A month after they escape Luna, Darrow and the others are still running from Octavia, who had arrived at Mars first. Many of the Golds who had supported Darrow have pulled back and formed “alliances against [him]” believing that “[his] gain is their loss” (227). Augustus calls a meeting to discuss their circumstances, and Mustang arrives an hour late. Pliny believes they should flee for six months until another supportive fleet arrives. Darrow argues power is all that matters—they need to demonstrate their power to gain support. They need a cause to provide motive for others to rebel. He suggests they attack commerce-based colonies and scare them into supporting Augustus. Darrow plans to start with Ganymede, which has a powerful weapon called a moonBreaker.

Pliny warns that invading Ganymede will result in war against the Society, but Augustus asks Darrow to continue explaining his plan. Darrow suggests they attack the training facilities, so they can hold the students for ransom. Mustang calls Darrow insane, and Augustus lashes out at her for acting childish, but admires the way she defends herself against Pliny’s insults. Mustang supports Darrow, saying Octavia will kill them if they attempt a peace agreement. Augustus agrees and orders a supporter to lead Octavia’s fleet on a chase while he attacks Ganymede.