Waiting in the Dejah Thoris’s stateroom for a risky tightbeam to the Archimedes, Virginia steels herself. A souvenir menu from Phobos prompts a nostalgic pause before Darrow’s face appears. She recalls first seeing him at the Institute, then focuses as they exchange prearranged codes to prove identity. Darrow asks first about their son and survivors; Virginia confirms key allies live.

Darrow reports he is days out at low profile with Cassius and Sevro and asks the state of Mars. Virginia confirms there was no landfall but admits Phobos was surrendered under truce five days prior, after a full evacuation. Darrow notes the lack of combat signatures and begins weighing the situation.

When Darrow urges a sortie to retrieve him, Virginia refuses. She explains the fleet’s severe losses, the loss of repair yards, and the danger of enemy patrols catching the Archimedes as it nears Mars. She argues that his capture or death would shatter morale and that Mars must become a fortress while he remains outside the siege to build strength—hinting at prospects like persuading Quicksilver and assembling an armada.

Darrow resists, then reflects on his past intransigence and failures since Luna. Accepting Virginia’s judgment, he agrees not to return now and instead to work the problem from beyond the siege. The chapter ends with Darrow setting pride aside and asking for his Sovereign’s orders, marking renewed unity and a decisive strategic split.