Nine

In the aftermath of Anjiin's five-day invasion, Dafyd lies prone in a plaza with hundreds of other captured civilians under alien guard. When human security forces attempt a rescue, they are quickly slaughtered by the invaders. Dafyd is then separated from the general prisoner population and selected by a Sinen alien, who escorts him to a ship where he reunites with Campar and discovers other notable scientists have also been collected.

Dafyd spends five days lying face-down in a plaza alongside hundreds of other captives following the alien invasion of Anjiin. He observes the invaders—Rak-hund, Soft Lothark, and massive Carryx—and deduces from their prefabricated fencing that they had advance knowledge of Anjiin's inhabitants. Earlier, four team members (Dafyd, Else, Tonner, and Irinna) had hidden in Else's rooms, but were discovered and taken to a holding corral in a quarry west of the city. Dafyd was then transported to the plaza where he endures physical discomfort and psychological torment. When Irvian Security Service forces arrive with transports and attempt to confront the aliens, a brief but devastating battle ensues. The security team is annihilated by Rak-hund soldiers, flying swarms, and a Carryx that crushes a lone soldier with its massive forelegs. After the aliens reinforce their position, a Sinen creature summons Dafyd by name, informing him his assignment as research assistant has determined his place "within the moieties." The Sinen escorts him to a washroom, then through the ravaged city to a civilian landing pad where a bronze ship awaits. Inside the ship, Dafyd discovers a dozen other captives, including prominent scientists like Virem Tzobar and a poetry award winner. He reunites with Campar, who had been separated from the group during the invasion, and the two share a moment of relief amid their uncertainty about their destination.