Jessyn and Synnia ask Tonner’s lab group whether they can pursue Urrys Ostencour’s proposal to develop a bioweapon-style attack against the Carryx. Campar and Else argue that open resistance is effectively suicide, while Rickar and Synnia insist that waiting for a “safe” moment means accepting permanent servitude. Tonner pushes the discussion from ideology to feasibility, admitting that a direct weapon is unlikely without biological samples, but arguing they can at least begin basic research on Carryx physiology and capabilities.

Before they can settle on a response, the Carryx librarian arrives and orders the entire group to come along, offering no explanation beyond “an alteration.” Expecting execution, Rickar grips a crowbar and Tonner takes a kitchen knife; the group follows through the common area and notes the absence of soldiers, while other subject species gather to watch from a distance.

The librarian leads them to the former Night Drinker alcove, now scrubbed of all traces of the species and outfitted as a functioning lab. It presents two organisms from different “subject worlds” (the “berries” and the three-legged turtle-like animal) and commands the humans to make the first nourishing for the second. Dafyd confirms this is the Night Drinkers’ old space, and the librarian tells them they have “earned access” to the dead species’ resources, implying usefulness determines survival and privileges.

After the librarian leaves, the humans take stock of the upgraded equipment and debate what it means. Rickar hopes the new location reduces security risks, while Jessyn warns that new predators could appear at any time. Synnia interprets the timing as a “sign” that Ostencour’s resistance plan is right, while Tonner focuses on practical steps: inventory, calibration, and the crushing workload now facing them if they also pursue clandestine weapons research. Dafyd and Campar stay to catalog and calibrate; Jessyn and Rickar stand guard; Else and Synnia return to keep ongoing assays running.

Later, Dafyd visits Ostencour in his quarters to talk rather than deliver an official answer. Dafyd argues the Carryx projects are meant to test and domesticate subject species, and he fears rebellion could prove humans “undomesticable” and trigger mass punishment, possibly even against Anjiin. Ostencour agrees the Carryx are domesticating them but insists submission cannot control the Carryx, calls Dafyd’s hope a grief-driven mistake, and argues humans inevitably fight back; since defeat is certain, Ostencour wants to use the limited time before the Carryx realize that to inflict as much damage as possible.