately refuses, reinforcing his strict, authoritative personality.
• The station receives an emergency report: Ojai Town has suffered a major power outage accompanied by widespread arson. Local police and firefighters request outside assistance.
• Joel organizes the response, leaving three officers behind while leading the rest of the available personnel toward Ojai.
• A convoy of Oxnard police vehicles travels through heavy snow, later joining forces with a Ventura police motorcade.
• As the convoy nears Ojai, the blizzard weakens, revealing a town engulfed in flames. The officers prepare to confront what they initially assume is ordinary riot-related looting and arson.

Character Developments

• Joel Miller is established as a disciplined, dependable senior officer. He is strict with subordinates but clearly values his family and takes responsibility for the emergency response.
• The blonde rookie officer appears inexperienced and anxious. His concern for his family and fear that he may not return suggest he senses that the situation could be more dangerous than the others expect.
• The other officers display professionalism by quickly gathering their equipment and following Joel’s orders, though some remain casual and optimistic about the crisis.

Significant Themes

• Duty versus family: The officers are forced to spend Christmas away from their loved ones to respond to a public emergency.
• False security and escalating danger: The officers initially interpret the situation as routine riot-related crime, but the scale of the blackout and fires hints that something far more serious may be unfolding.
• Institutional power and corporate influence: Umbrella appears throughout the chapter—in news reports, the police department’s computer system, and major technological projects—suggesting its pervasive control over modern life.
• Isolation and foreboding: The blizzard, empty roads, failing power, and burning town create an atmosphere of societal collapse and impending danger.

Character Interactions

• Joel rejects the blonde officer’s request to see Sarah, demonstrating his strict leadership and possibly a protective attitude toward the young officer.
• Joel notices the rookie contacting his family and attempts to reassure him that the crisis is manageable.
• The pickup’s driver jokingly dismisses the danger, contrasting with the rookie’s fear and emphasizing the officers’ uncertain understanding of the events ahead.
• The chapter ends with the convoy approaching the burning town, setting up a confrontation with the source of the chaos.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A joint police convoy from Oxnard and Ventura arrives in Ojai to find the town in chaos due to a power outage and fires.
• They receive a distress call from Ojai's police sergeant, Marvins, who reports that armed militants have taken hostages at the town's mall.
• The convoy arrives at the mall to find local police pinned down by the militants' superior firepower.
• An undercover agent from the Department of Homeland Security, Leon S. Kennedy, is revealed to be among the reinforcements.

Character Developments

• Joel Miller, a sergeant from the Oxnard Police Department, is introduced as a veteran officer.
• Leon S. Kennedy, an undercover agent from the Department of Homeland Security, is revealed to have advanced medical supplies like bio-foam.

Significant Themes

• The chaos in Ojai is shown to be a premeditated event, suggesting a larger conspiracy.
• The lack of immediate support from the outside world due to the blizzard highlights the isolation of the town and the urgency of the situation.

Character Interactions

• Joel and the other officers from Oxnard and Ventura work together to support the local Ojai police force.
• Leon Kennedy introduces himself to the other officers and reveals his undercover status, requesting their cooperation.
• The local officers, previously demoralized, regain their spirits with the arrival of reinforcements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Leon Kennedy, a covert agent from Umbrella, joins the Oxnard Police Department to investigate the Spider Mastermind sect.
• A crisis erupts in Ojai Town: a group of armed thugs, suspected to be sect followers, occupy a mall, taking hostages, and planning a ritual.
• Leon, Joel, and the police force devise a plan to infiltrate the mall from two sides while awaiting backup.

Character Developments

• Leon Kennedy: Revealed to be an experienced intelligence operative for Umbrella, investigating paranormal activities. He's decisive, strategic, and willing to take risks.
• Joel Miller: Demonstrates leadership, experience, and decisiveness. He's open to Leon's unconventional approach and takes responsibility for the main assault.

Significant Themes

• Anomalous Phenomena vs. Normal Logic: Leon's experience with paranormal activities (like the Los Illuminados cult and the Blood Demon) contrasts with the police's ordinary approach to crime.
• Risk vs. Caution: Leon is willing to act immediately despite the risks, while the other officers prefer waiting for backup.

Character Interactions

• Leon & Joel: They form a quick alliance, with Joel supporting Leon's plan and taking on a significant role in the operation.
• Leon & Other Officers: Leon's credentials and experience gain him respect and cooperation from the other officers, who initially hesitate to act immediately.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group enters the mall, finding blood-stained symbols on shop windows.
• Cultists ambush them, exhibiting superhuman strength and glowing red eyes.
• A fierce gunfight ensues; cultists are no match for the officers' superior firepower.
• Leon and Joel's team reach the second floor, encountering more cultists and illuminated runes.
• A fellow officer is severely injured, losing his left forearm.

