Chor Tempest sorties one by one to search for a shadowy enemy, as the consequences of recent events hit home emotionally for many of its members. The enemy, meanwhile, is far from idle. A series of feints by enemy fighters manages to draw out four of Chor Tempest's six Simoun from the Messis in a futile attempt at a decisive engagement. Rimone manages to rouse Dominūra from her shock, but with only those two and Aer and Paraietta left to defend Messis, the enemy springs their trap.