Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of cursing and enslavement.

Murderbot uses Miki’s access and information to board the shuttle that will take the reclamation crew to the terraforming facility. It quickly hides when one of the human pilots, Kader, hears a sound. Murderbot feels uncomfortable watching Miki’s friendly interactions with Abene and Hirune. It guides Miki to try to look at Wilken and Gerth’s equipment, but the security officers shoo Miki away before Murderbot can discern the full details of the high-quality weapons the two humans possess.

When Miki sits with and has a cheerful conversation with the humans, Murderbot struggles with its emotions. It does not wish to be in Miki’s place but also feels angry that no humans ever treated it solicitously. It does not know what it wants. Abene reports satisfaction with the security team, but Miki remains concerned and asks Murderbot to reiterate its promise that it will keep the humans safe.

Via Miki, Murderbot accesses a facility scan, which helps it hatch a plan to search for data. Despite itself, Murderbot worries for the humans’ safety and is unimpressed by their security practices.