On Tarsus, Leeta's duties are much like her Rephidim ones. Her routine is interupted because everyone's assistance is required to land the supply ship. On the way there she and Tahir discuss some of the devices they have encountered. The older cub has also taken a liking to the red-maned Savanite, as well as Rhys. Before the airship docks however, it explodes, and the inhabitants of Tarsus island are faced with a drastic food shortage. Rhys immediately suggests starving, then eating the slaves. Tahir, on Leeta's prompting, offers an alternate solution that depends on getting a food reclamation system repaired. The two candidates argue while the Savanite directs Tahir to let her and the other slaves starve, then goes inside.

Meeting later in the elevator, Leeta, Tahir and the cub go to the higher levels of Tarsus tower. After getting past the difficulties of the lift, and the stairs, they search for the necessary parts in one of the restricted storage rooms. In the process, Leeta finds one of the ancient Speaker Devices of the Silent Ones. She sets it aside for later, and eventually she and Tahir locate the parts for the other device. Then they get to work, trying to make light of the bad situation.