In this final chapter, Heller ties up some loose ends and answers basic questions about his protagonist. Yossarian resolves the struggle of conscience that has been tormenting him. Orr's fate and his prior preparation are revealed. Yossarian makes his separate peace, and the chaplain declares his independence.
Yossarian initially thinks that he has Korn and Cathcart in a bind. He can refuse to cooperate with them, but they will still have to allow him to return home because they would not dare to court-martial the hero who officially saved their lives from a Nazi assassin. Major Danby, the operations officer who is visiting Yossarian in the hospital, has the sad responsibility of reminding Yossarian that they are all still playing by military rules: "But, Yossarian! . . . There's another official report that says you were stabbed by an innocent girl in the course of extensive black-market operations involving acts of sabotage and the sale of military secrets to the enemy." The commanding officers can make up as many "official" reports as they want and use them as they choose. In addition, the military establishment has arranged to have Aarfy testify that Yossarian and McWatt lied to get Yossarian his medal for the raid on Ferrara. In fact, the commanders have witnesses willing to perjure themselves for all sorts of claims against the captain, including rape. Danby and Yossarian debate the possibilities, the major insisting that the captain's arrangement with Colonel Korn is "a way to save yourself." Yossarian responds, "It's a way to lose myself, Danby. You ought to know that."
