On war-scarred Phobos, Virginia meets Lysander under truce. They exchange formal rites and measure each other’s resolve, trading barbs about Darrow, encircled forces, and reputations. Lysander claims advantage—Darrow’s sword, ground gained, and trapped Republic troops—while Virginia counters with the threat of Rat Legion and a long war of attrition.

Negotiations crystallize: Lysander offers safe passage for all Republican legions, including those encircled, if Virginia evacuates and leaves the Julii-Sun dockyards intact, disables traps, and turns over defense codes. He reveals political constraints, scarce helium, repairs to the Lightbringer, and intent to award the moon to Apollonius. He outlines a plan to strip Atalantia’s immunity via referendum and kill her; he also requests two Oracles and Ajax’s head. Virginia asks a Telemanus in return, for a Votum, and agrees to the evacuation terms.

Back with her commanders, Virginia’s announcement sparks fury. Char warns that losing the docks loses the war; Harnassus questions naval attrition. Holiday argues that empowering idealist Lysander to confront Atalantia will fracture their coalition later and spare Mars now. The room reluctantly aligns with Virginia’s strategy to cease bleeding on Phobos and weaponize enemy divisions.

Virginia confirms she will not scuttle the docks and orders Victra to surrender Ajax’s head. As doubts linger, she reveals good news: Glaucus wheels in Kavax alive. Family and friends rush to him as Sophocles rejoices, boosting morale on the eve of withdrawal.