One year later, the Rusted Robots film has become a massive box office hit with extensive merchandising, which Zelu privately resents but has made peace with thanks to Wind's guidance. Book sales are soaring, but her publisher is pressuring her for the overdue second book in the trilogy. Zelu refuses to write on demand and worries readers will now project the film's American sensibilities onto her characters. She has withdrawn from social media, public appearances, and most communication with her reps.

Reflecting on her father's words about being drawn to adventure despite the cost, Zelu recognizes her own pattern of impulsive risk-taking. While working at her desk overlooking Lake Michigan, she receives an email from Jack Preston, the wealthiest man in the world, who demonstrates uncanny knowledge of her entire life, including her abandoned childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.

Preston invites Zelu to be the fourth passenger on #Adventure, a civilian mission to the International Space Station, arguing that paraplegics are well-suited to zero gravity. Shaken and suspicious, Zelu calls in Msizi, who admits he was secretly interviewed about her. He challenges her to admit she never stopped wanting this, and tells her that while he will suffer being left behind, he believes she should go.

Zelu is exhilarated by the prospect of going to space, feeling her future is "full of stars." Just as she prepares to share the news, her phone rings. Whatever she hears wipes the smile from her face, and the chapter ends with the ominous suggestion that her life has once again been shattered in an instant.