Horza, still pretending to be Kraiklyn, tries to get Balveda off the ship by firing her from the crew. Culture agents attempt to capture the ship, and Horza claims that the nuclear fusion generators are breaking down, necessitating an immediate departure from the GSV. Balveda and a drone become trapped in the bay. Horza informs the CAT’s crew that their next stop is Schar’s World.

In an explosive escape, Horza blasts his way out of the GSV, causing significant damage and narrowly avoiding capture by port police when a bomb in Balveda’s luggage goes off. Balveda regains consciousness, reveals Horza’s identity, and discloses that she has known who he was since he set foot on The Ends of Invention. The crew, shocked by Horza’s deception and several near-death moments during their escape, learns that Horza’s true mission is to kidnap a Culture Mind on Schar’s World. Despite their doubts, the crew reluctantly agrees to proceed to Schar’s World.

Horza instructs some female crewmates to strip-search Balveda to ensure she has no concealed weapons. Afterward, Horza reflects on the Culture’s ruthlessness, feeling appalled and impressed.