Chapter 34 Summary
As Mark and Lana stroll through the grounds of the CIA complex, their conversation deepens. Lana elaborates on the psychological profiles of the three men involved in the Quest project, highlighting Thomas as the greatest potential threat due to his arrogance, ambition, and greater personal investment in his company and reputation. By contrast, Samir and Robert are more modest and appear less volatile—though she expresses some concern about Samir’s emotional instability since losing his NASA contract.
Mark challenges her assessment, drawing from his own experience of being cast aside by the military. He describes how his self-worth was shattered, leading him to make choices he never thought he would. This insight causes Lana to reconsider her initial evaluation, realizing that Samir’s emotional vulnerability could make him a bigger risk than Thomas under the right conditions.
The conversation turns personal as Mark reflects on how he found peace on his remote property in the Virgin Islands, which he views as a sanctuary from the world. But Lana confronts him, suggesting that Mark might be hiding from life, not simply living peacefully. This irritates Mark, who reacts defensively, prompting Lana to reveal that her provocation was intentional—a test to gauge how deeply Mark’s past trauma still affected him.
She concludes that while Mark has largely restored his sense of self-worth, he’s still driven by unresolved anger and a yearning for serenity. Mark admits she might be right and opens up further about his recurring combat nightmares, which Lana recognizes as signs of PTSD. She encourages him to seek treatment using a method called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), explaining the process and how it helps reframe traumatic memories into healthier beliefs.
Though skeptical, Mark agrees to consider it and promises to reach out after his assignment is complete. Their moment of candor ends on a warmer note as Lana links arms with him and they head back to the building, where Mark will pick up the documents and gear needed for his mission. He’s less sure than she is whether the emotional exercise was beneficial—but it’s clear it left a mark.