Character Developments

• Leon remains calm and composed in the face of anomalies.
• Joel and the officers adapt to the extraordinary situation, demonstrating professionalism.
• The injured officer, Hans, maintains a sense of humor despite his severe injury.

Significant Themes

• The cultists' inhuman nature and disregard for life.
• The officers' resilience and adaptability in the face of the unknown.
• The consequences of underestimating the enemy.

Character Interactions

• Leon and Joel work together, with Leon taking the lead due to his experience with anomalies.
• The officers support each other, coordinating their actions and coming to the aid of their injured comrade.
• Leon promises to help Hans recover from his injury, showing camaraderie and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Leon and Joel's team faces overwhelming cultists, suffering casualties.
• Leon suggests holding the defensive position until support arrives.
• Cultists mutate further, becoming harder to kill.
• Support arrives in the form of four Astartes (Space Marines) in Power Armor, decimating the remaining cultists.

Character Developments

• Leon demonstrates his strategic thinking and leadership by suggesting a defensive hold.
• Joel shows concern for his men's safety, considering retreat.
• The cultists' fanaticism and mutations highlight their dangerous nature.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against overwhelming odds.
• The power of faith and belief (both cultists' and Astartes').
• The arrival of support, turning the tide of battle.

Character Interactions

• Leon and Joel work together, with Leon providing strategic input and Joel making final decisions.
• The officers show camaraderie, covering each other and caring for the wounded.
• The cultists exhibit a collective, fanatical mindset, following their leader's commands without question.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Umbrella initiates the cultivation of Astartes in March 2004, following the Ravagers incident.
• Forty orphan candidates undergo surgery to implant exclusive G-Glands and receive training, along with regular injections of Super Soldier Serum supplement.
• After two years, the proto-Astartes undergo final surgical augmentations to become true Astartes, reaching an average height of 2.5 meters (3.6 meters with Mjolnir III power armor).
• The ten Primarchs also undergo surgeries to become true Primarchs and lead their respective Astartes squads.
• On May 10-30, 2006, the Honor Fist squad, led by Roger, intervenes in a mall incident involving cultists and anomalies.

Character Developments

• The proto-Astartes grow physically and undergo final augmentations to become powerful warriors.
• Roger, a Primarch, demonstrates his leadership and combat prowess, equipped with advanced power armor and a specialized chainsword.

Significant Themes

• The creation and augmentation of super-soldiers (Astartes and Primarchs) by Umbrella.
• The use of advanced technology and alien materials in weaponry and armor.
• The cooperation between Umbrella and the Yautja Clan.

Character Interactions

• Roger communicates with Leon (Agent Kennedy) via comms, warning him to evacuate the mall and leave the anomaly to the Honor Fist squad.
• Leon, Joel, and the police officers witness the arrival of the Honor Fist squad and decide to evacuate the mall.
• The Honor Fist squad prepares to engage the remaining cultists and anomalies on the third floor of the mall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A cult has transformed into demonic forms and is conducting a ritual to offer a woman's body as a vessel to the Spider Mastermind.
• The Honor Fists, led by Roger, intervene and neutralize the demonized cultists.
• Roger captures the woman, who is possessed by an anomalous creature related to the Plague.
• The scene is secured by police, and the creature is handed over to Department of Homeland Security's Spear of Olympus operatives for transport to Rockfort Island for testing.

Character Developments

• Roger demonstrates his formidable combat skills and strategic thinking.
• The woman in white is revealed to be possessed by an anomalous creature.
• Leon, the police chief, shows understanding and cooperation with the secret units.

Significant Themes

• The dark side of humanity, as seen in the cult's actions.
• The contrast between human vulnerability and the power of the anomalous creatures.
• The importance of cooperation and understanding among different authorities in dealing with extraordinary threats.

Character Interactions

• Roger and the Honor Fists work together to neutralize the threat.
• Roger and the possessed woman have a brief interaction, with Roger capturing her without hesitation.
• Leon interacts with the police officers, ensuring they cooperate with the secret units.
• The "female" staff officer reports to her superior at the Umbrella Base, showing a lack of emotional expression.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Luna Base, Umbrella's massive, underground facility on the far side of the moon, powered by a Nuclear Fusion Reactor and equipped with advanced technology.
• The base is used for maintaining Umbrella's fleet, including Goshawk-class heavy frigates, and mining valuable resources like Helium-3, iron, titanium, and other minerals.
• Sui Bian, the leader of Umbrella, watches footage of the "Spider Mastermind" incident and contemplates the existence of Hell and demons on Earth.
• He orders the Red Queen to research the woman in white and the Spider Mastermind, and to increase global religious monitoring.
• Sui Bian also instructs the White Queen to handle the recruitment of potential police officers and provide free, advanced medical treatment to the wounded, including a man with a severed left arm.

