Oliver watches Jim's wedding to Margaret Cortet. Elizabeth passes him a covert data chip during the ceremony, continuing her pattern of building an independent intelligence network outside Hektor's control. Oliver meets Antonio Rolins who reveals Union infiltration.

Marcus confronts Michaels press conference turning Temple Tragedy into political momentum. Takes the podium to announce oversight framework. Parking lot confrontation with Michael deepens brother dynamic through shared father memories and wooden-sword callback. Chen announces integration choice.

Thomas encounters massive ten-foot green creature—Timothy Walsh, security guard transformed 43 years ago and trapped between states, still conscious and suffering. Timothy begs for mercy killing. Thomas agrees, discovers original human heart within transformed body, strikes it to grant death.

Alaina at 8: Dreams of fire, Dominic arrested, steals data chips, warns Petra about special instruction (proactive alliance-building), begins mapping compound security

Nigel Rhodes reveals to Admiral Voss the devastating truth about the original closers: they were not killed but transformed and trapped in the dimensional barriers for two centuries, actively fighting the Hollowing with pure will. The seal is failing under mounting pressure.

New threat detected - dimensional rifts appearing spontaneously. Not from ships. Reality itself weakening. Kate senses it spreading.

The evacuation of 200 refugees through hidden tunnels begins. Families say farewell to defenders staying behind to buy time. Petro guides the last group and instructs the twin boys to build something better. Brother Marcus confronts the Church army about the morality of murdering families.

Citadel council debates what to do with Petro. He admits he doesn't deserve mercy after killing so many. Debate: execute, exile, or accept him. Elder: "Redemption is not earned. It's chosen daily." Decision: Petro may stay but must face his past. Task to help warn other refugees.

Traq Lain receives news of base camp attack and finds Vivian killed protecting students. His grief triggers an uncontrolled psychic explosion, killing 63 people and destroying 47 minds. Unable to face his friends, Traq flees Parwen on the Adelina, abandoning those he loved.