On the Pax’s command deck, Darrow and Orion watch a growing armada—new white ships bearing Lorn au Arcos’s griffin and captured black, blue, and silver Bellona warships—while Oranges and Reds repair battle damage. Orion reports three days to Hildas Station, where the rest of the fleet will arrive first.

Kavax and Daxo au Telemanus join Darrow to haggle over spoils from the Europa victory, ultimately settling on a share of the captured ships. They lament Aja’s escape into the sea and trade light banter, but the conversation sharpens when Darrow asks about the boarding actions.

Daxo explains that Bellona blade dancers cut down their Gold leaders and many Obsidians, after which Ragnar took command, rallied surviving Grays and Obsidians, and captured the ship; none of the blade dancers survived. Darrow publicly praises Ragnar and probes whether Ragnar could lead without a Gold. Kavax and Daxo bristle at the breach of hierarchy, forcing Darrow to soften his stance.

After they depart, Orion warns Darrow he overstepped. She shares her Phobos dock upbringing and the vigilance it taught her, prompting a brief exchange about survival and becoming a “monster.” Their discussion ends when the comBlue announces an incoming assault shuttle: Virginia au Augustus is arriving.