The conversations between Eli and Aeryn.

A trip to India, ancient drawings on rock shelters, the ever-present past. Elias and Laura search for the meaning behind the petroglyphs of Chhattisgarh and the Astronauts of Agādha.

"Give me ten days, and I can give you ten reasons not to die." Evan paused. "And if I can't change your mind by then, you can go jump off that cliff."