As Sevro moves to trigger mass bombings, Darrow activates a jamfield, forcing Sevro to flee down the hall to regain signal. Darrow gives chase, fires a warning shot that nearly hits Sevro, and they crash into a vicious close-quarters fight of punches, grappling, and low blows until both are battered and winded.

The violence breaks when Sevro suddenly sobs, revealing crushing fear, grief, and the pressure of leadership. Darrow steadies him and admits blame for the night Fitchner died and for letting things spiral. They agree they must speak hard truths to each other rather than harden into isolation and resentment.

Sevro explains how he first chose Darrow at the Institute and confesses feeling inadequate and angry at the weak, even among refugees. Darrow counters by exposing his own bitterness and complicated feelings about Eo—acknowledging she was brave but flawed, and admitting his fear of not being enough. They find solace imagining their dead watching from the Vale, briefly restoring trust and camaraderie.

Turning to the future, Darrow rejects aimless chaos and insists they cannot be like Quicksilver or the Jackal. He argues they must stop acting as terrorists, court allies such as Quicksilver, and build a real army before striking Octavia and the Jackal. Sevro accepts the shift, snaps the detonator in half, and yields to Darrow’s command.