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Just as Wanderer’s Calling back in Arizona had been a teacher for the Souls, she now finds herself a teacher for humans. Her classes are informal and mainly consist of the humans gathering every night to ask her questions, while baking or cleaning in the kitchen. Wanderer notes that after these lessons begin, the humans start acting like they like her, whether it be by being courteous or by using her name when addressing her. Soon enough, humans aside from Ian and Doc start to ask her questions during the lessons. Walter, Heath, Wes, and Lily are among the most vocal. Jeb is also in usual attendance, but is content to sit and listen rather than participate.
Wanderer likens her teaching position to the Calling of Storyteller on the See Weeds planet. Jamie is an avid listener to Wanderer’s stories, even outside of these lessons and sometimes she lets him tell the stories for her. On this particular night, Heidi asks to know more about the Dolphins; the Souls’ latest conquest. As Jamie is telling the story and Wanderer is tending to a tray of rolls, there is a commotion outside the kitchen. Jamie leaves at once to go see what is going on and as Wanderer motions to follow, Ian (who is sitting very close to Wanderer) calls her back. Wanderer stays and finished where Jamie left off about the Dolphins. As she explains their familial relationships, there is a gasp and everyone’s attention turns to the door. Standing there is Jamie with a very dirty Jared. Jared questions what the meaning of this gathering is and when Jamie tells him that Wanderer is teaching them about the universe, his anger is evident. More dirty figures emerge behind Jared and without a doubt, the raiders have returned. Many of the humans go to greet them, though they don’t forget about Wanderer, who stays behind. When Ian reassures her that things will be fine, Kyle steps into the room and begins to scream, accusing Wanderer of leading the Seekers to the caves and turning everyone into parasites. Ian steps in front of Wanderer before Kyle can get to her, while Kyle takes a flashlight out of his pocket and shines it into his brother’s eyes to make sure he’s still human.
Wanderer finds herself in yet another state of distress. Despite the fact that she’s gained new friendship and trust from the humans, she feels that it is from the wrong ones. All that matters to her is being in Jared’s favor, though this is exactly the opposite of what Jared is feeling. He’s made his decision and wants Wanderer dead. Jamie and Ian protest, but Jared refuses to change his mind. It is then that Jeb intervenes, stating that Jamie has just as much a say in the matter. Jared has no choice but to comply to Jamie’s wishes. As he and the other raiders leave to go wash up and cool off, the remaining humans make plans to keep Wanderer safe, each offering to watch over her. Wanderer interrupts and says that she wants to take a minute alone. She leaves and finds herself contemplating escape, although she has no idea where the exit is. Escape is put out of her mind, however, as she realizes there wouldn’t be anything worth leaving for because everything and everyone that matters is there in the caves.
The chapter closes with Wanderer finding her way back to the black darkness that she’d first been held captive in.
