Thirteen

The librarian escorts Rickar and his fellow survivors from Anjiin through the Carryx vessel to a laboratory chamber, where they are shown two alien organisms they must make compatible as a test of their usefulness. Rickar struggles with trauma and grief as the research team embraces the project with determination, while tensions surface regarding Synnia's refusal to participate and Tonner's distrust of Rickar.

The group walks through the Carryx vessel's vast corridors and enters a cathedral-like public space filled with various alien species. The librarian leads them to a research alcove containing salvaged equipment from the Irvian Research Complex on Anjiin. Inside, they are shown two specimens in transparent cages: red orb-like organisms and a blue iridescent creature resembling a wounded turtle. The librarian explains these come from different planets and that the team must make the first organisms nourishing for the second—their test of usefulness. When Dafyd questions what happens if they fail, the librarian states coldly that "usefulness is survival." The group returns to their quarters, where Rickar discovers Synnia has refused to participate in the project. The team gathers to discuss strategy, with Tonner rallying them with confident leadership and organizing work shifts in pairs. Rickar offers to work as support, but Tonner bluntly refuses to trust him, telling him to stay in his room. Rickar is left isolated from the group despite his relief at seeing his colleagues alive.