p. 174

Stenfalk is angered by Ostrero’s death and begins to yell. Corbeau whispers, “Can’t save him,” possibly referring to the inability for Stenfalk to save Ostrero, or her inability to save Stenfalk. Either way, this represents the inevitability of death. S. also realizes that he is passive was neither a spy or revolutionary in his prior life. This continues the theme of passivity and lack of courage throughout the book, S. watches without showing a strong will or others. Stenfalk’s arms are then handcuffed.

Jen spends most of the margins asking herself questions, particularly about Vaclav’s Braxenholm and if he survived or was it reconstructed. (Anything is possible.) She is also frustrated by Eric being gone and her inability to talk to him.

When he returns, Eric gives his own theory saying the S. collective may have either taken Straka back to the hotel (“and guest”) or taken his name after he died. Even if he did survive, what would the reason be behind giving the collective his name?

Eric also defends S.’s realization that he is a “meager man” and understands that the reader should not have high expectations for S. even though he is the protagonist.
S. is just a guy… crawled out of the water & ended up in the middle of something huge & dangerous. 

This comment might also be a way for him to validate his feelings and his inability to save his uncle despite the expectations that he should have.