The Mystery
What surprising thing did scientists notice in the microscope images from the ArcLight probe?
The particles appeared to be moving.
What kind of home does Ryland remember living in?
An apartment.
What did Ryland call the classroom game he played with his students?
Lightning Round.
Where did Ryland first meet Eva Stratt?
At his school.
Why do you think Ryland was excited by the possibility of alien life?
He loves science, it's a huge discovery, he's curious.
Why were the scientists shocked when they saw the particles move?
They thought the particles might be alive.
What does Ryland realize he likes after thinking about his life on Earth?
Kids
What did Ryland throw to students who answered questions correctly?
Why did Eva Stratt come to see Ryland?
To talk about a scientific paper he wrote.
Why do you think Ryland enjoyed being a teacher?
He liked kids, liked science, liked helping others learn.
What question did the scientists begin asking after seeing the moving particles?
Whether the particles were a form of alien life.
What memory helps Ryland recover an important part of his identity?
Thinking about kids and teaching.
How did Abby usually do during the Lightning Round?
She answered a lot of questions correctly.
What did Eva Stratt want Ryland to study?
The particles found by the ArcLight probe.
Why do you think Eva Stratt chose Ryland instead of another scientist?
She believed he had special knowledge or a unique perspective.
What problem was the ArcLight mission trying to investigate?
The Petrova line / why the Sun was dimming.
What profession does Ryland finally remember he had?
Teacher.
What happened when Abby answered the Earth-radius question?
She tricked Ryland by answering the question correctly before the student he called on.
How did Ryland react when Eva asked him to help solve the problem?
He thought it was ridiculous / didn't believe her.
How would you react if someone told you you might help solve a worldwide problem?
Nervous, excited, overwhelmed, proud.
Why was the discovery so important?
It could be evidence of extraterrestrial life.
Why is remembering he was a teacher important to Ryland?
It helps him understand who he is and reconnect with his past.
What does the Lightning Round show about Ryland as a teacher?
He makes learning fun / he enjoys teaching / he has a good relationship with students.
What did Eva say about the scientists studying the particles?
Many scientists would study them, but she wanted Ryland to look first.
What character traits does Ryland show throughout this section?
Curious, intelligent, determined, humorous, resilient.