Qiwi Lin Lisolet ambushes Ezr Vinh before a bactry shift, brimming with gossip and suspicion about the Emergents. As they work, Qiwi argues the Qeng Ho must play tough, hints at a Trading Committee split, and sketches profit and defense schemes, reinforcing Ezr’s growing doubts.

After his shift, Ezr considers seeking counsel but is abruptly summoned to Captain Park’s planning room. There he faces the full Trading Committee, clearly deadlocked over how to handle the Emergents.

Park outlines four options: joint operations, separate control with early contact to the Spiders, retreat, or a preemptive attack. Kira Pen Lisolet presses for preemption; Sum Dotran urges withdrawal. Park, asked about Tomas Nau, declares him clever, treacherous, and untrustworthy in any agreement.

Pressed for advice, Ezr rejects joint operations and also opposes a sneak attack, urging that they stay, keep separate control, and act with armsman caution while seeking leverage via the Spiders. Park moves the group toward that course, discussing arming pinnaces to deter hijack attempts. Ezr departs shaken but relieved at having influenced the decision.