12

Case drifts through Freeside’s Jules Verne and Desiderata, noting security drones and the tourist gloss. He broods over a new, focused anger he traces to Wintermute’s manipulation of Linda Lee’s ghost, contrasting it with his past numbness.

In the bar Emergency, Cath reappears, baiting Case with sexual bravado and a beta derm. While flirting, Cath carelessly reveals connections: Lady 3Jane of the Tessier-Ashpools, her retainer Hideo, and the isolation of Straylight, described as a lily-pool “castle.” Cath doses Case, intensifying his rage and desire, and tries to lure him to a “crib.”

Overwhelmed, Case breaks away into the Freeside night. As the drug peaks, the hologram constellations reassemble into Linda Lee’s face, mesmerizing onlookers and stabbing at Case’s grief and fury. The display ends at midnight’s chime, and Case wanders until morning, letting the high decay into exhaustion while holding onto his anger.

After food and water at dawn, Case returns to his suite, intent on sleep. Instead, three impeccably dressed Turing agents wait inside. A young woman with a pistol announces his arrest, abruptly escalating the threat to the team’s operation against Straylight.