Character Developments

• Sui Bian demonstrates his strategic thinking and vigilance regarding artificial intelligence, having learned from precedents like Terminator and Halo.
• The Red and White Queens exhibit loyalty and efficiency in carrying out Sui Bian's orders, showing no signs of self-awareness or rebellion.

Significant Themes

• The chapter explores the theme of artificial intelligence, with Sui Bian's cautionary approach to AI development and his reliance on the Red and White Queens for management and control.
• The existence of Hell and demons is introduced, hinting at the potential for otherworldly threats and influences on Earth.

Character Interactions

• Sui Bian interacts with the Red and White Queens, giving them orders and receiving confirmation of their compliance.
• The Cassowary's crew, including the Iron Fist Glory, an MTF tactical platoon, and the woman in white, arrive at Rockfort Island, but there's no direct interaction with Sui Bian in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Spear of Olympus, Dawn Guardian, and Honor Fist arrive on Rockfort Island to contain a spider mastermind using a humanoid entity containment box.
• They are escorted by Jack Krauser, the security chief, to the underground control center.
• The group passes through an "Elimination Corridor" with energy beam-generating discs as a containment breach fail-safe.
• They enter the Small Entity Anomaly Containment Zone, passing security monitoring rooms, armories, dormitories, laboratories, and finally, the cell units for anomalous phenomena.

Character Developments

• Jack Krauser, once a US Army Red Beret, now loyally serves Umbrella as the security chief, unlike his original fate of becoming a member of the US President's secret service and meeting Leon in South America.

Significant Themes

• Containment and Control: The center's primary function is to contain, control, and research anomalous phenomena, reflecting Umbrella's desire for power and understanding over the unknown.
• Security and Isolation: The intricate layout, multiple metal gates, and tight security measures emphasize the importance of isolation and control to prevent breaches.

Character Interactions

• Roger and his team interact minimally with Krauser, focusing on their mission to contain the spider mastermind.
• Krauser leads the group without much conversation, demonstrating his professionalism and adherence to orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Roger, accompanied by Krauser and MTF members, visits the Plague Doctor in his cell.
• The Plague Doctor's cell is more like a comfortable living space than a containment cell.
• Roger brings a control case containing a woman possessed by a spider mastermind, which the Plague Doctor agrees to study.

Character Developments

• Roger: Shows assertiveness in handling the possessed woman and cooperates with the Plague Doctor.
• The Plague Doctor: Exhibits curiosity and excitement about the new specimen, displaying his expertise and unique methods.

Significant Themes

• Containment and study of anomalies: The Plague Doctor's cell and his interaction with the possessed woman highlight the company's approach to containing and understanding anomalies.
• Fear and control: The Plague Doctor's calm demeanor and Roger's handling of the possessed woman demonstrate their ability to control and manage fear-inducing situations.

Character Interactions

• Roger and the Plague Doctor: They work together, with Roger assisting the Plague Doctor and the latter showing appreciation for Roger's help.
• Krauser and the Plague Doctor: Krauser maintains a stoic and professional demeanor while interacting with the Plague Doctor, ensuring the safety of the team.
• The Plague Doctor and the possessed woman: The Plague Doctor uses his touch to silence the woman and later plans to experiment on her to gather information about 'Hell'.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The "Spider Mastermind" is banished back to Hell by the "Plague Doctor," earning Sui Bian 2,000 points.
• Sui Bian, with 61,500 points, decides to browse the System Store.
• The Plague Doctor reveals that Hell will soon target Earth after eroding other universes.
• Sui Bian redeems the "Gryphon," a stealth warship from StarCraft II, for 58,500 points.

Character Developments

• Sui Bian has been accumulating points by managing extraterrestrial colonization and anomaly containment through his AIs, White Queen and Red Queen.
• He is now focused on preparing for the impending threat from Hell.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Proactivity: Sui Bian is actively preparing for future threats, such as the impending invasion from Hell.
• Technology and Advancement: Umbrella, under Sui Bian's guidance, has significantly advanced Earth's technology in various fields, including military, medical, digital, and entertainment.

