After Faldio accuses Selvaria, Karl and Jaeger of staging the kidnapping, they come to realize that only the Gallian traitors and the Atlantic Federation gain by the abduction. Welkin proposes that they work together with the Imperial officers to rescue Alicia and Cordelia before they reach Atlantic Federation territory. With the Imperials acting as a distraction, the Gallians rescue Alicia and Princess Cordelia from Federation agents. Irene, who is in hiding, realizes that the disappearance of Cordelia is the apparent work of Borg and Federation Ambassador Townsend. Back in the palace, Cordelia, in a meeting with Faldio, Welkin, and Borg (unaware of his complicity) orders that news of her abduction kept secret from the Gallian media. Irene warns Alicia, Isara and Ramal of a deeper conspiracy at work.