SecUnit runs for ART’s control area while its code attack continues to degrade the hostile targetControlSystem and bring parts of the ship back online. In the quarters module, Amena, Arada, Thiago, and Overse move toward Medical, but SecUnit loses track of one intruder and is hit from behind by an energy blast that tears open its back. Using the attack to draw Target Four close, SecUnit kills him, takes his weapon, forces open the control hatch, and seals itself inside while Targets Five and Six try to break in.

Badly damaged and losing fluid, SecUnit searches ART’s systems for a hidden backup kernel, reasoning that ART may have concealed one in obscure storage. After failed searches and while Amena, Arada, and Thiago prepare outside the hatch, SecUnit realizes the backup is protected by the private feed name ART uses for it. The passcode works, SecUnit runs ART’s emergency restore code, and ART begins reloading across the ship.

As the control hatch opens during the reboot, Thiago distracts the remaining intruders with fire suppressant and Arada shoots one of them. SecUnit, collapsing but still armed, kills Target Six, and ART regains enough control to disable and kill Target Five through his helmet system. Amena reaches SecUnit, ART sends an emergency gurney, and before shutting down SecUnit accuses ART of causing the attack; ART replies that it sent the kidnappers to seize SecUnit, not the others.

SecUnit reboots in ART’s MedSystem and reviews what happened while it was unconscious. The humans learn that the safepod latched onto ART accidentally after their own systems failed, and that all of them need medical treatment from the escape and wormhole transit. ART avoids answering some direct questions, confirms the alien remnant detached when the hostile system was deleted, and opens polished holo links between Medical and control so everyone can speak together.

Once SecUnit is able to join the conversation, ART explains that it is in reinitialization mode, may not yet be able to maneuver, and refuses to leave the system until it recovers its crew. Under questioning from Arada, Overse, Thiago, Ratthi, and Amena, ART admits it deliberately located SecUnit through Preservation contacts, sent the gray intruders to abduct it, and accepted the risk that the attack could kill the Preservation team because it needed someone capable of killing the hostiles. ART says its crew were taken after a catastrophic event in the system and that its memory is still damaged, but its confession destroys trust; enraged by ART’s willingness to use everyone as bait, SecUnit walks away and shuts itself in the restroom.