Resilience sees a rock formation with a hazardous climb into a tunnel, and though it looks dangerous, he is very curious about what’s inside. Guardian and Fly aren’t sure going there is a good idea, but Resilience is sure that place holds something significant, and he “can sense that [he is] close to something worthwhile” (209). Resilience detours from finding Courage to explore the formation.

Sophie writes her first letter in a long time with news that her mom is sick. Her mom is also the only person at NASA who is content to let Resilience explore on his own. She’s proud of the rover, which makes Sophie mad in a way she doesn’t like.

The journey to the tunnel takes longer and is more difficult than Resilience thought. When they’re closer, Fly takes off to gather more footage. A dust storm forms, caking Resilience in dust and causing Fly to crash. Guardian orders Resilience to stay put until the storm settles, but Resilience heads “right toward the dust devil” because he’s afraid for Fly (216).