Prax continues trying to turn his search for Mei into a practical plan. Because the search has expanded from Ganymede to the entire solar system, Prax contacts Persis-Strokes Security Consultants on Luna, hoping their relationships with major security firms can provide the reach he lacks. Prax signs the release and waits for the delayed response, feeling that at least he has begun doing something concrete.

As the Rocinante approaches Tycho Station, Prax joins Alex in the pilot’s station. Alex explains the unfinished ship Chesapeake, which is being built to retrieve the lost Nauvoo after the failed Eros mission. Prax is struck by Tycho’s scale, engineering, and beauty as Alex manually docks the Rocinante with calm precision.

After docking, Prax finds the crew gathered in the galley at a tense personal moment. Naomi, carrying a duffel bag, leaves the ship after a brief farewell to Holden, who is visibly devastated. Alex asks whether the crew is looking for a new executive officer, but Holden says they will not decide anything yet and insists on staying aboard the Rocinante.

Amos takes Prax to small rented rooms on Tycho, then leaves him alone. Prax uses the station network to seek money for the private investigation, first recording a difficult message to Nicola, Mei’s mother, asking for anything she can spare for Mei’s sake. Prax then sends similar appeals to family and professional contacts, omitting the protomolecule because it would sound unbelievable or terrifying.

Prax also records a message to Basia, telling him that Katoa is dead and that Prax saw the body. After sleeping, Prax receives a reply from Nicola, who expresses sympathy and sends eighty FusionTek Reál, a meaningful sacrifice but far too little. When Persis-Strokes finally sends its spreadsheet, Prax realizes that finding Mei, Strickland, and the people responsible may be possible, but he cannot afford the investigation.