# Chapter 7 Summary: Orbitofrontal Cortex — Hope

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

You can return to the book hub or the previous chapter at any time.

This page is designed to help you track the plot, character arcs, and key themes as you read.

It is not a substitute for the original text, but a companion to deepen your understanding.

If you're ready, let's dive into Chapter 7: Orbitofrontal Cortex: Hope.

This chapter is a turning point, both for the BLINK project and for Bee and Levi's relationship.

We'll break down everything that happens, why it matters, and what it reveals about the characters.

Let's begin with a full chronological summary.

Summary

The chapter opens with Bee's alarm ringing repeatedly at 6:43 a.m. She accidentally answers a call from an unknown number, and it's Levi. He urgently asks her to come to Boris's office before a scheduled call with the NASA director. He says he has something that might get Boris to support BLINK, but he can't explain over the phone. Bee is groggy and skeptical, but Levi's voice is firm. He tells her there is no other neuroscientist he'd want to do this project with, and that he needs her to stay and work on BLINK with him. Bee, despite her exhaustion and lingering doubts, agrees.

She arrives at Boris's office just after seven, wearing leggings and a flannel shirt, having skipped a bra and proper grooming. Levi is already there, looking put-together. He tells her to follow his lead and pretend she already knows what's going on. They enter Boris's office, who is annoyed and about to prepare for his meeting. Levi places his phone on the desk, showing photos and blueprints of a neurostimulation helmet from a company called MagTech, based in Rotterdam. The helmet is scarily similar to BLINK's prototype. Levi explains that MagTech supplies combat gadgets to armed forces and militias, and they are at a similar stage of development. Bee, despite her sleep-deprived state, quickly assesses that MagTech lacks a strong neuroscientist, pointing out flaws in their output locations.

Levi argues that BLINK must resume immediately to beat MagTech to a working prototype and patent. He warns that if MagTech patents the technology first, NASA will have wasted millions, and there's no telling who they'll sell it to. Boris is initially resistant, but Levi's evidence and Bee's expertise convince him. Boris agrees to push the director for approval, but warns there is no margin for error. After the meeting, Bee and Levi step outside. They both apologize for their earlier conflict. Bee admits she shouldn't have called him names, and Levi insists he doesn't dislike her. He says he's been an ass and an idiot, but doesn't elaborate. Their conversation is interrupted by Kaylee, who needs Levi's approval on items. Bee walks away, but notices Levi looking at her even while talking to Kaylee.

Later that afternoon, Bee receives a text from Levi saying her equipment and computers will arrive the next day, and that Kaylee will set her up with a NASA.gov email. Bee is overjoyed and jumps up and down in the office. Rocío sees her and asks what's wrong. Bee tells her the equipment is coming, and Rocío smiles, then leaves early since there's no point staying. Bee is left alone, still ecstatic.

Key Events

Levi calls Bee at 6:43 a.m. and asks her to meet him at Boris's office, hinting he has a plan to revive BLINK.
Bee agrees to stay and work on BLINK, despite her earlier doubts about Levi.
Levi shows Boris photos and blueprints of MagTech's similar neurostimulation helmet, revealing a competitive threat.
Bee identifies that MagTech lacks a competent neuroscientist, strengthening their case.
Levi argues that BLINK must resume to beat MagTech to a patent, and Boris agrees to push the director for approval.
Boris warns that there is no margin for error if the project is approved.
Bee and Levi apologize for their earlier conflict, and Levi insists he doesn't dislike her.
Levi texts Bee that her equipment will arrive tomorrow and she'll get a NASA email account.
Bee shares the news with Rocío, who leaves early, and Bee celebrates alone.

Character Development

Bee shows significant growth in this chapter. She moves from skepticism and exhaustion to a renewed sense of purpose. Her decision to trust Levi and agree to work on BLINK, despite their history, demonstrates her willingness to prioritize the science over personal grievances. Her quick analysis of MagTech's flaws highlights her professional competence and confidence. She also shows humility in apologizing for her outburst, even while maintaining her playful banter.

Levi reveals a more vulnerable side. He initiates the reconciliation, admits he doesn't dislike Bee, and calls himself an idiot. His actions—bringing the MagTech evidence to Boris—show his commitment to the project and his willingness to take risks. His insistence that Bee is the only neuroscientist he wants to work with is a turning point in their relationship, hinting at deeper feelings.

Boris is pragmatic and cautious. He initially resists, but the competitive threat convinces him to support BLINK. His warning about no margin for error underscores the high stakes.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Hope is the central theme, as indicated by the chapter title. The revival of BLINK represents a second chance for Bee's career and for the project itself. The hope is fragile, contingent on the director's approval, but it's enough to energize Bee.

Competition and industrial espionage are introduced through MagTech. Levi's possession of their blueprints raises ethical questions, but also highlights the cutthroat nature of scientific innovation. The threat of a rival company pushes the characters to act.

Trust and reconciliation are explored as Bee and Levi navigate their past conflicts. Their apology scene shows that professional collaboration can coexist with personal growth.

Science unpredictability is acknowledged when Bee reflects that science doesn't follow deadlines, yet she still promises to finish in three months. This tension between optimism and reality is a recurring motif.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a pivotal turning point in the novel. It revives the BLINK project, which was previously shelved, and introduces a new external conflict with MagTech. This raises the stakes for Bee and Levi, forcing them to work together under pressure. The chapter also deepens their relationship, moving from mutual suspicion to tentative trust and even hints of attraction. Levi's admission that he doesn't dislike Bee opens the door for future romantic development. Additionally, the chapter establishes the scientific and ethical dilemmas that will likely drive the rest of the plot.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Levi ask Bee to come to Boris's office so early, and what does he hope to achieve?

Levi wants to present evidence of MagTech's competing neurostimulation helmet to Boris before his call with the NASA director. He hopes to convince Boris to support reviving BLINK by showing that a rival company is close to patenting similar technology. 2. How does Bee's expertise influence Boris's decision?

Bee quickly identifies that MagTech lacks a strong neuroscientist, pointing out flaws in their helmet's output locations. This reassures Boris that BLINK has a competitive advantage, making him more willing to push for the project's approval. 3. What does Levi's statement that he doesn't dislike Bee reveal about his character?

It reveals that Levi's earlier behavior was not driven by animosity but perhaps by other feelings or personal issues. His admission suggests he has been hiding his true feelings, and it opens the possibility for a deeper connection between him and Bee.