Chapter 10

Murderbot and Farai reach the safehouse in an unaffiliated station zone to retrieve Leonide's family, but discover hostile forces have already arrived and killed three of the five targets. Two juveniles remain alive, held by the hostiles. After consulting Farai, Murderbot devises a risky plan to extract them using a concealed exit the hostiles appear unaware of.

Murderbot and Farai enter a modest station zone with mixed habitation and commercial structures. Most shops are closed despite day-shift hours, and Murderbot detects multiple rogue SecUnit warnings in the feeds. Naja and Sofi separate from them to wait at a transport center, taking one of Murderbot's intel drones. As Murderbot and Farai walk toward their destination, Farai expresses guilt about how her family treated Murderbot and explains her need to better understand Ayda's work. Murderbot struggles with the emotional response but says little in return. Upon reaching the target building—a circular structure with offices, storage, and temporary housing—Murderbot releases scout drones into the lobby. While Farai provides cover by asking the tech repair attendant questions, Murderbot sends drones up to the safehouse level. The drone detects a feedwall like the previous safehouse, and uses a delivery drone to get inside when a male resident opens the door. Inside, Murderbot discovers three dead humans wrapped in forensic bags and two living juveniles huddled on a bunk. Three of Leonide's five family members are missing or unaccounted for; the hostiles are present and armed. When Murderbot shows Farai the abridged drone footage, she reacts with horror and rage but quickly considers strategy. Murderbot reveals it has a plan involving a concealed exit the hostiles may not know about. Farai, recognizing the danger and understanding it will reveal their presence, agrees to proceed after Murderbot clarifies the decision is hers.