In prison, Patch eats a grim meal in the hall while inmates around him carry on with their routines. The poor food has become the basis of a class action suit led by Larry Medeau, and Cooper is even taking bets on how quickly a judge will throw it out, which underscores how entrenched and cynical prison life has become.

Tug sits with Patch and mentions that Dr. Tooms is going to be executed, asking whether Patch sees him when he goes to the library. Patch does not answer. Tug then quietly alerts Patch to two Brand-affiliated inmates nearby, recognizing that they have come because of an old slight that Patch once dealt them and warning that they do not forget.

As the other men around them get up and leave, Tug explains that the attackers are likely younger inmates trying to prove themselves within the gang structure. Patch asks whether they would really attack him here, and Tug confirms it. When Tug asks whether it is too late for Patch to do what they had demanded of him, Patch says it is, making clear that any chance of avoiding the confrontation has passed.

Once Tug leaves, the two inmates approach. Patch notices one is very young and frightened, which emphasizes that the violence is ritual as much as personal. He quickly weighs his choices and realizes that running would only delay the inevitable while costing him what remains of his identity.

Thinking of the fierce, combative boy he once was and of the blood that same defiance may have passed on to his daughter, Patch rejects submission. When the younger inmate pulls out a sap and the larger man raises his fist, Patch takes a breath, grabs his tray, and swings first.