Chapter 2, The Neutronium Alchemist: Conflict Summary

Chapter 2 moves quickly from one place and character to another, reminding the reader of where all the main characters are, what they are doing, and what problems now face them. Using antimatter weapons, Capone has managed to score a victory at Arnstadt. The planet now belongs to the Organization. He then sends half the fleet against the surrounding asteroid settlements. Capone's actions cause panic in the Confederation. Admiral Aleksandrovich tries to reason with the people that Capone is too strong to go up against yet.

On the ship Villeneuve's Revenge, Captain Duchamp and his crew are told that they will be doing escort duty for Capone's cargo ships. Duchamp tells his crew that he plans to jump away once they have information on Capone to take to the Confederation. This plan is shattered when the...