Hunting by Stars

French is now in the infirmary, talking to a vision of his mother. His mother says that perhaps earlier dreams existed in all parts of the body, but Native people learned to store them deep in their marrow once they realized how coveted dreams were. The others have tried to take away the Native people’s ability to dream many times, such as when they forced their children into schools meant to “kill the Indian in the child” (68). History is now repeating itself. French asks his mom if he and his people can still escape. She answers that although there is little hope for her, he still has a chance. Suddenly, the vision of French’s mother incongruously calls French “buddy” and morphs into Mitch, who has entered French’s quarters.

Mitch asks French why he ran away, and French says that he was looking for their mother. Mitch tells French there is no record of their mother ever having been at this facility. Mitch also explains that he is now a part of the system; he believes that all people are one under God and that right now, the role of the Native people is to be harvested for the general good.