Chapter 60

Carl finds Dong dying from Jefferson's curse in the safe room, with Bigs refusing to support him. After being called out by Bigs for his selfishness, Carl apologizes to Dong and commits to bringing him on the upcoming race to reunite him with Corcunda, his estranged lover who has been split in two. Carl encounters Porky—the other half of Corcunda—and leaves them to reconcile privately.

Carl enters the safe room to find Dong sobbing with Bigs on his head. Imani reports that Dong has approximately ninety minutes to live, as healing potions and blessings cannot reverse Jefferson's curse. Bigs confronts Carl for failing to kill Li Na and for keeping Dong away from his lover, invoking their sluggalo code of unity and family support. Carl acknowledges his failure and apologizes, explaining he has been afraid of the quest's outcome. He admits he made the wrong choice in trying to protect Dong by keeping him separated from his concerns. Carl commits to including Dong as one of three mercenaries during an upcoming race, allowing him to say goodbye to his lover. Dong reveals he has only ninety minutes or less to live and feels he cannot contribute while dying. Carl promises to ensure he gets to see his friend regardless. Carl reflects on his own mental deterioration, acknowledging he is slipping into darkness like Li Na and Lucia Mar. Dong shares why he fell in love with Corcunda: during a siege at the Desperado Club, Corcunda told him they could die together and that would be better than most people get. Samantha appears and makes inappropriate jokes before Carl removes her from the room. Carl then reveals Porky, the other half of the split Corcunda, has been standing behind him the entire time. Porky and Dong begin a tense reunion, with Porky touching the scarf Dong recognizes as his own. Carl leaves them to reconcile privately, departing with Samantha despite her protests about wanting to witness their interaction. Carl pauses to thank the cleaner bot for its service and future role in their plans.