to determine a cause, John Koenig takes Eagle One on a reconnaissance mission to locate the source of the heat. After his departure, Helena tests a tenth artificial heart for Michelle. The Dorfman cardiac prosthesis was designed to have valves coated with . However, the Alphans' supply of is low and none can be spared for this project. Forced to use less-than-adequate substitutes, Helena is battling her own desperation and the cynicism of her collaborator, Doctor Ben Vincent, as attempt after attempt fails. When the latest artificial heart fails, Osgood denounces these scientific attempts to give life as blasphemy. After he exits, the doctors debate whether his growing instability is the sign of a breakdown, or, in view of his recent prophetic visions, a more metaphysical influence. Osgood returns to the care unit to visit his wife. At her bedside, he is inspired by the recollection of a past conversation of theirs, where the secular-minded Michelle commented her faith is in their love. After formulating a plan of action, he leaves, convinced he will be her saviour. Koenig is unable to find a cause for the ever-rising temperatures. He gives Tony Verdeschi command authority in his absence (as the ship will soon pass out of communications range). Helena interrupts to plead for a few grains of to complete the heart. Koenig refuses: with the strain placed on life-support by the present emergency, the scarce mineral is more valuable than a single life. Koenig expresses his confidence in Helena and her abilities to find an alternate solution. The temperature in Alpha reaches 45° Celsius on Level A. Verdeschi orders all supplies of the heat-sensitive hyper-nitro relocated to the relatively cooler storerooms on the lowest subterranean level. During the transfer, Osgood unexpectedly charges in. Verdeschi tries to sympathise with his old friend but, obsessed with his role as prophet, Osgood lashes out. He lays out the guards and grabs Verdeschi's sidearm. A passing Maya witnesses the scuffle. She transforms into a large Alsatian dog and forces Osgood to drop the gun. Osgood runs off and gains access to an explosives storeroom on another level. Verdeschi stations sentries throughout the Medical Section, figuring the geologist will try to approach his wife. While visiting the patient, he turns on the charm, downplaying Osgood's irrational behaviour to spare the weakening Michelle any further stress. Verdeschi relates the details of his encounter with Osgood to Helena.