Chapters 81-85 Summary

Gabrielle wants to help Sexton, but she cannot use her informant, since that person turned out to be Tench. She has to find another way. Knowing that Sexton believes Chris Harper is lying, she wants to locate him directly at NASA headquarters, and Gabrielle prepares to go there. Before she leaves, Gabrielle explains to Yolanda what Sexton has told her and their plan. Yolanda is skeptical, pointing out that no one at NASA is going to allow Sexton's most visible supporter inside, much less talk to her. Also, if Harper lied to the world, he is not likely to reveal the truth to Gabrielle.

On the airplane on the way to Washington, Rachel, Michael, and Corky are examining the core sample. Michael is doing as Rachel asked and trying to imagine that he knows nothing about the rock in his hand...