Chapters 17 through 20 of Part I Summary

In Chapter 17, Tai assures Chiko that he'll be fine. But Chiko can't look him in his eyes as the sergeant takes him away. Bindu tells Chiko that the room is a box with no windows or toilet. Chiko, feeling like a coward, is unable to sleep for the two nights that Tai is gone. He pays a guard to give Tai some of his food. When Tai is released, Chiko takes his clothes and scrubs them. He apologizes to Tai who holds no resentment whatsoever.

In Chapter 18, Tai can't figure out a way to escape. No trucks or cars are delivering material any longer. The guard patrol has been intensified. The recruits are split into groups. Tai is becoming a leader in the second group. Chiko asks for paper from the sergeant so he can...