Cross briefs the team aboard two experimental three-seat B-8 bombers after Command detects an erratic solo fighter that crashes near a decommissioned weapons depot. Cross rides with Wren and Xavier; the second B-8 carries Kaine, Tyler (Dixie), and Jones. On arrival, teams split to secure the depot and investigate the crash, with Wren covering Cross and Xavier at the wreckage.

Tyler reports a blood trail leading into the depot, but before anyone can regroup, an explosion hits the main building and comms cut out. As Wren, Cross, and Xavier rush in, a much larger second blast—a sugar bomb—obliterates the depot. Cross restrains both Wren and Xavier from charging the inferno; he declares survival impossible. Static briefly returns on comms, deepening unease.

Wren notices an engine roar overhead and, at the airfield, the trio discovers one B-8 is missing. They realize the crashed fighter was a decoy to draw them off while the Uprising sprung the trap, killed the responding team, and stole the advanced bomber. Cross notes onboard cameras were likely disabled. Grief overwhelms Xavier, and Cross silently orders him to check the perimeter.

With Xavier out of earshot, Cross telepathically asks Wren if she knew of the plan. Wren denies any knowledge and insists she would never have led Kaine into an ambush. Cross remains doubtful and angry; Wren, hurt, goes to help secure the area.

Two days later, empty casket funerals are held for Tyler Struck, Kaine Sutler, and Noah Jones. Wren openly grieves Kaine, while Xavier stands stoic for Tyler. Noah’s father, wealthy Wexton Jones, attends and is visibly distraught, unlike the absent General. Cross performs the flag-slashing ritual and dismisses the formation.

Wren tries to reach Cross but is rebuffed; he has ignored her messages and their Wolf/Daisy link since the incident. She recalls confronting Adrienne, who confirms nothing but implies the Uprising intentionally kept Wren uninformed to preserve her sincere reactions, and hints at future plans tied to the Jubilee.

Wren follows Cross toward his office and overhears a heated confrontation between Cross and Colonel Travis Redden. Travis blames Cross for the ambush and the political fallout with Wexton Jones; Cross counters that Intelligence failed and cynically states the General will never cede power. Travis orders Cross to find the plane and the thieves. After more crashes from within Cross’s office, Wren decides it is not the time to talk and resolves to do something else first.