The GSG of the body detail are silent and still, seeming hardly to breathe. Machiko feels as though she shares the space with the Chairman alone. It gives rise to a pang of uncertainty. What does the Chairman want of her? Will he remind her of the shame she feels for her brothers of the Guard, who allowed themselves to be murdered? Will he speak of her personal shame, her failure to see what others have seen? Will he command her to kill herself? This would be merciful.