In ongoing shielding classes, Tyler Struck explains that mind reading requires sharing the same energy space, distinguishing it from telepathic links that, once formed in person, can be accessed across distance. Wren internally notes a childhood exception with Wolf but keeps silent. Amira arrives after each class to test mental shields; most recruits are acclimating except Bryce, who reacts with visible distaste. Wren battles the urge to link with Amira.

After dinner, Lyddie holds a group study for codes and installations, enlisting Kaine Sutler, Lash, and Betima. Wren admits to herself that poor test performance stems from both deliberate underperformance and difficulty with rote military data. The group discusses a Silver Block outpost at South Port and Tierra Fe, and Betima recounts being towed to port as a child after a storm, barred from setting foot on land.

Roe Redden joins, openly using stimulants and boasting about impunity due to his lineage. He speculates Tierra Fe might harbor remaining Aberrant biotoxin or collude with the Aberrant near the Blacklands. Lyddie challenges him and queries Nexus, which states the airborne biotoxin was destroyed after the Last War and the original lab in the Lost Continents was eliminated; Roe dismisses this. Debate turns political: Lash argues the Coup was necessary and supports continued neutralization of Aberrant, while Lyddie questions the morality of killings, citing Valterra Ridge and children among the dead. Lash shares his father’s history of being relegated to sanitation under Severn despite high ability, fueling his stance. Wren withdraws from the argument.

Alone later, Wren obsesses over Lash’s animus and resolves that she must escape Silver Block, though she lacks a plan. She contacts Tana telepathically, confessing despair and her belief that Captain Cross suspects her. Tana reports Polly has gone silent, Uprising operations have avoided Hamlett due to surveillance after Julian Ash’s execution, and she feels watched; they exchange reassurances before disconnecting.

In the lavatory, Wren changes and retrieves the dagger she stole after their first op. Anson Booth approaches, crowding her and taunting her interest, implying Roe is sadistic and claiming he wants to “watch [her] burn.” Wren grabs his arm, slams him into lockers, and presses the blade to his throat, warning him. Captain Cross Redden arrives, coolly assesses, and tells Wren to either slit Anson’s throat or release him, then dismisses Anson by name. Wren lowers the knife; Anson departs with a glare.

Cross questions the knife’s origin; Wren admits she stole it. After a tense exchange, Cross unexpectedly hands the dagger back, instructing Wren to keep it in her locker and use it only if Anson returns. He notes that the next day is a pit night and pointedly suggests she attend, then leaves, leaving Wren unsettled by his permissiveness and unreadable motives.