Chapter 7: Chapter 4 – Malum Squad, Code Name Bunny

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Nell arrives at the underground military base, dreading a meeting with her new squad after a one-night stand with a man she later learns is Bradshaw. She reflects on her mentor Jenkins’s teachings about surviving as a woman in a male-dominated world. Inside the war room, she meets the six members of Malum squad: Sergeant Eren, Jefferson, Pete, Ian, Harrison, and Bradshaw, whom Eren introduces as “Bones.” Nell’s assigned code name is “Bunny,” which she is forced to accept despite her fury. The squad immediately mocks her, blaming her for the death of their former teammate Achilles, and hints she should quit. Eren announces a month-long training mission in California to test her fit. Nell resolves to endure and prove herself, driven by the need to avenge her fallen Riøt squad and uncover what happened in Patagonia.

Key Events

Nell wakes up in a hotel room, distressed after Bradshaw learns her identity and leaves her.
She arrives at the gray military base and suppresses her anxiety, recalling Jenkins’s advice to earn respect.
In the war room, Eren introduces the squad and gives Nell the code name “Bunny,” which she protests but ultimately accepts.
The squad taunts her; Jefferson says the only good Riøt soldier is a dead one, and Bradshaw echoes this.
Nell learns that Bradshaw is Bones, her designated partner, and that the squad blames her for Achilles’s death.
Eren dismisses them to prepare for a one-month training mission, refusing to share the mission’s details until Nell is confirmed.
Nell silently begins cataloging each squad member’s weaknesses, determined to win their respect.

Character Development

Nell Gallows (Bunny): Already resilient, Nell demonstrates her stubbornness and sharp mind when faced with hostility. She holds her anger in check while cataloging her new squad’s traits, showing she is strategic rather than purely emotional. Her painful acceptance of the name “Bunny” reveals her ability to suppress pride for survival. Her resolve to avenge Riøt and uncover the Patagonia truth deepens her motivation.

Bradshaw (Bones): Bradshaw remains cold and contemptuous toward Nell. His reaction to hearing Achilles’s name (a flinch) hints at unresolved guilt or grief. He tries to provoke her, yet his grip loosens quickly when Eren intervenes, suggesting he is conflicted.

Pete (Badger): Shows a flicker of curiosity rather than outright hostility, asking Nell about her name recall. He warns her that Bones might kill her, mixing taunt with an odd warning. His eventual shoulder indicates he still holds a grudge.

Jefferson (Jobs) and Ian (Colt): They embody the squad’s collective mistrust, directly blaming Nell for Riøt’s failure and Achilles’s death. Ian mocks her and predicts she will quit.

Eren (Sergeant): Eren maintains authority but subtly pressures Nell by stating that if she “throws in the towel” it will be her choice. He cuts off her apology about the night with Bradshaw, prioritizing discipline over personal matters.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Code Names as Identity Control: “Bunny” is imposed to humiliate and dehumanize Nell, while “Bones” conceals Bradshaw’s reputation. The squad uses naming as a power play.
Survival through Emotional Armor: Nell relies on Jenkins’s rule of no emotions, practicing cold composure to hide her vulnerability.
Collective Blame and Grief: The squad’s anger at Nell is misdirected grief over Achilles. Their disdain mirrors the military’s code of accountability.
The “Dark Forces” Gray Morality: Nell acknowledges that her branch commits morally corrupt acts, framing her world as one without clear good guys.
Cataloging Brilliance: Nell’s internal profiles of her squadmates symbolizes her methodical approach to control and survival in a hostile environment.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter establishes Nell’s new conflict and stakes within Malum. It transforms her one-night stand from a personal embarrassment into a tactical vulnerability, as Bradshaw is now her partner. The squad’s hostility forces Nell to call on all her training and resolve. The mystery of the Patagonia mission and the death of Riøt Squad drives her motivation, linking the past to the present. The introduction of camp names and squad dynamics sets up the central tensions of trust, revenge, and survival that will likely define the rest of the novel.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does the squad assign Nell the code name “Bunny,” and what does this reveal about their attitude toward her?

The name is deliberately condescending, chosen to humiliate her and assert their dominance. It shows they view her as weak and unworthy of respect, using her gender and Riøt past as grounds to bully her.
What does Nell’s “cataloging” tactic tell us about her character and how she plans to survive Malum?

She mentally profiles each squad member’s physical traits and potential weak points, indicating a tactical, survival-oriented mindset. It reveals she intends to earn their respect through competence and intimidation, not by making friends.
How does Eren’s comment about “throwing in the towel” introduce dramatic irony?

Eren says the squad has no choice in whether Nell fits, but implies they can pressure her to quit voluntarily. The audience knows Nell is stubbornly determined to stay and avenge Riøt, so the squad’s efforts will likely backfire, creating tension for future chapters.