Theme: resource scarcity — Status: unfolding
Marcus needs high-grade supplements for the general population, forcing him into a tense negotiation with Dr. Thorne over the Nursery Annex resources. Meanwhile, Elle and Mira notice discrepancies in the flow of discarded textiles, suspecting a connection between the restricted medical herbs and a pre-journey cache. This dispute forces Jian to intervene, mediating a conflict between perceived survival needs and established protocol.