Chapter 3 Summary

Richard dreams about a throng of humanity pouring against a man, then turning into an ocean of water the man walks over, and then becoming grass on which he lands a biplane. Richard awakens at 3 AM, happy about the dream, and senses Shimoda's presence rather than seeing him. Shimoda asks if the dream has clarified what is going on and admits he is the "Mechanic Messiah" and "American Avatar" who disappeared one day before 25,000 eyewitnesses. Richard recalls the headlines and has a hard time falling asleep afterwards.

Working on his engine, Richard is surprised messiahs can quit. When Shimoda tosses Richard a wrench, it floats weightless but is appropriately heavy when Richard catches it. Shimoda says one can quit anything, even breathing, as he floats a screwdriver for his own amusement. He admits to being defensive about quitting the messiah job but feels...