"The Dismal Madness, Part IV" (Flock'⁴⁴/ıı)

## Plot

In a opening episode, the scene opens with a frantic onslaught of Joy Lunatics desperately attempting to breach the door, while Jim and Muriel valiantly barricade it with chairs and metal tables, occasionally blocking their advance. In a race against time, Jim swiftly retrieves a walkie-talkie, desperately calling for help as they find themselves surrounded by the relentless Joy Lunatics outside the machine shop. Muriel, trembling with fear, clings tightly to Jim, seeking solace and protection in his arms. Suddenly, a faint sound emanates from the vent, causing their hearts to skip a beat. Sensing danger, Jim instructs Muriel to hide beneath a nearby table, arming himself with his gun as he fervently prays for divine protection. The vent continues to be pummeled from above, prompting Jim to position himself discreetly in the right corner, concealed and prepared to confront any potential intruders. Eventually, the vent gives way, revealing a fallen stranger sprawled on the ground. With caution in his voice, Jim approaches the bewildered figure, tightly gripping his gun, demanding that they raise their hands. The person, surrendering with labored breaths, complies, their eyes filled with fear. Jim, assuming they are a Joy Lunatic, sternly warns them to stay quiet under the threat of death. However, to Jim's astonishment, the voice that responds is familiar. Removing the person's gas mask, he is taken aback as smoke clears to reveal Jack Terrence, a glimmer of relief and joy illuminating his face. Overwhelmed with emotion, Muriel rushes towards Jack, enveloping him in a warm, tight embrace.

Amidst the reunion, Jack's worry for Emma weighs heavily on his conscience, burdened by the guilt of bringing her into this dangerous situation. Muriel, understanding his anguish, reassures him that the blame does not lie with him, as no one could have foreseen the arrival of the Joy Lunatics. However, her concern shifts to the safety of Margu and the children, fearing for their well-being, especially considering Margu's impending childbirth. Suddenly, realization dawns upon them. The mastermind behind the siege is none other than Océane, the deranged woman they encountered in the airship factory. It becomes clear that this is a revenge plot, a sinister act driven by madness and a thirst for retaliation. Jack's earlier suspicions, conveyed to him by Jonah through the walkie-talkie, are confirmed. Océane is indeed a crazed individual, and Jack's stress intensifies, realizing that Emma may have been taken from their camp by the Joy Lunatics. Desperate for assistance, Jack implores Jim and Muriel to join him in his mission, armed with the knowledge that they possess guns. With unwavering resolve, Jim and Muriel agree to aid Jack, embarking on a treacherous journey through the vent alongside him. Meanwhile, the Joy Lunatics infiltrate the machine shop, scouring every corner in their relentless search. Jim and Muriel follow Jack, their determination driving them forward, refusing to glance back at the impending danger that lurks behind them.

In the midst of the chaos and intensity of the moment, the atmosphere in the room was filled with a potent blend of anticipation, relief, and overwhelming emotions. Margu, having just given birth to a healthy baby girl, exhaled a mixture of exhaustion and joy, her tears streaming down her face. Louis, overcome with an inexplicable sense of happiness, couldn't help but shed tears of utter bliss as he witnessed the miracle before him. With tender care, Louis swiftly enveloped the fragile newborn in his jacket, protecting her from the unpredictable elements that awaited her in this vast world. Margu, her voice trembling with emotion, implored Louis to hold their daughter, entrusting him with the precious life they had brought into existence. Meanwhile, Louis, torn between his deep desire to embrace their newborn and his concern for Ilina, who was visibly shaken and bewildered, carefully diverted his attention towards her, hoping to offer solace and support during this tumultuous time. As Louis finally turned his gaze towards the baby girl, his eyes fixated on her face, searching for any signs of distress or complications. To his immense relief, he discovered no discernible problems, a realization that brought both comfort and a renewed sense of hope. However, amidst the overwhelming joy, his attention was abruptly drawn to Elio, lying nearby in a state of brutal injury, yet miraculously still clinging to life, each breath a testament to his resilience.

In a desperate attempt to free their imprisoned comrade and escape the clutches of this nightmarish situation, Louis's eyes darted around the room, searching for a means of liberation. And there, like a beacon of possibility, he spotted a chain that bound Elio, preventing him from moving freely. Determined and driven, Louis swiftly moved towards Elio, his hands trembling as he fumbled to find a way to loosen the chains that imprisoned him. With a stroke of luck, he discovered a makeshift cloth, which he carefully used to cover Elio's mouth, muffling any sounds that could alert their captors. With a resolute determination burning in his eyes, Louis's mind raced, concocting a plan to secure their freedom. The dim light filtering through the room revealed a small vent in the distance, a potential escape route from their confining circumstances. With their lives hanging in the balance, Louis knew that their only chance lay in navigating the treacherous path towards the vent, a gateway to a world beyond their captors' clutches.