Portia’s peer group advances across the Gilgamesh’s hull using a silk-bound glass “eye” packed with ants to relay images. Bianca routes the feeds to Avrana Kern, whose human memories help interpret the alien craft. Kern, no longer a god but a reluctant advisor after disputes over the humans’ fate, offers targets and suggestions.

Following Kern’s guidance, the orbital defenders identify and disable hull sensors, crossing the ship’s exterior to blind it. Bianca briefs Portia on likely access points from Kern’s past encounter: hatches, airlocks, shuttle bays, and chutes. Portia, focused on duty more than scale, aims for a controlled breach rather than tearing the ship open.

A sudden, unfamiliar “rush” passes over the teams as the humans trigger an improvised electromagnetic pulse, briefly degrading communications. The spiders’ biological radios recover quickly. Portia locates a large square hatch and summons nearby teams. A designated specialist starts etching a cut with acids while others weave an airtight silk net to seal the breach once inside.

Human defenders then flood the bands with radio noise, severing long-range coordination. Portia switches to close-range tapping and visual signals, spreads her watchers, and anticipates an imminent response from the giants. As the acid works, the spiders hold position, preparing to enter under their own seal and counter any attack.