In this chapter, we learn that Hirohito has been saved from his death by the power of the metabotton's energy source, which will enable him to resume his command of the ship. He also tells us that he has included his personal data in the program so that he can continue to serve as the most powerful man in the galaxy. He asks that he be allowed to continue his service to the ship, but he knows that he will not be able to do so in time to save the ship from the swarms of machines that have been trying to attach themselves to it.