security-breach

The chapter depicts a gathering of the Elder Cabal, a group of mostly retired faculty and staff, observing a large protest supporting the Librareome movement at UCSD. The narrative reveals tensions between old and new technological paradigms, security concerns about unauthorized access to the library's restricted areas, and a sense of nostalgia and loss for the university's former glory. The chapter ends with a character named Robert exploring the library's lower levels, encountering signs of ongoing covert activity and destruction within the stacks.

The chapter depicts a tense and violent ambush at the Administration Wing, where Florian and Catlin work together to neutralize attackers and protect Ari, referred to as 'sera.' Despite their efforts, Denys, a trusted ally, is killed in the attack, revealing the event as a deliberate setup. The aftermath leaves the characters shaken but focused on the ongoing threat to sera's safety.