At the Denali research facility, Ptolemy works obsessively to rebuild the prosthetic and synthetic-limb research destroyed by Butlerians on Zenith. Isolated and grieving Dr. Elchan, Ptolemy records notes, reconstructs chemical and polymer formulas, and studies cymek thoughtrodes and neuro-mechanical interfaces to improve his designs.

Ptolemy creates ten prototype artificial arms and hands with alloy frameworks, fibrous muscle-like pulleys, protein gel, and artificial skin. The limbs respond to receptors attuned to Ptolemy's thoughts, but each movement still requires deliberate concentration; Ptolemy's goal is a subconscious interface that would let users function naturally.

Ptolemy reflects bitterly on how his former humanitarian hopes led to destruction and Elchan's death. Remembering Manford Torondo rejecting his gift of prosthetic legs and Anari Idaho hacking them apart, Ptolemy concludes that knowledge must now empower Josef Venport against Butlerian fanaticism. As Ptolemy's anger rises, the limbs in the nutrient tanks respond to his thoughts, twitching and clenching into fists.

In a hangar dome, Ptolemy examines three recovered cymek walker bodies, marveling at their durability, weaponry, and interchangeable designs. Although the machines embody Butlerian nightmares, Ptolemy does not fear them; instead, Ptolemy imagines that such a warrior form might have allowed him to defend Zenith against the mob.

Ptolemy also observes that Venport's Denali facility has excellent instruments and researchers but lacks support staff. When Ptolemy asks Noffe about delays in retrieving cymek walkers, Noffe explains that Venport's scouts acquire skilled captives from Poritrin slave markets, a practice Ptolemy accepts as functionally similar to everyone's unpaid labor at Denali.

Noffe then shows Ptolemy a report about Manford Torondo's raid and destruction in Bandalong. Ptolemy laments the loss of people and knowledge, but Noffe reveals that he preserved backups of key Tlulaxa research and project summaries. Ptolemy recognizes that saving data is not the same as saving lives, yet vows that their side will ultimately win.