Summary

The chapter opens with a discussion of the results of the polygraph test. Slahi says, “Didn’t I tell you that I wasn’t lying?” (309), which does not clarify whether Slahi maintained his innocence or admitted to crimes. However, Siems’ footnote indicates that the results of the polygraph, “No Deception Indicated” and “No Opinion” should be considered “potentially exculpatory information that would need to be shared with defense attorneys” (308). This suggests that Slahi maintained his innocence during the test.

Slahi describes adapting to life in detention in four phases. First, you realize and accept that you are “in jail and not going home anytime soon,” which allows you to make the best of the situation (314). Second, you realize and accept that you “possess nothing” and have “control over nothing” (314). Third, you discover “your new home and family,” consisting of guards and...