Wren returns to Hamlett, noting how small and diminished it feels after her time in Silver Block. Outside the controller station, Captain Cross Redden and Xavier Ford confer privately, then Cross questions Wren about Griff Archer, the pub owner and father of Wren’s best friend, Tana. Cross explains that Griff and Tana evaded surveillance in Ward Z, were stopped in Ward S where Griff tried to run down two Copper soldiers, and were brought back to Hamlett for questioning. Command believes they escaped using a tunnel that has eluded searches, including thermal flyovers.

Wren deduces the tunnel’s steel reinforcement hid it from thermal imaging and feels guilty, assuming her prior warning to Tana about Silver presence prompted their escape attempt. She asks after Tana and learns Tana is being held at the inn with Anson Booth as sentry, which alarms Wren. Inside, Controller Fletcher greets Wren warmly, revealing the village worried about her and that prior comms to her went unanswered, likely intercepted by Command. In a briefing, Hadley and Tyler report Griff refuses to reveal the tunnel’s location and has shown no ability use; they have kept his and Tana’s arms uncovered to monitor for silverblood signs.

Wren asks to interrogate Griff, arguing her long relationship might persuade him. Cross initially refuses and suggests using Tana as leverage; Xavier adds that both prisoners will go to the Tribunal. Wren presses for a deal to spare their lives if Griff gives up the tunnel. Despite Hadley’s reminder that aiding the enemy is treason punishable by death, Wren persists, citing labor sentences as alternatives and needling Hadley about his Aberrant mother. Cross reluctantly agrees to consult the General about a deal.

Wren then interviews Griff in an observation-monitored room. Griff is unrestrained and shirtless to expose his arms; Wren notes he is not Modified but Command does not know that. She reassures him Tana is at the inn and appears unharmed, and openly takes his hand, despite surveillance. Wren tells Griff it is over, warning that Command will find the tunnel. She says Cross authorized a deal: if Griff provides the tunnel location and details of Uprising operations in Hamlett and Ward Z, he and Tana will be spared execution and sent to labor instead.

Griff doubts the promise and balks at condemning Tana to a lifetime of labor, but Wren stresses that labor offers life, while the Tribunal favors the firing squad. She presses that talking is the only way to protect Tana, whom Griff knows to be Modified. As Wren pushes for a decision, Tana abruptly forces a telepathic link into Wren’s mind—unexpectedly and urgently—calling Wren’s name and pleading, “I need you,” startling Wren mid-interrogation.