The moment of truth has arrived for the Sandhogs using the Roadheader at East Side Access. But before it can do battle against Manhattan's diamond-hard subterranean rock, near-disaster strikes. As Little Al's crew tries to maneuver the giant machine into place, it pierces a water line. Meanwhile, on the West Mole dayshift, a member of the gang has gone AWOL, forcing foreman Gregg Ryan and Wes Telesford to break in a "shaper"--a young, inexperienced Sandhog. The hazing is relentless, as are the mining problems that continue to plague the gang. Over on the #7 subway site, tension builds between Jared and his father, walking boss Martin Hostetter. Back at East Side Access, the Roadheader finally smashes into the rock: will it be a $4 million bust, or is it the future of mining for the Sandhogs?