How It All Goes Down
Connor
- Connor is assigned to fix things, while Roland is the pilot's assistant, learning to fly.
- About once a week, there's a "work call" (5.34.17) in which jobs are offered and some kids take them in exchange for new identities. It's witness protection meets indentured servitude.
- It's one of the only times all the kids are together, too, so naturally, they gossip.
- There's a rumor that the kids aren't actually going to work…they're being unwound for the Admiral's benefit. Notice his teeth, the kids say; they're too perfect.
- Connor takes the rumor as truth and starts plotting against the Admiral.
- While he's plotting, he sees someone he never expected to—Lev.
- So Connor punches him.
- Then the two hug it out, and Connor takes him to Risa to check out the shiner.
- Lev lets Connor know that he deserved that first punch, but "don't you ever hit me again, or you'll regret it" (5.34.75).
- Two days later, the Admiral calls for Connor. He reveals that his perfect teeth are dentures, so he's not the monster everyone thinks he is.
- Then he leads Connor to a jet and has him open a crate.
- Inside are the five Goldens, all dead. The Admiral wants Connor's help finding out who did it.
- Of course Connor thinks Roland did it, now he just needs proof.
- Connor helps the Admiral bury them in the desert; then he starts spying on Roland as much as he can.
- He and the Admiral have secret meetings to discuss anything Connor overhears, and the Admiral reveals another secret: He had his own son, Harlan, unwound, and has always regretted it.