Twenty-Nine

In a secret meeting, Tonner and his group debate whether to join Ostencour's proposal for resistance against the Carryx. When the librarian interrupts and leads them to a newly assigned alcove lab—the former quarters of the Night Drinkers—equipped with advanced scientific instruments, the debate gains new momentum. Later, Dafyd privately confronts Ostencour about the futility and danger of rebellion, but Ostencour argues that human resistance is inevitable regardless of the odds.

Tonner's group gathers in their lab as Jessyn and Synnia present Ostencour's proposal for armed resistance against the Carryx. Opinions divide sharply: Campar and Else argue it is suicide, while Rickar and Synnia insist they cannot accept permanent captivity. Tonner initially resists but begins to see potential in conducting biological research on the Carryx, starting with Dafyd gathering samples from the librarian. The debate is interrupted when the librarian arrives without soldiers, creating fear among the group. Instead of executions, it leads them to a newly assigned alcove containing the equipment and organisms from the dead Night Drinkers' lab, telling them they must adapt organisms from one world to nourish those from another. The group begins cataloging the advanced equipment—imaging decks, microscopes, protein libraries—while Synnia interprets the assignment as a sign supporting Ostencour's plan. Later, Dafyd visits Ostencour privately in his quarters. He challenges the resistance plan as futile, warning that failure could result in the Carryx destroying not only the humans in the prison but also Anjiin itself. Ostencour, remaining calm and centered, dismisses these concerns, arguing that human resistance is inevitable and that he merely wants to inflict damage before the inevitable loss. He reframes Dafyd's caution as grief-driven cowardice, insisting that some will rebel no matter what, and he intends to be prepared when they do.