Another Chance

The total quarantine of Whit's End turns the town against Tom Riley. Glossman publicly suggests that the soil may be toxic and accuses Whit's End's leaders of endangering children by failing to test it. Angry voters boo Tom when he tries to defend the place. Blackgaard, meanwhile, receives cheers as he promises to protect Odyssey's children, then nearly collapses onstage. His campaign blames missed meals and exhaustion.

The vandals smash Bart Rathbone's store and make it look like another attack by the Israelites. Bart has known the sacrifice is part of the larger plan, but Rodney has not. Furious that Jellyfish has destroyed their own property and taken control of his gang, Rodney vows to settle the matter himself.

At Whit's house, Richard Maxwell helps Eugene recover pieces of the data saved before the Imagination Station lost power. The partial record reveals that Reverend Andrew made a healing salve with a mineral from the tunnel, known locally as the Silent One. Jason recognizes the name but cannot remember why. When Tom arrives and treats Richard coldly, Jason urges him to notice Richard's present desire to do right. Tom admits that memories of his burned barn and endangered horses still fill him with anger, but he begins to consider dealing with it.

Rodney approaches Richard with an offer. Jellyfish has kept detailed records on a laptop about Edgebiter, the vandalism, the recall, and everyone responsible. Rodney will lead Richard to the computer if Richard deletes Rodney's name from the evidence. Richard distrusts him, yet accepts the risk because the laptop may provide the proof they need.

Rodney leads Richard into the quarantined Whit's End through a little-known service entrance. They hide as Blackgaard, Glossman, Bovril, and Jellyfish gather around two laptop computers. Blackgaard's earlier fainting spell had been staged for the press. When Bovril needs more storage for his calculations, Blackgaard orders Jellyfish to hand over his laptop, threatening to expose the secret files that Jellyfish has kept as insurance.

Richard creates a diversion so Rodney can escape. He reveals himself to Blackgaard and Jellyfish, knowing he will be captured but hoping Rodney can later guide others to the evidence. Blackgaard uses Richard's own electrical stunner to knock him unconscious, then orders Jellyfish and Bovril to dispose of him.

As their car travels along the back of Trickle Lake, Richard awakens and notices that his captors have failed to lock his door. He jumps from the moving vehicle and tumbles down a steep embankment. Jellyfish and Bovril see him lying motionless below but flee when another car approaches.

That approaching driver is Jack, returning from his prayer retreat. He finds Richard beside the road and rushes him to the hospital. Jason and Eugene learn that Richard is alive but has fallen into a coma.