First seen as Ellie returns to the VLA compound in New Mexico where she finds a circus like atmosphere, crowded with tourists and Vega enthusiasts including Joseph -seen on a stage of sorts as he is a religious zealot who condemns Ellie and the others, preaching against science and claiming that god exists in Vega. Next Joseph makes eye contact with Ellie outside of a building in D.C. when she's wearing an evening gown. Next Joseph is on the ramp above the vehicle with Drumlin near by. Then again we see Joseph in a self-video explaining his goal.