19.Cities Attacked

Marcus and the residents of the flying city of Amhor learn that the Council has declared them deserves, frozen assets, issued arrest warrants, and cut off trade. In response, the Council has also seized control of the Lagrange Point materials stockpiles and autofactories. The chapter ends with the Council destroying Marcus's decoy ship, escalating the conflict from legal maneuvering to military action.

Marcus sits with residents on the ring of grass surrounding the flying city of Amhor when Vinnie arrives with news that the Council has declared them deserters, forbidden contact with the colony, confiscated their assets, and issued arrest warrants. Marcus expected this action and notes he's been locked out of colony systems, effectively fired from his monitoring and maintenance duties. When questioned about their prospects, Marcus explains they won't fire first but will defend themselves if attacked. Kal expresses concern about economic sanctions and trade cuts, but Denu and Marcus point out their significant advantages: they have a third of the population, produce half the food, have most technical expertise, and have equal access to off-planet manufacturing. However, Marcus discovers while speaking that the Council has taken control of the Lagrange Point materials stockpiles and autofactories with security forces. When Kal asks if the Bobs will accept this, Marcus acknowledges his limited military assets—ship busters are overkill, roamers would be wasted in a guerilla war, and building new autofactories from his printers would take considerable time. Marcus notes the Council must act quickly before he rebuilds resources. Suddenly, his decoy ship is destroyed, indicating the Council has moved from legal threats to military action.