The Wall

Joseph, Hifa, and Hughes are put out to sea on a life raft with several weeks of food and water. Joseph is moved when the Defenders who exile them salute them. Their boat includes some surprise passengers—James, put out to sea for not having uncovered the plot, and the Captain. James seems unhinged by his punishment. He suggests to the others that they kill the Captain. Hifa has severe seasickness, so Hughes and Joseph do most of the rowing. At night, they see lights that may be Others, pirates who prey on Others, or Guards who will kill everyone now that the former Defenders are Others. They row away from the lights. Joseph feels overwhelming despair and terror. This is what kuishia or “the ending” feels like. Holding on to Hifa and working with Hughes to keep the boat moving are the only things that save him from despondency.

By the fourth day, Hifa is better, and they’ve settled into a routine of rowing in turns. The Captain explains he was part of the long-term plan in which seven Others infiltrated the Defenders. After 10 years, he was the only survivor, and it took that long for him to get into a position of authority to activate the plan.