Along with Lorn’s fleet and family, Darrow and the Pax leave Europa. The Telemanuses have been given several of the Bellona ships they defeated. Citing Ragnar’s valiant performance and leadership in the fight, Darrow asks if the Telemanuses think Ragnar could lead a group of fighters in place of a Gold, but they do not see a need for it. The Telemanuses leave the room, and Orion tells Darrow that he “overstepped” by suggesting Ragnar take a leadership role. Mustang’s ship meets them, although they are three days away from the designated meeting location.

Mustang meets Darrow and the others, except for Roque who does not answer Darrow’s summons. She informs them that Augustus and the Jackal were captured and that Pliny has betrayed them. As a result, they have lost 20 bannermen and control of the fleet. Pliny captured Mustang and offered to marry her, but Mustang refused, took one of his eyes, and escaped. They make plans to move the conversation into the war room, so the others can join. An Orange, Cyther, says he can salvage Mustang’s ship, find any trackers on it, and send Pliny in the wrong direction. Darrow allows Cyther to try then tells Orion to take command of the fleet.