A secret return visit to the Agape Lodge leaves Jack wanting more, inspiring him to explore new sexual boundaries at home with Susan, despite her misgivings. Ernest's sudden presence at the Rocketry Team's new desert testing facility has Richard questioning the whole endeavor, until he meets a mysterious woman who helps restore his faith. Meanwhile, Maggie has doubts about Ernest's fidelity.

Richard flies solo to Washington D.C. to present the team's proposal at the Department of War. But without Jack there to do the talking, Richard must turn to his relationship with Marisol to find the confidence he needs. Back in Los Angeles, Jack continues to drift away from Susan and closer to Thelema, skipping work to go on a spontaneous road trip with a troubled Ernest. Meanwhile, Susan searches for answers behind Jack's behavior by confronting Jack's mother Ruth and the potential source of all Jack's troubles, the Grand Magus himself.