On February 18, 1943, Mary arrives at the White House after four months of enforced rest following a life-threatening asthma attack. Though grateful to be alive, Mary worries that her federal influence has ended, with the NYA defunded and the Federal Council disbanded. Her anxiety eases when Eleanor greets her warmly, and they catch up on family matters, including Albert Bethune’s strict caretaking and Albert Jr.’s looming graduation and possible enlistment.

Eleanor notes relief that the Justice Department told the FBI to end its formal investigation of Mary. Mary expresses thanks but privately doubts the scrutiny is over, citing Congressman Dies’s ongoing accusations and the FBI’s evasive responses.

Eleanor then proposes a new joint effort, reminding Mary of the 1939 law that enabled Air Corps training at Black colleges and the creation of the 99th Pursuit Squadron at Tuskegee after Pearl Harbor. Despite segregation and poor conditions—problems William Hastie has tried to improve—the Tuskegee unit is exceptionally well trained.

Eleanor shares a letter from Tuskegee director Frederick D. Patterson reporting that the trained Black pilots are still being denied combat deployment. She points to a recent executive order allowing Black men to register for the draft without restrictions, including the Air Corps, as leverage. They decide to spotlight the Tuskegee pilots publicly to force action and plan a visit to Tuskegee, restoring Mary’s sense of purpose.