Chapter 27: Valka

Reeling from Jari’s prophecy, Hadrian isolates aboard the Mistral, researching the Deeps and avoiding discussion of the oracle. Valka visits, concerned, and invites him to explore the Enigma’s concourse. He reluctantly agrees, intent on guarding her amid the crowded decks.

As they walk, Valka notes a Tavrosi ship, the Jayavarman, and her aim to learn about the station’s denizens before Vorgossos. Hadrian admits his horror of the Exalted and distrust of cyborged bodies, contrasting them with Tanaran, whom he believes he can read. Valka challenges his certainty, suggesting his interpretations of Tanaran may be flawed and urging him not to fear the Exalted.

The conversation turns to strategy beyond Vorgossos. Citing Otavia, Valka presses Hadrian to plan for failure and possible Imperial pursuit. Hadrian concedes the risk and outlines likely Imperial responses, while deflecting Valka’s concern with gallows humor about traveling with her.

In a bookshop’s quiet stacks, Valka confesses her past: as a Tavrosi Orbital Guard pilot, she was ordered to destroy a Prachar-hijacked trading cog threatening Edda’s orbital mirrors, killing over two thousand captives to avert potential catastrophe. She resigned in shame, fleeing public condemnation. Hadrian argues she saved lives, sharing his own burden of past lethal orders, and asserts that if violence must be done, it is better done by the good.

They ponder whether they are good people at all. Hadrian suggests the very question is a hopeful sign. The chapter closes with wary camaraderie restored, Valka tacitly accepting his support as they prepare for the uncertain path toward Vorgossos.