This chapter opens with a discussion of the effects of high levels of oxygen in the air. The narrator explains that he is able to breathe better because of the high oxygen content of the air, and he wonders why there are so many bones in the area with such high oxygen levels. He wonders if there is another reason for the high concentration of these organisms. He also wonders if they can also use the oxygen content to create even stronger life forms. He concludes that they should give up, but that he will never give up because he cannot think of any other way to do so. He will think of a way to pay for the damages if they breach the contract. He argues that the main focus of the company nowadays is the development of the tulu, and that if he were to die, what more could it do? The narrator argues that all of the equipment of the gardeners is under the control of the deco, and no one would ever take such a piece of garbage. He reminds the family that they will starve to death if they do not give up. They will prove it to him. He promises to become a gardener, and if they fail, he will not be a gardener anymore. He asks if they are sure that the teleportation system will work, and the narrator assures him that it will. He