Karal remains loyal to Marco's cause but protects Naomi from a crewman's violence and quietly urges her to survive by yielding.
Karal serves as part of Naomi's guarded life aboard the Pella, where he has helped conceal Marco's old network and observed the attack preparations. After Naomi's broadcast brings tighter confinement, he restrains Miral when the younger man attacks her in the medical bay, making clear that Marco may punish her but Miral will not.
Alone with Naomi, Karal admits he opposed bringing her into the operation because reopening the old wound was dangerous. Still, he believes the Free Navy is making history and advises her to live by becoming small, trusting that Holden may avoid the trap. His kindness does not free her; it shows the painful human loyalty that keeps her imprisoned.
An older Belter man with a weathered, broad presence, seen in practical shipboard clothes; his face and manner have become tired with the weight of the operation.
Karal is an old member of Marco's circle whose personal concern for Naomi remains subordinate to the revolution he has chosen.