Birnam Wood

Shelley is surprised at how easy it is to go back like nothing happened. They immediately start working on the incorporation papers that require five-year plans and mission statements. Mira tires of it and leaves while the rest of them work on finishing. While people prepare dinner, Shelley checks the news and sees that the body has been identified but there’s no mention of Birnam Wood. She puts on music intending for everyone to be distracted. At dinner, Mira announces that she is stepping down as director and that she intends to vote for Shelley as the Executive Director. She says that Shelley is better at the things that Birnam Wood will need going forward. Shelley is surprised and tries to seem flattered. She knows that, by doing this, Mira is trying to escape responsibility if things go badly.

While it appears as though Mira is committing an act of kindness, it is a betrayal. Shelley continues to monitor the group’s knowledge of Sir Owen’s death and Mira’s activities by tracking her. That night, Lemoine arrives in secret and invites Shelley to the house to talk. They discuss the fact that Shelley is worried by Mira’s behavior. Lemoine asks her if she wants the job, even if it’s not being given in good faith, and Shelley says yes.