The relationship between Kurdy and Elizabeth is warming but when she offers to accompany him to sound out the separatist Black group Shadow of the Crescent for Markus, he is reluctant. Kurdy doesn't want to even think about how he would feel if anything happened to Elizabeth.

Despite the new tension between them, Jeremiah goes with Erin to find her twin sister Lauren. As they travel, he learns that Lauren is habitually irresponsible and far too casual with men, booze and drugs. The relationship between the twins is further strained because, after the Big Death, Lauren took all of their mother's antique jewelry. When they find Lauren, she says she walked out on boyfriend "Geronimo" but fears he will come after her. She wants Erin and Jeremiah to help her get away. Seems she also wants Jeremiah, which leads the duo into a very steamy encounter.

Kurdy and Elizabeth find the group but its leader Kwame is not receptive to any alliance with whites, while his assistant Raheem is downright hostile. It is difficult to overcome racism, no matter whose racism, but in the end, they persuade Kwame to hear what Markus has to say. The success brings Kurdy and Elizabeth to acknowledge their love for each other.

Erin and Lauren make use of their identical looks and Erin's fencing ability when Geronimo shows up. The fight escalates as Jeremiah steps in with a lance. While the three-way fight rages, Lauren slips away. Later, as she takes her leave, she hands Erin a package containing their mother's jewelry. Jeremiah is equally surprised when something Erin says leaves him wondering just which twin he had spent the passionate night with.