Six

The chapter opens with Dafyd being interrogated by security forces about his inquiries into Samar Austad, who has been found dead. After his release, he learns that alien objects have appeared in the solar system—seventeen city-sized structures descending toward Anjiin—which overshadows both Austad's death and the workgroup's academic concerns. The chapter cuts between several perspectives as the news breaks: Rickar at a café learning of the arrival, an older couple (Nöl and Synnia) watching the objects release spore-like particles toward the planet, and finally Dafyd and his colleagues at the research complex, where tensions flare as Tonner attempts to leverage the chaos. The chapter ends with Dafyd and Else alone in her quarters, sharing a kiss, when alarms suddenly sound.

Dafyd undergoes questioning by security forces about his inquiries into Samar Austad, whom he had never met but was investigating in connection with a proposal affecting his research workgroup. The interrogator uses psychological tactics to try to elicit incriminating statements, but Dafyd maintains that he knows nothing of Austad's death. After five hours in custody, a woman security officer releases him. His aunt picks him up outside the security building in a transport, dismissing him before reaching their destination and cryptically warning him that news is about to break. Dafyd learns from her that Austad's death will kill the academy's proposal but damage has already been done to the workgroup's position.

Meanwhile, Rickar Daumatin, an exile from Dyan Academy living in Irvian, meets with colleagues at a café. Initially discussing Austad's death as career-ending for himself, he discovers alerts on his system revealing that seventeen massive objects have appeared in the solar system. Scientists like Llaren Morse describe detecting matter within a lensing effect and note the objects resemble city-sized machines with crystalline formations. The revelation shifts from academic gossip to existential concern.

Nöl and Synnia, a couple at home, watch live feeds of the seventeen objects. Synnia observes them maneuvering and releasing what appears to be spore-like particles traveling toward Anjiin. Nöl tries to comfort her but shares her dread, wishing to return to their planned gardening rather than witness this alien phenomenon.

Back at the research complex, Tonner summons the workgroup, but most members ignore the call, distracted by the unfolding crisis. Only Campar and Else attend initially. Tonner suggests using the chaos as an opportunity to secure control of the workgroup, but Else discovers that the authorities are censoring the live feeds of the alien objects. She proposes moving to her underground rooms to observe independently with a telescope. Tonner, hurt by her assumption that others should help rather than him, reluctantly agrees. Dafyd accompanies Else instead.

In Else's sparse basement quarters, Dafyd and Else discuss the workgroup's future prospects and Tonner's stress responses. Dafyd attempts to confess his feelings for Else, stammering through an awkward preamble before they kiss. As they embrace, deep rumbling and flickering lights suggest the alien objects are causing immediate physical effects on the planet, and alarms begin to sound.