It’s clear that D.W. is very sick; he has constant stomach pains and diarrhea. Emilio asks the Runa if they are familiar with his symptoms, and Manuzhai says, “His heart desires something he cannot have” (316). Askama asks Emilio if D.W. will still be there in the morning, and Emilio realizes that after Alan’s untimely death, anything is possible.

There is no privacy for the Runa; they all live together in large apartment-like rooms. Anne has D.W.’s bed moved toward the entrance so that he can access the outside easily. Anne mentions going back to the lander for medical supplies, but D.W. adamantly says no since they need to conserve fuel. However, it’s decided that Marc and Sofia will fly the Ultra-Light back to the lander in the morning for supplies.

Throughout the night, D.W. seems to grow sicker by the hour. However, by morning, he seems to be doing a little better, although he remains weak and pale. The Runa go off to forage, and Marc and Sofia fly off in the Ultra-Light.

Meanwhile, Supaari thinks about his status as a third-born and how he is forbidden to have children unless he can be rendered Founder and start a new lineage.