In a vast hangar preparing for Mars operations, Mustang storms off a damaged shuttle flanked by Obsidian bodyguards and lurcher Grays led by Sun-hwa. Darrow meets her with Lorn, Sevro, the Howlers, Victra, and Ragnar, noting Roque’s absence. Mustang reports Pliny’s coup: her aunt and cousins were murdered, six Praetors killed, over twenty bannermen defected, and House Augustus lost control of its fleet. Her Academy assault was ambushed by a Bellona fleet, which annihilated her leechCraft, killing ten thousand and forcing surrender.

When Sevro asks why Pliny spared her, Lorn explains Pliny craves legitimacy. Mustang confirms Pliny visited during transit, boasting of a pact with the Sovereign and offering marriage in exchange for peace and status. In defiance, Mustang presents his gouged-out eye, earning grim reactions. She apologizes to Lorn for drawing him into the conflict and insists on private discussion.

Concerned the shuttle may be tracked, Darrow first orders it jettisoned, then questions whether Mustang escaped or was allowed to flee. Mustang says the Jackal enabled her escape, suggesting Pliny might trace her to Darrow’s position. Theodora is tasked with stims and food as they move to a warroom, while Sevro frets about bombs and Darrow reasons Pliny wants them alive.

An Orange deck chief, Cyther, proposes extracting any scanners or radiated components and loading them into a long-range scout to misdirect Pliny’s hunters. Darrow promises to relocate Cyther’s family for success. He orders Orion to assume fleet command and relocate away from the sector. As they depart for counsel, Sevro pockets Pliny’s eye, and Darrow summons the Telemanuses.