Ekur compares the Carryx program of keeping species it finds useful and destroying those it doesn’t to a gardener pulling weeds. It argues that preservation is neither possible nor desirable. Rather, change is the nature of the universe, and every species must prove its utility with each change.

When Jessyn, Campar, and Rickar return to the destroyed lab to gather more equipment, the Night Drinkers attack again. Suddenly, something in Jessyn snaps, and her self-hatred shifts outward. She chases the Night Drinkers down the hallway with a makeshift crowbar. Stunned, Campar and Rickar follow.

They follow the Night Drinkers all the way back to their own home, a strange nest-like structure with a small hole to dive into. Jessyn calls out that she knows where they live now and leaves. Both teasing and serious, Campar calls Jessyn their “war leader” and says he would follow her into battle any time. She laughs as she realizes that this is the first time something has been afraid of humans since the Carryx attacked.

Dafyd continues to observe the Carryx. He visits Tkson again and asks for permission to visit so that he can learn more about the Carryx. He explains that by better understanding what the Carryx want, the humans have a better possibility of proving their usefulness.