command-transition

The chapter details an intense emergency debriefing aboard the Peregrine following a disastrous drop mission where key helmet recorders were recovered except for Mark's missing helmet. The team analyzes the limited data to piece together the fate of Norwood, Tonkin, and the location of a critical cryo-chamber, while grappling with the psychological and strategic fallout of the mission. Leadership changes occur as Captain Thorne is relieved of command, and the group prepares for the next phase involving a hostage negotiation with House Bharaputra.