Out of all the issues on the table, Mark fixates on Rex’s feelings towards Tess. Well, that falls in line with Diana’s agenda. But so what? His paymaster is expecting a research article on the zoo, itself, and whether it is legit. Never mind that Rex’s feelings may be somewhat distorted by a childhood fantasy. But Mark puts the Third Degree on Rex, who caves in. What is Rivera’s goal in this story?

This story deviated right away from a strict uncover corruption plot that would have been normal in a Mark Trail story. Instead, the investigative angle has been secondary to a focus on interpersonal issues, something that falls outside Mark’s regular skill set. So, is this really a rescue mission? Does Mark’s eventual article get turned into a “How I saved Rex Scorpius from the clutches of a cult leader“? I have yet to see any evidence of a cult.