Lochinvar, along with some of his Vartan friends, are having a drink in the Three Thieves Inn, while being questionned by Aaron. The Lapi is interested in any news of his friend Brishen, last seen at the docks during the Babelite attack. The Vartans and (to a lesser degree) the Heyoke are unwilling to tell this 'inquisitor' too much. Lochinvar leaves his group to join in on some gambling. At this time Kensington St. Germaine arrives, and soon after two Savanites do as well.
One of the Savanites acts distinctly un-slavelike, prompting a fight which trashes the bar. The heads are knocked off the wall, tables are broken, Aaron hides, while Kensington demonstrates his finness with his sabers and Lochinvar employs simple brutality. The fight ends with few combatants standing.
Sasta arrives, having missed the fun, and gets to know the victors. The Lapi and Korv vie for her attention, and Lochinvar gives up and leaves. Sasta enlists Aaron's help to find Chiri, and agrees to meet Kensington later to look for work. She also jilts a Titanian in the process.