Instead of immediately returning to Breq and Seivarden’s experiences on Nilt, Chapter 17 continues the story of One Esk Nineteen/Breq. After the destruction of the Justice of Toren and her linked bodies, she finds herself “on the fringes of a backwater, non-Radchaai system” (255). To meet the demanding Radchaai standards of space, people have extensively modified their bodies and are no longer human. One Esk/Breq discovers that these people now inhabit her. Living among these “silent, clannish, self-contained” people, Breq spends six months learning “how to walk and breathe and sleep and eat as [her]self” (256).

In her hospital room on Nilt, Breq tells Seivarden that their next destination is Omaugh Palace, one of the thirteen palaces of Anaander Mianaai, in hopes of granting an audience with the Lord of the Radch. As Seivarden left Radchaai space without permission, she will face legal complications on her return. Breq thinks she can gain access by appearing as a witness for Seivarden when the latter exercises her right to make a personal appeal to Anaander Mianaai.

However, Breq still questions Seivarden’s commitment. After leaving the hospital, she offers Seivarden money and tells her she can stay on in their rented room for another 10 days.