Though Isabel is still trying to discourage Alex, he hasn’t given up in his pursuit of her, and tries to persuade her that it would be nice to "have someone." In the middle of his argument, a new girl interrupts; she is Tess, who has just started at West Roswell High School. Though Alex is clearly annoyed, Isabel seems happy to meet Tess, and they instantly bond. Isabel even brings Tess over to meet Michael and Max, who are instantly suspicious of the newcomer.

Topolsky tricks Liz into meeting her at the restaurant where Liz and Max had their first date; she wants to warn Liz again that people are after her and the others. Liz now believes that Topolsky is telling them the truth, but Isabel, Max, and Michael are still distrustful. Topolsky also visits Sheriff Valenti, who is skeptical of Topolsky’s statement that they are all in danger, until he tries to call his old friend at the FBI, and finds out he’s dead.

Isabel and Alex are at the Crashdown, once again discussing their lack of a relationship, when once again, Tess interrupts. It’s clear she and Isabel have plans, so Alex is left out in the cold. Walking home, he is nearly abducted by agents, but for the quick intervention of Sheriff Valenti.

After Max and Liz and Michael and Maria conclude a semi-disastrous (for Michael and Maria) double-date, Michael comes home to find his apartment ransacked. Topolsky appears once again, to beg Michael to meet her the next evening with the orb that Max and Liz brought back from the desert. She has one, too, and claims that their giving her the orb is the only way they can save themselves and her. Though Max is against the idea, Michael has other ideas, and risking Max’s wrath, takes the orb and Maria’s car and sets out to meet Topolsky. But she is no longer there – agents from her former unit have taken her away. Max arrives and is so angry at Michael that he hits him, sending the orb flying…toward Valenti, who has followed them. Valenti is now the one in possession of the orb.

Judith Gerber