After Nicky Wilholm lets go of Kalisha Benson’s and George’s hands, the group’s generated power drops only slightly because the Ward A children, clustered behind the door, provide most of the psychic energy. Nick observes that diminished cognition increases telepathy and telekinesis, and Avery Dixon agrees that the Ward A children function as the battery. The core group experiences clear heads and no pain as they ride a shared psychic hum.

Nicky searches the unconscious caretakers who had Tased themselves and finds an orange key card. He passes it to Kalisha, who gives it to Avery. Avery uses the card to open Ward A. Inside, the residents—dirty, underdressed, drooling, and dazed—shuffle together; Petey Littlejohn bangs his head and vocalizes repetitively. Avery recognizes that most of the Ward A children, and possibly Iris, are beyond recovery.

George notes that the rest of the cooperative group might still have a chance. Kalisha, acknowledging the cruelty but necessity, decides they must use the Ward A children’s power. Katie asks what they should do next; after a brief pause, Avery proposes going to Front Half to gather the other kids and get out.

Helen questions where they will go, but an alarm starts whooping throughout the facility. Ignoring it, Nicky says they will worry about destination later and urges the group to exact payback and cause damage first. No one objects, and the eleven original rebels join hands again and move toward the Back Half lounge and elevator lobby.

The Ward A residents follow in a zombie-like shuffle, apparently drawn to the thinking children’s pull. The group’s hum subsides to a drone but persists as they advance. Avery reaches out telepathically for Luke Ellis, hoping Luke is far away—safe, even if unable to help—because Avery believes the Institute staff will do anything to prevent their escape and that many of them may die.