Zo'or discuses with Ro'am, the Latin American Companion, his idea to make President Thompson an advisor to the Synod. Sandoval approaches Tonio Arias, Ro'am's Protector, and secretly attaches a microchip to Tonio's skrill. Ro'am and Tonio are killed while travelling in the ID Portal. T'than becomes suspicious of Zo'or because Ro'am's death shifts the balance of power in the Synod in Zo'or favour.