Leeta goes down several levels to the more habitable section of Tarsus Tower, to look for her friend Naoko. The older slave is found in the kitchen, and refuses Leeta's offer of food, saying that the cubs, or the fiery slave herself could use it more, and that she has already eaten. Discussing the whereabouts of the cubs, Leeta is told that boy hasn't been seen all day, and the girl is with Rhys. Worrying that the male cub might have fallen off the island, the fire-haired savanite decides to check first with the priesthood candidate.
Rhys is found on the 5th floor, asleep on a book with the girl cub playing nearby. Leeta's sharp ears alert her to an unusual sound – which turns out to be a nozzle drilling through the wall. Acting quickly, she barks, signing for the cub to run while she drags the half-awake Rhys from his seat. Heartbeats later, that very spot is doused with steam. Terrified, the human and two slaves retreat to a safe room. There, Rhys first blames Leeta, then calms down. She manages to ask him a few questions, and give some warnings, despite his inability to understand sign. Leeta leaves, getting guards and Technopriests to take care of him, while she goes to check on her own candidate.