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Nomad, Zeal, and Rebeke observe the Reliquary, where the Chorus—misty, red-eyed entities—recite lore and occasionally answer questions. The Chorus claim they were the first to die on Canticle, warn that unoffered dead become threats, and speak hungrily of living heat, unsettling Zeal and Nomad.

Rebeke believes she recognizes her dead brother among the Chorus. Zeal explains a belief that those who die without being given to the sun sometimes join the Reliquary rather than rise as common shades. Rebeke is unsure, noting the Chorus speak as if ancient and interchangeable.

At Zeal’s urging, Nomad presses seven pages of engine schematics to the glass. Workers feed raw iron, copper, and other metals into the open-topped enclosure. The mist brightens and churns as the Chorus begin fabrication, though they offer no intelligible commentary.

While waiting, Nomad considers their larger problems: securing enough power for the rotation and locating the hidden Scadrian base—knowledge the Cinder King likely possesses. He also discusses the title "Sunlit" with Rebeke, admitting he dislikes it but may accept it for its symbolic power to inspire others.

After about forty-five minutes, the glow fades and a crane retrieves precisely made parts matching Nomad’s designs. With tools in hand, Nomad prepares to install the modifications, dryly predicting the first test will likely explode.