In this chapter, we are introduced to a new type of human being: the wooden man. We learn that the man has been sent to another part of the world to repair his prostheses. He is accompanied by his friend, the giant fish. The two men discuss the possibility of living together in the future. The giant fish asks the man if he has a room yet, and the man replies that he does not yet have a room, but that he will soon have one. The man thanks the fish for his help, and they go off to find a place to live. The three men wear matching recognition bracelets, which allow them to be assigned to each other when they enter a game.