company-cease-fire

In this chapter, Fleet captains, led by Signy Mallory, arrive at Pell Station and are summoned by Fleet commander Conrad Mazian for a private council. Mazian reveals that the war is effectively over due to a Company cease-fire directive and that the Fleet has lost control of Company territory except for Pell and the Hinder Stars. He challenges the captains to decide whether to obey the Company's orders or to hold Pell and resist Union's influence, emphasizing the strategic importance of Pell as a foothold in the conflict.