A looping hologram shows Sevro, naked and brutalized, auctioned by the Syndicate, then delivered in a slave rack to the Dockyards of Venus. A recorded message from Apollonius au Valii-Rath taunts Darrow: he will grant Sevro ninety days of reprieve before releasing him to be hunted in the Hanging Coliseum—unless Darrow comes to face him. Cassius explains he intercepted the broadcast late amid jamming and, amid tense exchanges about Lysander’s deeds, the room absorbs the horror.

Harnassus urges escape to Mars, arguing they are deep behind enemy lines and barely holding together. Darrow resists, reasoning that the dockyards power the Ash Armada; Apollonius’s control likely hinges on hidden bombs, creating an opportunity to cripple Gold industry and buy Mars time. Colloway Char refuses to join a “suicide mission,” and even Thraxa argues for returning, but Darrow feigns delay while deciding to act.

In private, Cassius warns Apollonius will not honor any imagined duel. Prompted by Aurae, Darrow lists five reasons to go: a debt to Sevro, a chance to slag the dockyards, drawing enemy focus from Mars, a possibility to sway Apollonius, and the need to spark the Republic. Aurae insists on coming as escape pilot, revealing hard-edged capabilities. Cassius confesses his guilt and vows to repay the lows for killing Ares, agreeing to help. They promise “minimal carnage” and unveil an atomic warhead, “Dominus Portobello,” as an exit option.

At the hangar, their path is blocked by comrades led by Thraxa, Harnassus, and Screwface. Darrow addresses the gaunt survivors, declaring he must seize this chance to wound the enemy. Thraxa presses him to lead Mars’s defense but ultimately gives him her family razor, Bad Lass, and embraces him. Darrow instructs Harnassus to sprint for Mars once he signals from the dockyards. Screwface offers to come; Darrow sends him to protect Virginia. The ranks part, and Darrow departs with Cassius and Aurae for the Archimedes, raising “Hail libertas” to a silent hangar.