Being on the run from the FBI wouldn't have left her with many opportunities to pursue her scientific goals, either. In some ways, Liz is grateful to Tess for showing up when she did, for being present when the hybrids' true purpose on Earth was revealed. Rebirth and destiny — who was she to get in the way of that when she had a destiny of her own? One that didn't involve Max Evans or aliens.

"I think you're the first person I've met — and I'm talking ever — who thinks that's as important as I do. Usually people just brush it all off as a geek fantasy."