Page 212 serves more as a transitional page than one of particular significance. It begins by finishing the narrative of S realizing that his foot is healed, and it ends with the beginning of a new narrative-a sailor ascends from the orlop and attracts the attention of the whole crew.

The most significant line of the page is in the brief exchange between S and Maelstrom that separates the two narratives:

“”My foot–” S. begins. “B’lieve what y’want to b’lieve,” Maelstrom says” (212).

This line shows the nature of S’s life-reality does not make sense, it is open to his interpretation. However that is not the only significance of the line. Jen circles it, and writes “Just like people with their Straka candidates…“ (212), meaning that there may be no clear answer, people are forced to choose what they want to believe and go with that. Eric pushes the theme further, saying “And Filomela. RE: VMS being alive“ (212). Of course, eventually the exchange becomes personal. Jen and Eric each express the same sentiments for each other. The discourse ends with Eric saying “It is when people withhold things about themselves“ (212). This line reflects a level of frustration with the anonymity that comes with their means of communication, and hints at wanting a more personal relationship where they no longer have to withhold things about themselves.