In the command center, Miskit shows Emily and Navin a map that tracks all the lifeforms moving in the area. They locate the arachnopod carrying their mom, and Miskit notes that it is heading toward Morley’s Cave. Emily points out a tunnel that would allow them to intercept the creature, but Cogsley, an ornery but loyal robot, informs them that the tunnel is called “the Gauntlet” because it contains tentacled monsters (called rakers) that eat anything that passes through. Cogsley suggests taking their small plane, the Albatross, through the Gauntlet. The Albatross has not been flown for years, and while Cogsley prepares it for flight, Miskit shows Emily the tranquilizer darts and harpoon that they will use to stop the arachnopod once they find it. Once the Albatross is repaired and ready for flight, Cogsley explains that Emily or Navin will have to help Miskit fly it since the other robots are too heavy. After some debate, they settle on Navin for the job because he is confident that his video game skills will make him a better pilot than Emily. Navin familiarizes himself with the flight controls, and they head out.

Once they reach the tunnel, Navin takes the controls so that Miskit can use his stun gun to clear a path through the rakers.