Chapter 50: The Devil and the Honest Man

Bassander Lin questions a bruised Hadrian about Vorgossos, noting Valka’s strike and criticizing protocol breaches. Hadrian warns Bassander that Kharn Sagara controls a Mericanii daimon likely responsible for Switch’s message. Bassander, skeptical but wary, reveals they have docked with Kharn’s vast ship, the Demiurge, en route to meet the Obdurate and the Cielcin.

The exchange turns accusatory: Bassander brands Hadrian a traitor who disobeyed orders, murdered legionnaires, and maimed him. Hadrian counters that he delivered Kharn, illegal genetics, and a living daimon, though he had been imprisoned during “negotiations.” They discuss Sagara’s longevity, with Hadrian describing a mind-transfer parasitism across Sagara’s children.

Bassander admits to a deal with Sagara but withholds terms, resenting the dilemma. He goads Hadrian over past derelictions, then states that William (Switch) sought Imperial mercy, believing the Chantry would execute them all for proximity to a daimon. Bassander says Hadrian’s companions are locked aboard the Mistral under Sagara’s control, unharmed for now, their fates pending tribunal; Valka, as Tavrosi, will be released after.

Hadrian’s fate is deferred to Raine Smythe, who orders him confined with his crew on the Mistral. Bassander notes Smythe approaches with the Obdurate, Pharaoh, and Balmung for negotiations, not a full fleet. Before releasing Hadrian’s restraints, Bassander warns that if Smythe is executed, Hadrian will not live to face formal judgment. Guards will escort Hadrian directly to the Mistral under threat of force.