Graveyard of Empires

When morning came Quinton prepared them a meal of *dahri*—a thick porridge of ground grain stretched with vitamin supplements, the staple of every Mali household—and a loaf of stale bread.

Miranda Cross visits Abdullah in the brig, attempting to convince him to apologize to Captain Grove to save his life. Abdullah refuses, revealing that Grove is planning genocide on Tellus—bombing 13 billion people.

Multiple POV showing galaxy response: Vashar freed and given command of deployment, Traq oversees protocol deployment to 43K Vanguards, Oliver handles security, Corinne brings corroborating alien tech data. Entity fleet confirmed 48 hours out.

Cassius receives Emperor's order to deploy Hammers against Novum survivors. Helena challenges him about his father's legacy of declassification petitions. Cassius descends to authorize the Hammer deployment, then watches the transport leave while reflecting on three generations of cover-up.

Jayson team enters Wyrm facility, encounters creatures, nearly dies. Rescued by Tricia and Richard. New: Alaina interlude on Tellus shows father gone to war, rationing worsening, 9-year-old shouldering adult burdens.

On Daer, Traq drowns in alcohol at the Petticoat bar, unable to process his trauma. Myra, a compassionate serving girl, offers him shelter and comfort. When Myra develops romantic feelings, Traq flees to protect her.

Traq returns to Haven and contacts Maven and Gaius via encrypted channels. He presents the cognitive defense protocol and negotiates a ceasefire, joint deployment, and Admiral Vashar's release. The unprecedented Empire-Union alliance forms to face the entity together.

*** Sector 4 — Mali Orbital Station *** Dr. Alonso Quentin The jump had burned out half their systems. Alonso nursed the dying transport into Mali's orbital traffic pattern, praying the ancient ship would hold together long enough to dock.

Abdullah eats with enlisted men, discusses deployment with Eddie. Eddie advises execution for the rape trial. Abigail and Jamir visit with food and warmth. Jamir guides Abdullah through Socratic questioning to understand his subconscious decision.