Contents
Chapter 79: Departure
Overview
Preparing to depart Sieglinde, Hadrian convinces Valka to brave Forum despite her outlawed neural lace. The Red Company boards the Schiavona. Switch begs to come and for forgiveness, but Hadrian refuses, blaming him for the failed parley and many deaths. The friendship ends as Hadrian departs in tears.
Summary
At the umbilical to the Schiavona, Hadrian and Valka discuss the summons to Forum. Valka hesitates because her Tavrosi neural lace could draw Chantry scrutiny, but Hadrian urges her to come and keep her abilities discreet. Their shared resolve is sealed with a kiss.
The Red Company arrives in good spirits: Pallino jokes, Elara approves openly of the relationship, and Siran teases Hadrian about his new Victorian honor. Crim and Ilex report that Corvo and Durand are negotiating over the Mistral. Hadrian warns his friends not to treat him differently despite his new title.
As boarding proceeds, Captain Corvo and First Officer Durand appear—and with them, Switch. Hadrian confronts him coldly, recalling the chain of consequences that followed Switch’s betrayal: the summoning of Bassander Lin and Hauptmann, the shattered parley, and the deaths of comrades.
Switch asks to accompany them and apologizes, but Hadrian refuses, accusing him of acting to save only himself and of costing them a chance at peace. Their exchange escalates before Hadrian quiets, declaring Switch no longer a friend.
Switch asks where to go; Hadrian tells him to go anywhere and seals the airlock. Alone between doors, Hadrian breaks down, mourning Switch, the fallen—Smythe, Crossflane, Aranata, Nobuta, Tanaran—and the futures lost, even as the company departs for Forum.
Who Appears
- HadrianProtagonist; urges Valka to risk Forum, confronts and rejects Switch, and departs aboard the Schiavona.
- Valka OnderraScientist and Hadrian’s lover; fears exposure of her neural lace but chooses to go to Forum.
- Switch (William)Former friend; seeks forgiveness and to accompany them, but is rebuked and left behind.
- PallinoMyrmidon leader; supports giving Hadrian and Switch space, offers steady, paternal presence.
- ElaraMyrmidon; warmly acknowledges Hadrian and Valka’s relationship, stands with Pallino.
- SiranMyrmidon; trades wry banter, showing the first signs of easing grief since Ghen’s death.
- CrimRed Company fighter; reports on Corvo’s negotiations and shows concern for Hadrian.
- IlexHomunculus ally; accompanies the team, quietly supportive amid the tense confrontation.
- Captain Otavia CorvoRed Company captain; arrives during transfer from the Mistral to the Schiavona.
- First Officer DurandCorvo’s aide; harried with luggage while aiding the transfer and negotiations.