Diomedes arrives at the shrine with Lysander, startling Darrow into drawing steel before Diomedes enforces “civility” and privacy. Diomedes reveals Volsung Fá’s severed head and presses Lysander about Atlas’s whereabouts. He outlines that he will likely be named Hegemon and command Rim forces, yet insists Atalantia, not Atlas, is the true existential threat.

Arguing that continued war only benefits Atalantia, Diomedes proposes a military alliance—a triumvirate of himself, Darrow, and Lysander. He sets conditions: Darrow must present Fá’s head to the Moon Lords and seek mercy as his boon; Lysander must bring Atlas’s head and request the same. Both men bristle, trading threats and grievances, but neither immediately rejects the proposal.

Diomedes reframes the purpose of war as a road back to peace, not vengeance, and urges humility. Darrow questions Lysander about sparing Virginia at Phobos; Lysander says he wanted to show alternatives to annihilation and claims he seeks to be a “shepherd.” Darrow admits he could compromise if tyranny ends and the hierarchy changes; Diomedes presses that Gold must guide, not rule.

Bound by Rim honor, Diomedes allows Lysander to leave as his guest, warning Darrow not to interfere. Terms are set: fleets hold at Io and Europa, and answers will be given at nivalnight in the House of Bounty. Lysander requests the Shield of Akari as an alibi; Diomedes withholds it, saying it is for a true friend. Lysander departs after asking if Darrow can consider peace despite Alexandar’s death; Darrow invokes Alexandar’s compassion.

Diomedes escorts Darrow back to the Archimedes, where Cassius is missing and a holodrop awaits. Darrow discovers a listening device on himself and suspects Bellona craft. Before he can act, Dustwalkers descend to surround them. Gaia reveals herself from the shadows, addressing Diomedes, and seizes the initiative.