Gideon chafes at the reality that he must pretend to be in love with Rune while onboard the Arcadia to keep up their ruse. While Rune has always enthralled him, Gideon resolved to resist her charm and to hand her over to the Commander when they arrive at the Republic, proving his loyalty. While exploring the ship, Gideon overhears the officers who questioned him and Rune talking. They state that if Rune is on the Arcadia, she won’t simply be arrested; the spy will have orders to execute her on sight. Gideon remembers Harrow’s telegram, informing him that the Commander sent a new person to complete the assassination job. Gideon worries that a spy is onboard the ship, searching for Rune.

When Gideon doesn’t return by sundown, Rune finds a place to dine. A friendly young man approaches her, asking why she’s dining alone. Rune claims that her husband is seasick, but Gideon arrives just as the stranger offers to keep Rune company. Gideon brusquely dismisses the man before joining Rune. When he reveals that he couldn’t find another cabin, she jokes that she’s surprised he didn’t jump overboard because it might be less daunting than sharing a bed with her.