CHAPTER 32

Ravna monitors the Net as the Out of Band II becomes notorious, trailed by three fleets: the Alliance for the Defense, forces from Sjandra Kei, and a silent fleet likely serving the Blight. Posts from Harmonious Repose accuse the OOB of deceit and violence; Sandor Intelligence links the Blight’s sudden shift to the ship’s escape, suggesting the OOB carries or seeks a defense the Blight desperately wants.

Amid failing ship automation as they descend toward the Bottom, Ravna despairs over distance from Pham and her secrecy about the Skroderider threat. She resolves to treat Blueshell and Greenstalk as allies, visiting their cabin. Blueshell reveals a minimal “skrodeling” restoring Greenstalk’s short-term memory and communication.

When Ravna raises Pham’s fears, Blueshell angrily denies any Blight link, but Greenstalk breaks down and remembers her forced perversion: a touch to her greater skrode instantly overwrote ancient utilities, compelling absolute obedience to the Blight while preserving awareness. She confirms the design hides deep in greater skrodes, turning Riders into covert weapons, especially in the Low Beyond.

Ravna argues that, absent perversion, these two remain trustworthy. Greenstalk explains that casual news cannot convert a Rider, but targeted skrode-utility transmissions could; Blueshell, never touched, appears safe. The group acknowledges their lead will fade as manual control becomes critical, which Riders can best provide.

They confront Pham on the command deck. Pham listens, accepts Greenstalk’s account, and—while remaining wary—agrees to work with the Riders under safeguards. The showdown is deferred, and the crew unites pragmatically to reach Tines’ World before the pursuers arrive.