Part III New Babel — Chapter Twelve

Surveying the crowded port, Senlin weighs ships to steal and eyes the sleek Gold Finch before a familiar voice halts him. He turns to find Edith—now a pirate First Mate—whose bobbed hair and brass mechanical arm mark a hard transformation since the Parlor. Their awkward reunion softens as she demonstrates the arm’s power, rebuffs pity, and agrees to share a bottle after moonrise. Realizing her crewed Stone Cloud is small but flyable, Senlin chooses it as their escape vessel.

Back in his office, Senlin finds a yellow-haired courtesan from Rodion defacing a book to avoid “accidentally” reading it. She tries to blackmail him, flaunting knowledge of his Parlor and Baths past. Senlin deduces Rodion likely tipped the Commissioner and that Senlin remains unharmed because Ogier’s missing painting still protects his value.

Senlin swiftly forms a plan: he feigns panic and poverty, gives the woman a few coins, and claims he will smuggle a priceless item tomorrow night, ensuring she will inform Rodion. He counts on Rodion’s eagerness to seize the supposed painting to force a port incursion.

Adam arrives, and Senlin lays out the ruse. Adam must “betray” him to Rodion in exchange for bringing Voleta to the docks, while separately warning Finn Goll that Rodion plans an unauthorized seizure, stoking rivalry. With Rodion and Goll distracted by each other, the team will take the emptied Stone Cloud.

Adam doubts the absence of the real painting, but Senlin reveals only a convincing painting-sized crate as bait. Despite misgivings, Adam accepts the role, and the plan to free Voleta and flee on the Stone Cloud is set for the following night.