Summary

The humans are brought to the training room, which is designed to look like a tropical, forested island in the midst of an ocean. Most of the humans, except for a few—including Curt and Gabriel—are no longer drugged. Lilith explains to Nikanj that people will attempt to chop down trees and escape on boats, and Nikanj says that this will help them accept that they cannot leave until they have learned to live in harmony with each other and with their bonded Oankali. It also tells Lilith that even the uncooperative humans will be sent to Earth so long as they are not violent.

Eventually, they are given tools. Lilith attempts to communicate with Curt to prevent him from becoming violent, but he resists her. Nikanj explains that Curt’s ooloi, Yahjahyi, believes he will adapt well to...