Character Interactions

• Sui Bian delegates tasks to his AIs, White Queen and Red Queen, demonstrating his reliance on and trust in them.
• The Plague Doctor provides crucial intelligence to Sui Bian about Hell's plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Bian redeems the Gryphon, a spaceship equipped with advanced technologies like Warp Engines, stealth coatings, and various StarCraft II units.
• He reflects on past regrets of not acquiring the Hyperion and the Pillar of Autumn due to insufficient points.
• Sui Bian reviews Umbrella's armed forces, including the MTF, USS, and Astartes, totaling approximately seventy thousand personnel.
• He analyzes the newly redeemed CMC-400 Power Armor, comparing it with the TPS and Mjolnir III.

Character Developments

• Sui Bian demonstrates his strategic thinking and ambition, aiming to elevate Umbrella's technological level to match the Terran Dominion.
• He shows regret over past missed opportunities but remains determined to strengthen Umbrella's forces.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Sui Bian's desire to expand Umbrella's influence and power is evident in his redeeming the Gryphon and analyzing the CMC-400.
• Regret and Determination: Sui Bian's past regrets fuel his current determination to strengthen Umbrella's forces.
• Technology and Innovation: The focus on advanced technologies and power armor highlights Umbrella's commitment to technological advancement.

Character Interactions

• Sui Bian interacts with the Red Queen and White Queen, delegating tasks and seeking their assistance in analyzing the CMC-400.
• The Red Queen and White Queen demonstrate their loyalty and efficiency in carrying out Sui Bian's orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Bian discusses mass production of power armor with the White Queen, deciding to produce two sets of CMC-400 for testing before full-scale production.
• He instructs the tripartite research team to master the latest ground and air vehicle designs.
• Sui Bian learns there are 37 psionic orphans under Umbrella's surveillance and orders their transfer to Minos Island.
• He meets with Primarch Lion and his Dark Angels squad, who will accompany him as bodyguards.

Character Developments

• Sui Bian demonstrates strategic thinking and responsibility, considering the well-being of the psionic orphans and the company's technological advancements.
• Lion, the Primarch, shows loyalty and sternness, ready to fulfill his duty as a bodyguard.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Sui Bian's decisions reflect his understanding of the power he wields and the responsibility that comes with it.
• Technological Advancement: The focus on mass production and mastering new vehicle designs underscores Umbrella's commitment to technological growth.

Character Interactions

• Sui Bian interacts with the White Queen, giving orders and receiving information.
• He meets with Lion and his Dark Angels, showing respect and trust by including them in his plans.
• The employees at Luna Base show acceptance and familiarity with the presence of the Primarchs and Astartes, indicating a change in their initial reaction to the giants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Bian and his team (Lion, Red and White Queens, Dark Angels) inspect Luna Base's spaceport.
• They observe various Umbrella and civilian vessels, including the Gryphon, a warship with laser cannons.
• Sui Bian orders upgrades for Umbrella's ships, including warp engines and plasma cannons.
• They board a private shuttle to return to Earth, using a gravity assist for a faster journey.

Character Developments

• Sui Bian demonstrates his strategic thinking and concern for Umbrella's employees' well-being.
• He shows familiarity with military technology, comparing laser cannons to plasma cannons and lasguns.

Significant Themes

• Technology and Innovation: Sui Bian's focus on upgrading Umbrella's ships highlights the importance of technology in their operations.
• Employee Welfare: Umbrella's benefits for employees, including free travel and healthcare, reflect the company's commitment to its workforce.

Character Interactions

• Sui Bian interacts with the Red and White Queens, giving them orders and expecting them to carry them out.
• There's no significant interaction between Sui Bian and his other team members in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aya Brea, now a London supervisor for Umbrella, and her deputy drive to a church in Plaistow to adopt a child named Nova.
• They meet Nova at the church, where she lives with other orphans, and learn that she has been distant from the other children since her parents' death.
• After completing the necessary paperwork, Brea and her deputy take Nova away from the church.

Character Developments

• Aya Brea: Brea has been promoted to a supervisory role, no longer needing to travel as much as before. She shows kindness and determination in adopting Nova.
• Nova: Nova is a reserved, expressionless teenager who has struggled since her parents' death. She is surprised and hopeful when she learns about her adoption.

Significant Themes

• Orphanhood and Adoption: The chapter explores the lives of orphans and the impact of adoption on their lives.
• Loss and Healing: Nova's past trauma is contrasted with her potential new life with Brea, highlighting the theme of healing and moving forward.

Character Interactions

• Aya Brea and Nova: Brea's interaction with Nova is brief but kind, showing her intent to provide a new home for the girl.
• Nova and the Other Orphans: Nova's distance from the other orphans highlights her struggle to connect with others since her parents' death.