Chapter 25: Becalmed in Motion

Hadrian pauses en route to the observatory and overhears Otavia and Switch debating their confinement aboard the Enigma at warp. Switch fears a trap and condemns Hadrian’s treason and protection of Tanaran, while Otavia remains pragmatic, committed to reaching Vorgossos despite risks.

Joining them, Hadrian shares drinks and reflects on his likely Imperial punishment and uncertain future. Otavia suggests he remain with the Red Company; Hadrian admits he might but doubts his fitness to command. Their talk is colored by the sight of diverse ships—Durantine, Jaddian, Imperial, and a Demarchist vessel from Tavros—arrayed within the Enigma’s cavernous docks.

Valka and Pallino arrive with Tanaran, released from the brig under guard. Tanaran is awed by the Enigma’s immensity, comparing it to Cielcin habitats built deep within hollowed asteroids and layered rather than open. The group struggles to translate scale and terms as they frame the Enigma’s size and function.

When told the Exalted are merchants, Tanaran reacts with hostility, branding “mnunatari” as hasimnka—an unclean, outcaste status in Cielcin society—revealing a cultural fault line. Despite Switch’s unease, Hadrian insists on diplomacy to keep their position viable under Exalted oversight.

The chapter closes with Valka reaffirming their timeline: arrival at Vorgossos in roughly twenty human sleep cycles. Tanaran agrees that once there, they should attempt to contact its fleet, setting the immediate objective while tensions within the crew and between species simmer.