Connor finds his specialty, too, at the Graveyard: He can fix things. Moreover, “[T]here are few things he can stand less than a bunch of morons standing around looking at something that doesn’t work and wondering who’s going to fix it” (202). Connor’s skill gets him moved up from trash duty to repair duty.

Connor learns that Roland is being trained to fly a helicopter. He notices Roland drawing negative energy from other kids, but “Social manipulation is not one of Connor’s strengths” (203). Although Connor wants to act on impulse, he realizes he won’t because Risa’s voice is in his head.

One day, a work call is announced—an opportunity to leave the Graveyard and hope you can survive working until you’re eighteen. Connor dislikes work calls because he thinks the Admiral is using them. Hayden tells him, “I’d rather be used whole than in pieces” (205). Roland approaches Connor after his conversation with Hayden. He tells Connor that the Admiral isn’t real—his body parts are stolen from Unwinds like them. For Connor, “The very idea that he and Roland could in any way be on the same side makes him feel like he swallowed something rancid” (207).