Chapter 10: Jinan

In Jinan’s quarters aboard Balmung, Marlowe tries to discuss the council and Bassander Lin’s stance. Jinan moves to intimacy, but Marlowe insists they talk. He accuses Jinan of taking Lin’s side and admits fear—of being dismissed, of losing her, and of being dragged back into endless war.

Pressed, Marlowe argues Lin’s hostility and his own hard-won claim to being a soldier. He declares his aim is peace, not more fighting, recalling Chantry atrocities and the suffering he witnessed on Emesh and in Borosevo. Jinan counters that armies exist so others can live, and that soldiers will always be needed.

Marlowe reframes his goal: not to end all wars, but to make this one less terrible and to win a path home. He imagines a future with Jinan and pleads to use the Cielcin prisoners and the Vorgossos lead to seek peace. When Jinan cites orders and mounting losses, Marlowe asks if she would go to Vorgossos with him even if Lin refused.

The idea shocks Jinan, yet Marlowe presses: Hauptmann is not Jinan’s commander. He confesses his love and fear of losing her if they return. They exchange declarations of love and make love, briefly banishing duty and grief. Afterward, silence returns with the knowledge that a recall to the fleet may end their relationship, leaving their decision unresolved.