Zarlish’s fleet continues attack on the already heavily damaged “Honest Old Man”, as if to make an example of it.  Miranda and Captain Kashmir can do nothing but watch.  But they are not allowed time for sentimentalities, as Zarlish moves to advance his attack on the anti-Tytania force headquarters on the Talhari Desert.  Meanwhile, the Balgash army tries to contact Zarlish in order to halt further unlawful attacks on their land, but to no avail.  The former Army of the Shooting Star leader Dolman offers himself as commander in response.  As his ground force is about to land, open battle breaks between the Balgash army, who steps in to stop Dolman, and Zarlish’s fleet.   …