Brishen is "invited" to the Temple, to a meeting with the Captain-Astromancer Tahir Archelaus the First, attended by Arch Inquisitor Esther yod Rahab. Esther repeats her findings in the presence of Brishen and the Captain-Astromancer. The Captain-Astromancer hands Brishen some papers to sign – papers that indicate her resignation from her post as Ashdod's ambassador to Rephidim. Brishen signs the papers, but refuses the two gold shekels that Tahir offers to give back to her to cover expenses.