Contents
19
Overview
Case and Maelcum infiltrate Straylight, subdue a worker, and tap the custodial system with the Finn’s help. Case flips to Molly’s POV as 3Jane tends her and discloses Tessier-Ashpool history and the existence of two AIs. 3Jane admits she knows the crucial word but hesitates to give it. The Finn dispatches a service cart, and Case and Maelcum ride toward 3Jane’s sector.
Summary
Case and Maelcum dock Marcus Garvey at Straylight and climb a rotating gangway into a hatch chamber. They confront a startled custodian and, guided by the Finn on a monitor, march him to a console tied to Straylight’s systems. Case adapts his Ono-Sendai to the Hitachi interface and prepares to jack in while Maelcum locks the captive away.
In the matrix, the Flatline confirms their setup as the Kuang virus continues to build. Case flips to Molly’s sensorium: 3Jane bandages Molly, who is restrained and injured. 3Jane coolly discusses Peter Riviera’s intentions and her own ambivalence, hinting at perverse curiosity and control.
3Jane reveals family history: Ashpool murdered Marie-France, who created the AIs to guide an immortal, hive-like Tessier-Ashpool. 3Jane admits to sabotaging Ashpool’s cryo with help from a “ghost” she identifies as Wintermute; she also notes a second AI that has fallen silent. Riviera taunts Molly with a gruesome projection until 3Jane threatens him via Hideo.
Pressed about the word Wintermute needs, 3Jane says she learned it as a child but is reluctant to surrender it, citing Turing repercussions and capricious “ghosts.” Case jacks out to the Finn, who warns that transport is inbound. Maelcum, listening to dub, rejoins as a riderless service cart arrives.
The Braun drone flashes a guiding signal from the cart. Case and Maelcum board, using the Finn’s access to ride toward 3Jane’s section of Straylight, moving closer to the word and the confrontation with Riviera.
Who Appears
- CaseLeads the Straylight infiltration, jacks into custodial systems, witnesses 3Jane’s revelations through Molly’s feed.
- 3Jane Tessier-AshpoolTends and restrains Molly; explains TA history, the AIs, and admits knowing the critical word but hesitates.
- MollyCaptured and injured; endures 3Jane’s caretaking and Riviera’s taunts; learns 3Jane holds the word.
- MaelcumBacks Case with a shotgun, secures the custodian, and rides the service cart toward 3Jane.
- The FinnGuides access to Straylight systems via monitor and sends a service cart for transport.
- Peter RivieraTaunts Molly with a cruel projection; remains a target and destabilizing presence.
- HideoBodyguard who threatens Riviera at 3Jane’s command to stop his harassment.
- Flatline (Dixie)Construct confirms systems setup as Kuang continues to build against T-A ice.
- Braun droneSmall robot that signals and guides the service cart toward 3Jane’s area.
- Eurasian custodianStartled worker subdued by Maelcum; used to gain access to the custodial console.