Convergence

Vivian and Traq arrive on war-torn Eldun, notice General Coley's son in Union uniform. She encounters and defeats three Briden's Ward scouts. Reflects on Ministry surveillance danger and the converging threads: Maven Ophidian's intelligence network, Admiral Crater's fleet, Denigen's Fist...

Jayson and team receive mission briefing from Alexander at Academy, then camp in wilderness preparing. Richard shares intel about Captain Grove executing 2000 on Daer and her redeployment to Sector Two where they're heading, creating urgency.

Abdullah eats with enlisted men, discusses Regamon deployment with Eddie. Eddie mentions intelligence briefs about Union spymaster Maven Ophidian and Kingdom Admiral Crater. A rape is reported; Abdullah sends victim to medical and accused to brig.

Maven argues with Darius and Alyssa about rebellion strategy. Plans Regamon infiltration via Silvent Academy recruits. Wager set: recruits survive Alderson facility or fleet attacks Jaril.

Jim goes to the Blue Daisy bar to drink and sulk. Hektor Menschen confronts him there, mocking and threatening, giving Jim one week before his Admiralty is revoked. Hektor mentions Jim was invited to the Cortet banquet.

Vivian trains 7-year-old Traq Lane in survival skills, having him endure four nights in freezing cold. She has a video call with Argus Wade, who fears for his daughter Abigail as Denigen's Fist returns to Core.

Jim and Oliver review applications on the Cudgel. Expanded flashbacks dramatize their month in Royal prison, the betrayal by men in suits who hollowed out Jim Admiralty, and Hektor systematic resource starvation. Oliver leaves for Cortet party.

Jim reads the casualty list of 347 dead from the Meridian battle while his fleet consolidates in Republic space. Maven tracks the results of her 19 simultaneous operations across the galaxy. Republic forces fragment without Order support. Darius contacts Jim about preliminary peace overtures.

Jayson tests a prototype armor suit at the Academy under Alexander Robertson's supervision. Maven arrives, shoots Jayson twice to test the armor's durability, demonstrating both the suit's capabilities and her ruthless pragmatism. The armor survives a pistol round but barely stops a rifle shot.