Tony Stackhouse surveyed the devastation as Doug and Chad approached, stunned by the realization that the children had wielded enough power to levitate a building. Tim Jamieson arrived and questioned Stackhouse, who admitted he was unarmed and uncertain who had survived, believing Front Half's children were likely dead and that some Back Half staff might remain. Luke Ellis explained that the Ward A children had been in the access tunnel when Stackhouse attempted to gas them, but the tunnel collapsed first when Front Half rose.

Before Luke could confirm the fate of his friends, he sensed a call. Moments later, Kalisha Benson ran across the debris-strewn lawn toward him with Nicky, George, and Helen. Luke and the four embraced in relief, and a faint hum of psychic energy stirred rubble around them.

Stackhouse remarked that the children were still emitting psychic power and warned of its cumulative effects, citing the deterioration of Dr. Hallas and Dr. James into unstable states. Tim allowed the reunion to continue while keeping watch on Stackhouse, Doug, and Chad, who appeared too shocked to resist.

Tim wrestled aloud with what to do with the three surviving staff. Doug pleaded for mercy, claiming he had kept the children fed, but Tim cut him off and blamed the staff for the deaths. Stackhouse fell silent under Tim’s threat, his face betraying a fear that Tim might kill them.

Seeking to extract the remaining children without a long march to the nearby village, Tim demanded suggestions for transport. Stackhouse, distracted by the ruins, muttered about the disaster originating from one runaway boy. Tim forced his attention back, and when Stackhouse and Doug offered nothing, Chad Greenlee proposed an idea and asked if Tim would let him go in return. Tim took Chad’s name and said his freedom would depend on the quality of his plan.