Chapter 9 opens with a report about Fifteen Engine’s alleged connection to the Odile insurrection and a report on an alien civilization that lies on the other side of Lsel Station. The Empire declares war. As Mahit, Three Seagrass, and Nineteen Adze discuss the developing war, Mahit worries about Lsel Station. The Empire wants to annex the alien civilizations that stretch past the space station, including those populated by the Ebrekti. After Nineteen Adze leaves the room, Mahit and Three Seagrass discuss Yskandr’s unknown deal—which they assume was a promise of safety for Lsel Station. Knowing Nineteen Adze tracks her activities, Mahit sends two messages to the Lsel Station council, using encryption to warn them. She uses Three Seagrass’s cloudhook to send messages, one telling Twelve Azalea to retrieve the imago device from Yskandr’s corpse.

Later that day, Mahit sees three pieces of mail—and as she reaches for them, she discovers someone left xauitl, a poisonous flower, at the bottom of the mail container. She starts to sniff the flower when Nineteen Adze stops her, rushing her to the bathroom. Nineteen Adze uses mineral oil to clean the deadly toxins on Mahit’s hand.