Deep in the virtual world within the circuitry of the Melchior, Tasha squares off against her Titan's avatar as she's introduced to the machine's hand-to-hand style. It soon becomes apparent there's a considerable amount to learn – their weapons, the shaard, being a bladed device of multiple forms and styles. For an unknown amount of time Tasha does her best to learn Melchior's lessons, until Melchior reports her real body has spent enough of its resources in training and that she should disconnect. Before she leaves, Tasha repeats her promise to her Titan.

Outside, a disoriented and drained Tasha finds Blammo trying to get her attention. After meeting up with him, he shows her that power is being steadily lost from sections approaching their position, which Tasha guesses to be the work of the crystalline aliens. She decides on a course of defensive action, getting Blammo's help and suiting up in the environmental armor left behind before proceeding to the bridge to re-route resources to stop the aliens. Her efforts prove futile, however, as the bridge controls are beyond her ability to use, which necessitates her contacting the Bellerophon despite her reservations. Mariel answers, followed by Fred, both willing to help and glad she's okay. Fred directs her to confirm the alien incursion, and soon she and Blammo are heading deep in to the Imperial tunnels to do so.