Back at the Wall, the Defenders resume their monotonous routine. Joseph begins to believe that he could become an elite. He could serve more tours like the Captain, go to college, and rise in status. The elite need new blood like him, so there is no reason he can’t have a future as one of them. The Captain brings him down to earth by reminding the Defenders they should be wary: More desperate Others will result in more ferocious attacks. One night, a group of Others attacks their post. Several of the Defenders die, and both Hifa and Joseph are wounded during the successful effort to repel the Others.

When Hifa and Joseph try to discuss the attack, Joseph makes a joke about one of the dead Defenders. He realizes instantly that what he wanted was to comfort Hifa, not make jokes. Joseph wants to talk about his fear and sadness over the death of their peers, but he can’t figure out how to have that conversation. Hifa tells him that she wants to get off of the Wall. She asks if he is willing to become a Breeder with him.