Returning from deepmine inspections, Virginia sprints into the Citadel of Agea to find Victra’s shuttle and four emaciated survivors: Harnassus, Screwface, Thraxa, and Colloway Char. She embraces them, lingering with Screwface, who is maimed after years infiltrating the Ash Legions, affirming his worth and welcoming them home.

Victra then delivers the first breakthrough: Sevro and Darrow are alive following the Venus events. Harnassus cautions that they cannot confirm Sevro’s rescue, but Virginia begins considering analytical searches before Victra and Char insist there is more urgent news.

Char explains that a blinding light war has gutted sensors across the system. While crossing the Earth–Mars gap, he shadowed a heavy enemy squadron to Eros, revealing hundreds of warships and a colossal signature he identifies as the Morning Star. Virginia infers Lysander’s arrival, noting how Rim tactics and enemy espionage have blinded and deafened Mars.

With the threat imminent, Virginia orders Victra to recall any assets within a week’s sail and alert the Ecliptic Guard. She refuses to launch a rescue for Darrow and Sevro amid the fog of war, prioritizing Mars’s survival so it remains a home for their return. As Victra departs to mobilize, Virginia asks who is fit to fight; all volunteer despite exhaustion.