Kouji is rescued, and his friends bind his wound as best they can. The Ryvius enters the normal-space ""bubble"", and discovers that strange, vaguely squid-like creatures dwell within. Scientific study is cut short when an enemy ship, the ""Gespenst"", is detected approaching the ""bubble"". Meanwhile, Criff Cay reluctantly agrees to help Kouji (she's the only one with medical training), and is able to use the equipment in Sickbay to remove all of the needles from Kouji's wound.

The Gespenst attacks the Ryvius, causing severe damage and about 20 deaths. The ""Squids"" attack the Gespenst, but it is somehow able to absorb their power. Ikumi orders a retreat, heading up and out of the Gedoult. Once the Ryvius reaches normal space, the bulk of the crew is evacuated to the Lift Ship, but about two dozen people are left behind, including Kouji and the people who've helped him.