"You don't have to figure it out right now. None of us do. Even if the motivation turns out to be manipulative, all of us collectively are in a bad enough way that we need to take this reprieve for what it is."

Jim feels like they're in an experiment. The refugees are mice, testing electrified walls, and their handlers keep changing the landscape as they progress. But is that really the case? Or are the Natha just struggling, as uncertain how to proceed as any mortal mind, only incidentally gifted abilities to hide from the Storm they fear?

"Not every victory is one that ends with a big parade and everyone getting medals. This is-- I don't know. We edged a few pawns forward. Darma's told us more in the past hour than she has in a year, whether she's aware of it or not. And Rasyc, at least, is gone."