Gothi and Gethli, a paired consciousness or closely linked pair of observers, begin by studying beetles on Imir even though that is not their assigned task. They are fascinated by the planet's rapid ecological novelty: imported beetles have speciated into new forms after colonization, aided by the empty ecological niches and lack of aerial predators.

The observers treat the beetles as both scientific subjects and food, especially admiring the bluish-green ones. Their digression shows their method and weakness: they are driven to catalogue and experience new things, even when an urgent mission requires focus elsewhere.

Their superior, whom they refer to as Herself or She Who Sends Us Out, angrily reprimands them for mission creep. Gothi and Gethli resent the scolding and admit that the superior cares less about beetles and ecosystems than about an emergency involving lost crewmates.

Gethli reasons that finding the missing crewmates requires understanding Landfall's human population well enough to identify anomalies. The problem is that the targets may be hiding among the native population by appearing ordinary, which makes them difficult to distinguish without a proper baseline or census.

The pair decide to fly over the town again before returning, hoping to spot anyone out of place. They find nothing obvious, and Gethli worries that if their superior intervenes directly, the resulting disruption will be far more chaotic. The chapter ends with black wings circling over the winter town, searching.