Dr. Erland and assistants Li and Fateen observe the letumosis swimming through Cinder’s blood. Discussions about Cinder reflect their views that she is more a test subject than human: “‘Have you ever seen anything like her before?’ said Fateen, standing beside him. ‘The sales from her control panel alone will cover the family payoff’” (87).

Continuing the examination of Cinder’s structure, they notice a mysterious chip on her spine. At Fateen’s wondering, Dr. Erland hypothesizes the reason for a chip connected to her nervous system is because “‘her nervous system experienced traumatic damage” (88). The presence of the chip holds their attention for only a short time, due to another mysterious and significant observation occurring within Cinder.

The new discovery is not the presence of an item like the chip, but the absence of a “green firefly” (89), or letumosis: “As they watched, two more dots flickered and disappeared, like burned-out lightbulbs” (89). The letumosis previously injected vanishes before the research teams’ eyes. 

A med-droid draws more blood from Cinder and refuses to answer any of her questions, including a response about when she might receive the antidote. Following instructions to detach Cinder from the machines, the med-droid moves her to another room, “Lab room 4D” (92).