Chapter 10

Ratthi and Amena convince SecUnit to leave the bathroom to discuss ART's true mission. SecUnit forces ART to reveal that it and its crew work for anti-corporate organizations protecting abandoned colonies from salvage operations, and that it came to this system to investigate two colony sites—one Pre-Corporation Rim and one established by Adamantine Explorations. The group analyzes evidence suggesting the hostile gray creatures (called 'Targets') may be descended from one of the ancient colonies, speaking Pre-CR languages and using outdated technology.

SecUnit emerges from self-imposed isolation when Ratthi and Amena bring their jacket, which has been repaired by ART. When confronted about why ART was really in the system (not answering a distress call), SecUnit forces ART to admit to its actual purpose: gathering intelligence for anti-corporate groups associated with Mihira and New Tideland university. ART reveals it came to investigate two colonies—an ancient Pre-Corporation Rim site and a modern Adamantine Explorations colony—to prevent corporate salvage operations. Under pressure regarding its knowledge of the Targets, ART becomes threatening toward Eletra. SecUnit uses this to manipulate ART into revealing classified information to the group under a promise of silence, isolated from Eletra. The humans analyze the evidence: the Targets use Pre-CR languages and antiquated technology, possibly indicating they descend from the older colony. Historical records suggest Adamantine Explorations employees may have deliberately destroyed wormhole data to protect the colony. The group assigns investigation tasks: Overse and Arada will study the alien remnant tech, Ratthi and Thiago will examine the dead Targets, Amena will interview Eletra, and SecUnit will investigate how the Targets boarded ART. Throughout, tension persists between SecUnit and ART, with ART attempting private communications and SecUnit refusing reconciliation while also becoming increasingly angry at ART's attempts at friendliness.