Wren is left alone in an observation room for nearly three hours under camera surveillance. She maintains a frightened façade while attempting to link telepathically with Declan, who does not respond. She worries about Tana and Griff amid reports that soldiers are flooding her village.

Officer Xavier Ford and the silent senior soldier return with Jayde Valence. Jayde sits without asking questions and opens a forceful mental path into Wren’s mind. Drawing on childhood training from Julian Ash, Wren holds her physical reactions steady and runs a mental decoy, presenting a stream of innocent, anxious thoughts while keeping her true mind shielded. After a prolonged, wordless probe, Jayde stands, tells the others, “She’s clean. Do with her what you see fit,” and leaves.

Once the connection closes, Wren allows herself a moment of intense relief at having fooled Jayde. This triumph is cut by grief as she reflexively reaches for her lost link to Jim and wonders if Jim deliberately misled Jayde during his own interrogation to protect her. The silent soldier orders Ford to place Wren in “Stock C” until he is ready for her.

In a gray, cramped cell with a barred window, Wren processes the execution and her incitement of eight minds. She is revolted by the violation of autonomy yet consumed by a desire for vengeance against the firing squad. She finally receives a link from Tana, who confirms heavy military presence in Hamlett and widespread questioning about Jim and Wren. Tana relays that the network refuses to rescue Wren because she rejected the safe house plan; Wren cuts the link, stung and alone.

As night falls, the silent senior soldier enters the cell dressed in black and finally speaks, introducing himself as Captain Cross, captain of Silver Block. After terse barbs, he informs Wren that she will not be starved but is being kept “strong and healthy for the Program.” He concludes by stating that she is joining the Command and will start tomorrow, leaving Wren facing forced conscription.