Attacks against Cercia appear never-ending, and each mercenary fleet escalates the planet’s danger. The conclave desperately feeds resources to the Malia system to aid its defense. In addition, Minimalist, Luther, and Morgoth double the number of EMP platforms above and below Cercia.

With controllers embedded in the EMP platforms, Commander Nira Racine of Outpost Fourteen: Colony Five and the fleet’s SADEs possess the capability to target attacking ships and missiles.

Cremsylon speaks to Orion, the SADE handling Metter drone production. Despite being unfamiliar with the drones’ defensive value, Cremsylon seeks permission from the Metter triumvirate to load dreadnaughts with the conclave versions to aid Cercia.

Simultaneously, conclave fleets pursue the means by which to change the social fabrics of races. The first wave under Admiral Mila Pappas undertakes a mission to procure another Onda faction as an ally. Having destroyed a Juta fleet at Castern, Mila isn’t anxious to engage this faction.

At Da-fer, volunteers who help the hamlet subs swell in number until the swath of the planet that supports these destitute individuals is covered by helping hands. Kelley proposes expanding to other Elite planets. However, they don’t know what might await the fleet at a second Elite system.

The Retribution accompanies the protectors’ Trident, as Miranda and Z investigate the Messinants. Their focus is on the newly discovered massive gate dubbed Messinant ship-gate-one. Each piece of information brings the conclave closer to engaging the ancient, secretive race.