In Sungrave’s Hall of Justice, Romulus au Raa faces an impeachment hearing on Dido au Raa’s single charge of gross negligence in wartime. Dido presents Seraphina’s holo of the docks’ destruction and communications showing Darrow’s duplicity, then calls Seraphina, who testifies Romulus never admitted knowledge and acted only to shield her.

Romulus accepts guilt for negligence and offers no defense, seemingly ensuring a measured outcome. Then the young Fate, Chance, rings her bell, prompting the Olympic Council to invoke an archaic right to add a charge of arch treason. Despite Dido’s protest, Helios au Lux proceeds, intending only to clear the record with two yes/no questions.

Asked if he knew Darrow destroyed the docks and conspired to conceal it, Romulus calmly answers yes. Dido pleads that he is lying, but Romulus reveals he was first offered the holodrop, lured the brokers to the Rim, killed them, and burned their ship, though a copy survived. He confesses he hid the truth to prevent a war he believes would annihilate Rim and Core alike.

Romulus urges the Rim to let his death be the last casualty. Seraphina breaks down; Diomedes is stunned; Dido is shattered. Helios, bound by duty, declares Romulus guilty and orders him seized for execution.