Part 3/9:
As Gardner grows up, he finds himself isolated in the research camp, having met only fourteen individuals by the time he turns sixteen. Raised by astronauts, Gardner’s intelligence flourishes, but he is haunted by unanswered questions about his parents, particularly about his late mother Sarah and his unknown father. This yearning for identity propels him to hack into the locker that belonged to his mother, leading to a revelation: a video of her with a man whom he assumes is his father.
Digging Deeper
Simultaneously, Gardner connects with a girl from Earth named Tulsa through online chats. Unlike Gardner, who yearns for connection and freedom, Tulsa lives a tumultuous life in foster care, bouncing from family to family. Their exchange represents a poignant contrast in their lives.