Graff and Anderson are ready to initiate the next stage of Ender’s education, in which they rig most everything against his favor. Graff makes Ender commander of the newly revived Dragon Army, consisting of early Launchy recruits and other less-than-memorable students. Ender quickly adopts a drill sergeant persona, which results in many boys running naked to their practice. In the battleroom, Ender retrains their understanding of gravity and establishes himself as their sovereign commander. The smallest Launchy graduate in the army, a boy named Bean, adapts quickly and answers Ender’s questions precisely. Subconsciously, Ender starts treating Bean like Graff treated him on the shuttle ride to Battle School, subtly urging others to resent his intelligence. After practice, Bean petitions Ender for his own toon, and Ender says Bean must first prove himself a leader among the army.

Anderson approaches Ender with disappointing news: He can no longer hold free-for-all practice sessions in the evenings. Anderson’s maneuver effectively isolates Ender from his friends; even Alai, whose secret bond Ender holds close to his heart, acknowledges their relationship has changed. When Ender tries to greet him with “salaam,” Alai replies, “Alas, it is not to be. […] Peace.