Virginia appears by hologram aboard the Archimedes and redirects Darrow, Sevro, and Cassius from Mars to the Belt. She reveals Regulus ag Sun fled with advanced ships and resources, likely consolidating a clandestine war factory on unremarkable Asteroid 12193. Five prior recon ships vanished, but their Rim-built, Quicksilver-cloaked Whisper-corvette and a diversionary assault on Ceres led by Praetor Ciarti Inawran may let them slip through.

Virginia’s orders are clear: reconnoiter, contact Regulus, and persuade him to commit his hidden might. Relays are down and signaling would expose the base, so personal contact is required. Sevro, aching to see Victra and their child, lashes out, jabbing Virginia with a message from the Abomination. She expresses remorse but remains firm: winning the war is how Sevro protects his family.

Virginia promotes Cassius to Morning Knight, accepts his caution about Lysander’s word, and privately warns Darrow to protect Lyria of Lagalos—the agent who found Quicksilver and an unwilling participant in Pax and Electra’s kidnapping. She cautions them not to seek Volsung Fá, notes Matteo may be an ally, and rejects Darrow’s alternative plan involving Ilium. She sends intelligence and future rally coordinates, instructing Darrow not to return unless he can win, then cuts the call as the enemy traces the signal.

In the aftermath, Sevro isolates; Darrow leaves him food and an apology, inviting him to train. Over a quiet dinner, Aurae plays a lyre, stirring memories of fallen friends and mentors. Darrow and Cassius weep, then toast to their ship, the Republic, and Virginia. Later, beneath Lysander’s old scrawl—Lux Ex Tenebris—Darrow finds renewed purpose as Mars diminishes behind them and the Archimedes races toward the Belt.