Arriving in the passage is frightful-an experience in uncertainty where unknowns abound. Many of the people worry what's going to happen to them and are alarmed at the things they learn. Corilan meets with the SAG board to address the growing breach between SAG members and the allegiants, those that agreed to Earth guardianship. Corilan and Swain work with the board and others to find ways to smooth the friction. Meanwhile, Allegiant Jacob Somner has established himself as listener and problem solver for allegiants. When he makes demands of the board, it creates additional questions, concerns, internal strife and indecision As soon as Corilan thinks the tension is receding, she is blindsided by an action that causes the passage inhabitants to respond in complete chaos.