Disgraced and half-drunk, Colonel Rachner Thract watches Southmost coverage from Calorica when Obret Nethering, an astronomer, calls via an insecure line. Nethering reports witnessing an immense ship lighting the sky, inexplicably ignored by Air Defense and networks; his link is severed mid-call. Thract concludes an offworld power is suppressing communications and steering events, so he avoids official channels and races to contact Sherkaner Underhill directly by helicopter.

At Southmost, General Victory Smith, with Hrunkner Unnerby and Tim Downing, descends to the fortified Parliament Hall. Despite fears of sabotage and hostile politicking, she secures the chance to address the Elected. The hall is packed, factions wary, and Pedure lurks near the proscenium, confident and attentive.

In orbit, Tomas Nau manages optics: Ritser Brughel’s spybot streams live Parliament video; Anne Reynolt warns of stepped-up internal meddling and monitors translators. The raw Spider imagery shocks viewers, but Trixia Bonsol’s overlay translates the proceedings for Benny Wen’s joint gathering, reinforcing Nau’s cover story.

Smith delivers a trust-forging proposal: Parliament may choose any three Accord figures—including Smith or the King—as hostages to reside at the Southmost embassy, ensuring restraint and buying time to avert war. The chamber falls into stunned silence; Pedure confers with aides, gauging the shift. The offer introduces a concrete, immediate path to de-escalation.

At Benny’s, applause greets the speech; optimism spreads as Qiwi, protective of her kitten and oddly distant, joins others at a table. On the caldera heights, Thract confronts Underhill’s guards; the frail-sounding Underhill comes on the line, then steadies after hearing the speech’s success, and agrees to meet Thract imminently.