Convergence

Traq struggles with his new abilities as the implant takes effect. Vivian learns the Republic is closing in on Jayson and infiltrates through drainage tunnels and rooftops to evade a Republic tactical sweep, reaching Jayson's safehouse. She warns him and they form an alliance.

Jim stands in the observation bay processing the cost: 209 dead across four ships. Elizabeth confronts her conflicted feelings about her father's defeat. Oliver finds Jim and they reflect on what they've become. Maven's economic disruption on Regamon begins.

The Consortium's opening salvo devastates Infinity. Jim executes a close-range maneuver inside the battleship's broadside arc. The escort Windlass is destroyed with 61 crew. Maven watches from Silvent Academy, timing economic disruption on Regamon.

Jim's fleet approaches Carthage Gap outnumbered 212 to 300. He devises a flanking maneuver through the civilian Verity Corridor, emerging behind Hektor's defensive crescent. The formation disintegrates as Jim forces an engagement, losing the escort Gundersen in the opening minutes.

Jayson makes first contact with Vera Marsten, a customs official, establishing Maven's intelligence network on Regamon. Abdullah arrives for diplomatic mission, experiencing Regamon's heavy gravity, twin-sun light, jungle-pressed marble city, and regamon bark spice.

Multiple POVs converging on Regamon. Jayson and Bret cross border checkpoint; Bret's personal motivation revealed (mother's illness). Abdullah gets diplomatic promotion from Grove. Vivian gets Traq's implant surgery on Terminus. Jim commits fleet to Maven's cause.

Vivian contacts Argus Wade at the Ministry to request an illegal implant for Traq. Wade resists, revealing that no one actually understands how the implants work, and that the Ordo Mens Rea was originally a heretical cult absorbed by the Ministry eight centuries ago.

Vivian escapes Eldun with Traq. Maven handles compromised operative crisis, choosing mission over personal promise. Jim receives Maven alliance proposal via Elizabeth Menschen.

Jayson and Bret encounter a massive Wyrm (40+ meters) after killing a smaller one. They flee through the facility, the creature burning through walls with acid. They reunite with Richard and Tricia, find an abandoned military vehicle with a heavy gun outside the dome.