Contents
Chapter 11: Your Radiance
Overview
Marlowe finally faces Siran aboard the Mistral, reliving Ghen’s death and earning her grim thanks for avenging him. The Mistral’s team cannot crack the Painted Man’s terminal, pushing the mission toward retreat. Siran urges Marlowe to bypass Bassander Lin and appeal to Knight-Tribune Raine Smythe, giving Marlowe a new path forward despite his fear of losing Jinan.
Summary
Marlowe delays visiting Siran after Ghen’s death, then shuttles with Switch to the Uhran-built interceptor Mistral. Onboard, Commander Bastien Durand reports that Ilex and Doctor Onderra cannot decrypt the Painted Man’s terminal, leaving the mission stalled.
Haunted by the Empire’s scrutiny and fearing he will lose Jinan if they rejoin the fleet at Coritani, Marlowe withholds talk of defiance. He and Switch enter a relaxed but anxious mess where Siran waits among mercenaries.
Siran demands the unvarnished truth about Ghen. Marlowe recounts ordering Ghen below, the SOM abominations, the Painted Man’s taunts, and his brutal vengeance. Siran thanks him for “smashing that bastard’s head,” briefly easing the grief. They share vodka and confirm Lin’s plan to refreeze and rendezvous.
Debating Jinan’s neutrality, Siran suggests she has already chosen to follow Imperial orders. When Marlowe despairs of options, Siran urges him to go over Lin’s head to Knight-Tribune Raine Smythe. The idea galvanizes Marlowe, offering a political route to continue the hunt without losing Jinan.
They end with a rough toast to Ghen. Marlowe’s composure slips, but Siran’s “Your Radiance” steels him to act on this new strategy.
Who Appears
- Hadrian MarloweNarrator; visits Mistral, tells Siran the truth of Ghen’s death, fears losing Jinan, resolves to appeal to Raine Smythe.
- Siran of EmeshGhen’s closest friend; demands details, thanks Marlowe for vengeance, suggests bypassing Lin via Knight-Tribune Smythe.
- Switch (William)Marlowe’s lictor and friend; accompanies him, counsels caution, helps steady the tense meeting with Siran.
- Commander Bastien DurandMistral’s First Officer; greets Marlowe and reports Ilex and Onderra cannot decrypt the Painted Man’s terminal.