Chapter Fifty-Nine: Showdown

Howard confronts his assassins on the beach and prepares for incoming dragon refugees. Alexander betrays his promise, imprisons Bridget, and orders her wing primaries cut as punishment for Howard's continued existence. Howard returns from the dead a second time, defeats Alexander's soldiers with a cargo drone, and rescues Bridget before escaping.

Howard lands dramatically on the beach where his military escort awaits, quickly identifying Gerrard as the one who struck the killing blow. Rather than retaliate, Howard focuses on preparations for the incoming wave of dragon refugees fleeing the destruction of their civilization. He explains to Gerrard that he cannot stay dead, cryptically referencing a scar on his chest. The first wave of exhausted civilians arrives and Howard ensures they are fed and rested by the fires. While coordinating via message with Bridget at the royal flotilla, Howard learns that Alexander has surrounded her with soldiers and delivered an ultimatum: Bridget must join the permanent records team and abandon Howard, whom Alexander claims is now dead. When Bridget refuses, Alexander orders her wing primaries cut with machetes, effectively grounding her for twenty-four hours. Enraged, Howard commandeers a standby cargo drone and launches toward the flotilla in a ballistic arc. He drops from the drone and lands directly over Alexander's position, shocking everyone present. When Alexander's soldiers move to defend him, the cargo drone lands on them, subduing them without lethal force and causing the remaining soldiers to scatter. Howard delivers a brief speech acknowledging Alexander's success with the migration but condemning his tyranny. Bridget makes her escape to the cargo drone with Howard, and they launch straight up with camouflage engaged, heading home.