Chiming in to mention that there was a child in there actually sever children mention int the text. a little girl points at the Night Brigade ship, she calls it a "new star", and another kid is in the arms of Contemplation when Zellion save them near the end. I only remember this cause it was odd to. Brandon hasn't mentioned kids too often in his books but he differently did in this one.
The book implies Rebeke's mom died recently but not in the last few days, She's grieving still (you never get over that though) But she talks about her mom like that was a distant thing and even the greater good, the next one to dies, aren't acting like that's imitate until they start burning lots of fuel for all the crazy plans.