With the power loss at forty-five percent, Paul Morrow argues with Bob Mathias that the extra heating allocated to the Medical Section must be withdrawn. Once in radio range, Koenig calls to order Operation Exodus put into action. As Morrow complies, Sandra Benes interrupts with unexpected news—the power loss has stabilised at fifty percent. Koenig suspends the evacuation, pending his return. Ferro and Anna are disturbed by this development and its potential effect on their new agenda. Once on Alpha, Koenig questions their chances of survival with a permanent fifty-percent power loss. When the experts confirm the food-production and life-support systems can cope with the situation, Koenig cancels Operation Exodus. After the announcement, Ferro and Anna confront the overstressed Commander. Citing that destiny has carried them here to revitalise this planet, they request permission to settle on Arkadia...just the two of them. Koenig refuses; they would need to take half the current food supply with them to survive—condemning Alpha to starvation. When they persist, he harshly dismisses them. However, the fanatical pair have a back-up plan. Anna makes for the Supply Section as Ferro casually approaches David Kano. Unseen by the Main Mission staff, Ferro jams his gun into Kano's ribs, threatening to kill everyone in the room unless he is given the access code to the protein store. Kano complies, and Ferro relays the sequence to his waiting accomplice. After stunning the sentries, Anna uses the code to gain entry to the food stores. Kano shoves Ferro off him and sounds the red-alert klaxon. Making his way to an exit, Ferro encounters Helena and takes her hostage. Bargaining with the doctor's life, Ferro demands an Eagle, a moon buggy and provisions sufficient for three years time. Obsessed with the need to 'return life to its place of origin', Ferro and Anna reject all appeals to reason. Unexpectedly, Koenig agrees to their demands. He alone recognises the danger of the two fanatics—not to mention that of the alien force motivating them. However, when boarding the Eagle, Ferro refuses to release Helena; she will stay with them to prevent any acts of reprisal. The unarmed survey Eagle will accompany them to Arkadia. Once safely out of range, the two will dock and Helena will be transferred to the other ship. Any sign of pursuit and the doctor dies. Again, Koenig acquiesces. The Commander is shunned by Bergman and the others, as