Cole unexpectedly returns home after his mech was destroyed, much to the surprise of his father Charles and brother William. Charles confronts Cole, furious that he disobeyed orders, destroyed an expensive Scout mech, and has ruined five family machines. Cole defends himself, claiming he saved lives and paid for the mechs himself with salvage. Tension escalates when William accuses their mother Catherine of secretly funding Cole's failed ventures. As Catherine pleads for Cole, calling him Charles's son, William dismisses him as a 'forty-percent washout'. The confrontation culminates with Cole issuing a protective threat, promising violence if William touches their mother.