Mara Sov wrestles with regrets as she prepares to depart the Distributary and lead her fleet of starships back out of the pocket universe that kept her people hidden and safe for millennia. But, before her fleet can finish its final countdown, Sjur Eido reports to Mara that missiles from the Distributary are inbound!

Mara Sov reveals her biggest, darkest secret to former Queen Alis Li, and then asks for Alis' forgiveness. But Alis Li, who lead the Yang Liwei and the Awoken of the Distributary for poise and purpose does not accept Mara's apology. Instead, the furious former queen declares that she will do everything she can to separate Mara from their world and her immortality.