Enae arrives on the human side of the Treaty Administration Facility with Istver and Echemin. The Radchaai do not drink coffee, only tea, so there is no coffee on the station. A jurist, Ms. Yedess, confirms that some people can choose their species affiliation, but that it might be more complicated for Reet. Luckily, a committee made up of humans, the Geck, the Rrrrrr, and the sentient AIs from the Republic of the Two Systems, has agreed to hear his petition. The Geck are sympathetic to Reet’s plea, as are the AIs. Until the committee makes a decision, the Presger Translators and Ambassador Seimet cannot do anything to Reet. Later, Enae, Reet’s parents, and Ms. Yedess meet with Theatt Hadarat Batonen, a human, non-Radchaai treaty jurist who uses a mobility chair and has very long limbs. Batonen and her people resent the Radchaai for trying to define who counts as human.

Reet is kept in solitary confinement while aboard the ship traveling to the Treaty Administration Facility. He continues to experience the strange, thick sweat and wants to “grab the first person he [sees], taste their skin dissolving under his tongue” (194). He talks to someone who introduces herself as Eilaai through a speaker.