Chapter 33: Divide and Conquer

Yume brings Hadrian to his companions’ suite after twenty-three days apart. Valka, Switch, Crim, Ilex, and Pallino question him; Hadrian confirms he met Kharn Sagara and that Kharn will hear the Cielcin baetan if they retrieve Tanaran from the Mistral. Yume insists no in-system communications are allowed.

Debating their next step, the group wrestles with surveillance and the unsettling presence of Yume. Switch rails against the “daimon,” while Valka cannot sense a datasphere beyond heavy encryption. Hadrian concludes that leaving entirely would confirm Kharn’s suspicion that their peace mission is a bluff, so he resolves to stay to signal trust.

Yume returns to escort them to the tramway. In the stark tunnel beneath the City dome, they trade strained jokes, then board. Switch warns Hadrian that dealing with daimons is wrong and fears he might be replaced, but Hadrian reassures him.

As departure nears, Valka returns to Hadrian, shares her concern, and unexpectedly embraces him, a rare moment of warmth in the oppressive place. The tram departs with Valka, Switch, Pallino, Crim, and Ilex bound for the orbital lift to fetch Tanaran, leaving Hadrian alone with Yume to continue navigating Kharn’s court.