Chapter 12: A Journey’s End

In Bordelon’s former office, Bassander Lin presents holographic star charts recovered by Ilex from the Painted Man’s terminal. The data lists seventeen Extrasolarian outposts in the Veil and Expanse—no mention of Vorgossos—though March Station stands out as a plausible lead. Marlowe pushes to pursue these sites, especially March Station, believing they could connect to the Cielcin.

Lin rejects the plan, arguing time and Imperial colonies cannot afford a search, and insists on returning to the fleet at Coritani with their prisoners, including a Cielcin nobile. Marlowe counters that finding Vorgossos could open dialogue and change the war, provoking a fierce moral dispute over the Cielcin’s nature and the possibility of peace.

Pressed to decide, Jinan withdraws her hand from Marlowe and chooses to support Lin’s return, citing the need to bring the intelligence to command. Marlowe, isolated, accuses Lin of wasting sacrifices; Lin moves to have him escorted out.

Otavia Corvo intervenes, declaring she will take the Mistral and her people rather than follow Lin. A standoff flares until Jinan mediates: Corvo may depart; Imperial and Norman personnel will be surveyed to choose their allegiance; and any crew still in fugue will be shuttled immediately to the Mistral.

Lin grudgingly accepts the separation. As practical steps are set—surveys and transfers—Corvo ends the meeting by demanding an apology, sealing the factional break and leaving Marlowe’s mission sidelined.