The Tosoma has been dutifully repaired attempts to escape when Naats, in service of the Arkonide Empire, descend upon the Web, demanding the ship and its crew.

Meanwhile, Aescunnar makes an astonishing discovery while trying to recover Hetcher on Mars. Signs of an ancient civilization are found on the Red Planet. More startling still: they may not have left...

On Topsid, Manoli is now heading for the Wise Ones' Stronghold, a mountain refuge for their most revered figures. But the climb will be far from easy-and will a human even be allowed into such a sacred place? Elsewhere, the despot obsesses over his unseemly "collection" of Arkonide captives.

Back on Earth, Bai Jun's questions are about to be answered. Administrator Adams orders him to evacuate the entire city of Terrania as a precursor to a grand reveal. What are the secrets of the Stardust Tower-and the administrator's plans for it?