After Layth and Gabriel manage to clam Tasha over the revelation about Vartan ancestry, the three proceed to head for the top hull in order to locate a appropriate position to setup their radio receiver. To their surprise, a vast sea of crystalline flowers making a slow march across the hull, a march that's sped up considerably after they seem to perceive the party. After a brief survey, Gabriel decides it's time to head back, deciding that in addition to the receiver Tasha and Layth needs some rapid education if they're to be any use.

Back aboard the Bellerophon, Tasha and Layth are fitted with life collars after explaining their learning situation to PersoCom Caravelli. The process proves immensely uncomfortable for the ex-slave Layth, a discomfort that bleeds in to his dreams – and Tasha's. The young woman witnesses a scene from her friend's early childhood, and comes to understand him a little better.