…Minus 092 and COUNTING… He went through the door, one of a g

Richards enters the next testing area with a group of ten men. Their cards are scanned, and Richards is directed by a gaunt attendant to Booth 6, a soundproofed cubicle with carpet, soft lighting, a clock, paper, and a pencil.

Inside, Richards meets Rinda Ward, his tester, whose revealing outfit and polished manner seem designed to distract or demean him. Rinda explains that the examination will test Richards's mental faculties and that lunch will come only if he passes. Richards reacts with anger to what he sees as the Network's assumption that poor applicants are stupid and sexually manipulable.

The first verbal test begins, but Richards initially refuses to start, openly staring at Rinda until she becomes uncomfortable. He then confronts her about the contempt shown toward people from south of the Canal, calls the testers dumb, and completes the verbal sections quickly, finishing with fifteen minutes left.

Because Richards cannot legally turn in the exam early, Rinda makes him wait with it until the hour ends. Richards uses the time to continue silently staring at Rinda, reversing the intended power dynamic and making her visibly uneasy.

Rinda next administers a practical-identification exam and then a math diagnostic. Richards struggles more with the math section and barely reaches the end before time expires, missing the final question. When Rinda comments on his slower pace, Richards answers confidently and deliberately provokes her by lightly swatting her rump.

Rinda threatens disqualification, but Richards dismisses the threat and says she would only risk her own job. As he leaves, Richards turns his anger into a reminder of the class gulf between them, telling Rinda to enjoy her rich life while his child dies of flu in a poor Development apartment. His group has been reduced from ten to six by the time they move on at one-thirty.