Contents
Chapter 2: Suspended and Undead
Overview
Marlowe inspects the frozen Cielcin and clashes gently with Valka, who doubts the mission and demands access to a subject. He reconnects with Captain Jinan Azhar, their intimacy shoring his resolve. Together they review Crim’s promising lead to Samir, a conduit to the Extrasolarian, choosing to press on despite Lin and Valka’s skepticism.
Summary
In the Balmung’s freezing cubiculum, Hadrian Marlowe checks on eleven surviving Cielcin in stasis, pausing at their leader, Tanaran, and promises they’re “going home.” Valka arrives, voicing doubt about their quest and frustration that Lin forbids decanting a Cielcin for study. Marlowe—haunted by fugue-visions—promises to try to thaw the leader if their lead pans out.
They traverse the ship, noting the distant Pharaoh and discussing the Mistral and Arslan below. Valka suspects Jinan’s distrust. Centurions Ghen and Pallino intercept Marlowe, joke about his thaw, and direct him to the ventral observatory where the captain waits.
Marlowe meets Captain Jinan Azhar against the vista of scarred Rustam. Their mutual affection resurfaces, momentarily easing his fugue-sick headache and the weight of the mission. They share an intimate reunion, reaffirming their bond.
Turning to business, they review a dossier on Samir, a skittish underworld contact whom Crim (Karim) has cultivated as a pathway to the Extrasolarian “Painted Man.” Marlowe questions reliability; Jinan expresses cautious confidence in Crim.
When Marlowe raises Lin’s and Valka’s doubts, Jinan admits understanding but refuses to give up. Buoyed by her commitment, Marlowe agrees to continue, and they leave together, united personally and professionally as they await word from Crim.
Who Appears
- Hadrian MarloweNarrator; inspects Cielcin in stasis, wrestles fugue nightmares, promises Valka to seek a decant, reunites with Jinan, reviews Samir lead.
- Jinan AzharCaptain of the Red Company; Marlowe’s lover. Confirms Crim’s progress, balances doubts, commits to continue the mission.
- Valka Onderra Vhad EddaTavrosi scientist; frustrated by stalled research, urges decanting a Cielcin—preferably the leader—and questions the mission’s value.
- GhenCenturion; boisterous, greets Marlowe post-thaw, escorts him toward the observatory and shares bridge scuttlebutt.
- PallinoVeteran centurion; practical, critiques Lin’s priorities, directs Marlowe to Jinan.
- TanaranCielcin leader in stasis; focal point of Valka’s request to decant and Marlowe’s promise.
- Karim “Crim”Operative planetside; cultivates Samir, the fixer linking them to the Extrasolarian.
- SamirSkittish local fixer; Crim’s contact and likely path to the Extrasolarian “Painted Man.”
- Bassander LinCommodore; offstage skeptic of the mission, his opposition frames the chapter’s tension.