Pliny argues Darrow’s plan will expand the war from a feud to full rebellion by striking Ganymede and the Society itself. Darrow unveils the second phase: abducting Institute and Academy students across the planets for ransom. Mustang initially mocks the idea, clashes with Augustus and Pliny over insults, then reframes the stakes by predicting Octavia will accept peace only to treacherously kill them. The room aligns on a win-or-die course.

Augustus commits. He orders Praetor Licenus to command the fleet as a decoy to lure the Sovereign’s forces, while he leads a small strike group to raid Ganymede’s shipyards. Mustang is tasked with executing the student abductions. Kavax is denied a place in the raid, Pliny is sidelined, and Augustus declares his ambition openly: make him King of Mars.

After the council, Mustang and Darrow reaffirm their quiet alliance. In private, Augustus interrogates Darrow about demokrat sympathies, playing his mutiny speech to highlight the hope it sparked among lowColors. Augustus warns that appearing reformist would cost vital allies and orders Darrow to remain a simple, apolitical warrior in public.

Augustus then probes whether he can trust Darrow with autonomous power, invoking Rome’s lesson about generals and the Rubicon. Darrow replies that Augustus must trust him because only he can approach Lorn. Augustus reveals this was his intent, citing Lorn’s past and complicated affections, despite Lorn’s hatred of Augustus. Darrow resolves to secure Lorn’s support by force if necessary.