Twenty-Six

Rickar travels through asymmetric space to a new system where the Carryx fleet launches a coordinated attack on a populated alien world. As the battle unfolds on the tactical display, Rickar and Dervan witness the systematic destruction of cities on the planet below, forcing them to confront the horrific reality of what the Carryx truly are.

The chapter opens with Rickar arriving at his destination after a brief passage through asymmetric space with the Carryx. The prisoner population in the common room has diminished, and Dervan, a Gallantist missionary, gravitates toward Rickar for companionship. She shares information gleaned from a Soft Lothark: the Carryx are approaching a planet much faster than they did for Anjiin, and they are not staying hidden—they want their enemy to know they're coming. The narrative then shifts to the Carryx subjugator-librarian's perspective as it strategically divides its dactyl force, leaving a minor contingent behind and directing the main fleet toward the Jurupe system, an inhabited world unknown to the deathless enemy. The Carryx anticipate this will draw enemy forces away from their disabled ship. As the fleet approaches the planet and deploys field weapons without stealth, they successfully lure the enemy fleet into battle. Back with Rickar, he has figured out how to manipulate Vaudai's display screen by identifying dim dots as controls. As combat begins, both Rickar and Dervan witness the planet on the tactical display, marveling at its beauty and the glowing cities that cover its night side. Rickar imagines the billions of inhabitants below. As the battle progresses, a devastating aurora-like effect spreads across the planet's night side—the Carryx's bombardment creating a spreading wave of destruction and fire. The city lights transform into the dull red glow of fire through smoke as the killing aurora expands across the land. Dervan, horrified and making anguished sounds, tries to stop the display while Rickar watches helplessly. The chapter ends with Rickar acknowledging that he had forced himself to forget what the Carryx truly are, and witnessing this genocide has shattered that self-imposed amnesia.