In this chapter, we learn that the pirates have launched an attack on a counterfeit planet, and that the Emperor and Empress have appealed to the people of the colony for help. The pirates have been defeated, and the ship is ready to attack. The ship's commander, Baron von salza, tells us that not one pirate has survived the attack. Baron says that the Imperial Court is ungrateful for the victory. He says that he wishes he had been a man instead of a warrior. He vows to search the galaxy for a gift that will fulfill him.