Chapter 35 Summary
Thomas Allen works hard to promote Samir Patel's skills, hoping to land him a contract. After nearly giving up, a surprise call from ByteForge Security offers a promising opportunity. The company, working on a military defense system against electronic jamming, agrees to a 30-day trial for Samir’s services. Allen negotiates a strong contract rate and convinces a hesitant Samir—who’s emotionally deflated and wary of further rejection—to give it a chance, even offering to cover his travel and hotel costs. Samir eventually agrees to fly to California for the opportunity.
Meanwhile, Mark and Dr. Lana Harding return to the CIA’s NHB building. Lana gives Mark her detailed psychological report on the three men involved in the Quest project. Mark, now convinced Samir poses the greatest risk, tells Lana he intends to visit him first in Hampton, Virginia, rather than Thomas Allen in California. Lana agrees, acknowledging that Mark’s insights reshaped her thinking—particularly his empathy for Samir’s emotional state, which mirrors his own past struggles.
Mark then visits Dr. Conner, who briefs him on his funding and logistics. He receives several bank and credit cards and is instructed to keep records for all credit purchases. After signing the agreement, Mark informs her of his intention to prioritize Samir. Conner, surprised, calls Lana in to explain the change. Lana reaffirms that Samir now appears more unstable and potentially vengeful, confirming Mark's judgment. Though she accepts responsibility, Dr. Conner sharply reprimands Lana for her earlier misjudgment and dismisses her from the project, abruptly ending her role and arranging her return to Chicago.
As Lana leaves emotionally shaken, Mark criticizes Conner’s harshness. But Conner defends her decision, emphasizing the mission’s importance and her unwillingness to tolerate analytical errors that could jeopardize national security. The chapter ends with Conner leading Mark to retrieve his forged IDs, preparing him to depart on the next leg of his assignment.
