Mariel's investigation leads her to a reclusive climate scientist who has been ostracized by the scientific community for developing a controversial theory that challenges the mainstream view of climate change. The scientist, Dr. Johnson, explains to Mariel that much of the data used to support the climate crisis narrative is based on untested assumptions and that the scientific community has become too politicized to consider alternative viewpoints. As Mariel delves deeper into her research, she discovers that powerful forces are at work to silence dissenting voices and to maintain the status quo.
As Mariel's investigation progresses, she faces increasing pressure from her university and from her advisor to abandon her thesis and to conform to the mainstream view of climate change. Mariel is torn between her desire to uncover the truth and her fear of the consequences of going against the establishment. As she grapples with these conflicting emotions, she begins to question her own assumptions and beliefs about the world around her.
In the end, Mariel must decide whether to continue her investigation and risk her academic career and reputation, or to conform to the expectations of her peers and advisors and abandon her quest for the truth. The novel explores themes of intellectual curiosity, the importance of questioning assumptions, and the consequences of challenging established norms.