Sixty-Three
Contains spoilersOverview
Pham sends Ezr planetside to negotiate with the Spiders, who specifically request Ezr and the translator Zinmin. Ezr demands Trixia be deFocused immediately, and Pham reluctantly agrees. With humans resource-poor and time short, Ezr departs in Jau Xin’s pinnace, taking Rita Liao’s plea and a keepsake for Jau.
Summary
Pham Nuwen assigns Ezr Vinh to go groundside as chief negotiator with the Spiders, citing Ezr’s experience and the Spiders’ specific request to see him. The Accord’s King also asks that the translator Zinmin accompany Ezr, signaling political complexity and leverage over human assets.
Ezr insists Trixia not be taken planetside and demands she be deFocused immediately. Pham agrees, admitting they had delayed deFocusing translators due to need, and warns outcomes vary from recovery to catastrophic mindrot. Ezr accepts the risk, forcing the change in priorities.
The mission will use Jau Xin’s modest pinnace, hastily adapted by Qiwi. Strategic reality favors the Spiders: humans retain orbit and remnants of tech but lack resources and automation, while the Spiders hold the planet’s industry and parts of the Invisible Hand. Pham estimates a year to build trust; Qiwi believes the Spiders could act much faster.
At the send-off, Anne Reynolt confirms deFocus preparations for Trixia have begun. Qiwi offers a rare, solemn farewell. Rita Liao, desperate for Jau Xin’s return, asks Ezr to bring him back and gives him a thumb-locked box containing a remembrance gem keyed to Jau as Ezr departs.
Who Appears
- Ezr Vinh
Chosen to negotiate with the Spiders; demands Trixia’s immediate deFocus; departs in Jau Xin’s pinnace.
- Pham Nuwen
Sends Ezr to parley; admits delaying translator deFocus; promises Trixia priority; outlines urgent, unfavorable odds.
- Qiwi
Revises the pinnace software; warns the Spiders could act quickly; gives Ezr a solemn send-off.
- Anne Reynolt
Confirms deFocus preparations for Trixia; supports Ezr’s demand to stop exploiting translators.
- Zinmin
Translator requested by the Spider King to accompany Ezr on the negotiations.
- Trixia
Focused translator Ezr refuses to risk planetside; slated for immediate deFocus upon his demand.
- Rita Liao
Begs Ezr to bring back Jau Xin; gives a thumb-locked box with a remembrance gem.
- Jau Xin
Held by the Spiders; his pinnace carries Ezr; recipient of Rita’s entrusted keepsake.