Bassai oversees final preparations for the Winding Way, a Nagai Imperial-aligned ship crewed mostly by Rhians, as Fenter arrives with an unusual bit of "cargo" – Kame Ikata, also known as "Oilcloud", smuggled out of the Asylum. Ibis (slave of the Champion of Roses, and also father of Kaela and Leeta) arrives, accompanied by one of the Magenta Lancers. The ship shoves off, and Bassai takes the opportunity to discuss matters with Fenter and Kame in his quarters, while Tekki attends