At Romulus’s orchard table, Darrow and Mustang face Roque au Fabii, now Imperator and envoy of the Sovereign. Mustang rebuffs Roque’s moral appeals and accusation that Darrow caused Quinn’s death. Romulus invites terms. Roque offers peace, Rim aid against “demokracy,” reduced taxes, mining licenses, Senate representation, Olympic Knights chosen by ArchGovernors, removal of Jupiter’s garrison, and Antonia’s delivery for justice.

Darrow counters by promising permanent Rim independence after defeating the Sword Armada, claiming Orion is with him and that his hidden fleet can smash Roque’s. He concedes he cannot free Rim lowColors and, to prove disinterest in the Rim, offers up all Rim Sons of Ares cells. He indicts Core atrocities, invoking Rhea. As Roque insists on the Sovereign’s honor, Mustang unveils data: falsified communiqués masking a real clandestine nuclear cache on Asteroid S-1988, implying intended strategic annihilation.

Pressed by Romulus, Roque denies intent but admits the depot exists, calling it security. The admission breaks his case. Romulus condemns Core hypocrisy, declares a formal bloodfeud with Roque, and chooses Darrow, convening his commanders to plan battle. Roque responds with a dire ultimatum, vowing total war if they reject the Compact, then departs under Vela’s escort; Romulus promises safe passage but orders Roque held until Darrow leaves Io.

Darrow, torn, follows Roque into the garden. Roque recites a mournful verse for the fallen and blames Darrow since Quinn’s death, calling him ruin who uses friends for a cause. He accepts the coming test: if Darrow defeats him in space, the future will be Darrow’s.