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The story takes place in a distant future where humanity has colonized other planets and formed the Legion, a powerful military organization. The protagonist, Cavalon Mercer, is a former member of a wealthy and influential family who joins the Legion's Sentinels, an elite group of soldiers. Cavalon is assigned to the SCS Argus, a remote outpost at the edge of the universe, where he meets Commander Adequin Rake, a highly decorated and experienced soldier. As Cavalon navigates his new life on the Argus, he must confront his privileged past and earn the respect of his fellow soldiers. Meanwhile, the Argus is experiencing strange occurrences, including time ripples and distortions, which are caused by the contraction of the Divide, a region of space that is pulling the ship in with intense gravity. The crew discovers that the Divide is moving closer to them, and they must find a way to escape or risk being trapped forever. Along the way, they encounter genetically engineered warriors known as Drudgers, who are working for an unknown entity, and a mysterious golden pyramid that may hold the key to understanding the Divide's collapse. As the story unfolds, Cavalon and Commander Rake form a bond, and she becomes a mentor to him, helping him to navigate the challenges of being a soldier and to confront his past. The crew also discovers that the Legion has withdrawn from the Divide without informing them, leaving them to fend for themselves. In a desperate bid to survive, Commander Rake decides to disobey orders and take matters into her own hands, choosing to try and restart the Viator technology to stop the collapse. The story culminates with Commander Rake deciding to gather the Sentinels and start a mutiny against the Legion, with the goal of taking the fight to the Core and saving the Sentinels from destruction. Throughout the story, themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption are explored, as Cavalon and Commander Rake grapple with their pasts and the consequences of their actions. The novel is a gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi epic that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control.
Cavalon Mercer, a former member of a wealthy and influential family, undergoes a humiliating and invasive intake process upon arrival at the SCS Argus, a remote outpost at the edge of the universe. He is forced to endure a cavity search and is issued a new set of Imprints, which are painful to receive and leave him feeling uneasy. After the intake process, he meets with his commanding officer, Adequin Rake, a highly decorated and experienced soldier who is now in charge of the Argus. Rake is unimpressed by Cavalon's attitude and warns him that his privileged background and entitled behavior will not be tolerated on the Argus. She advises him to keep a low profile and earn the respect of his fellow soldiers, rather than relying on his family name. The meeting ends with Rake ordering a psychological evaluation for Cavalon, suggesting that his adjustment to life on the Argus will be challenging.
Adequin Rake, the commander of the SCS Argus, is struggling to come to terms with her role as a ship captain, feeling more comfortable with tactical and maintenance work. She experiences a time ripple, where she sees a future version of herself, and later discovers that the ship has drifted slightly, causing concerns about the stabilizers. As she investigates the issue with her second-in-command, Jackin, they discuss possible solutions, including deploying a buoy to anchor the ship. Meanwhile, the SCS Tempus, a scouting frigate, arrives at the Argus, bringing Centurion Griffith Bach back after a six-month patrol. Adequin greets him warmly, and they exchange updates on the ship's status and the Sentinel alert system. Later, Adequin receives the results of a psychological evaluation for a new recruit, which reveals concerns about the recruit's mental health and behavior, prompting Adequin to decide to keep a close eye on them.
Cavalon stands at an observation window on the Argus, gazing out at the vast emptiness of the Divide, the edge of the universe. He's approached by Circitor Amaeus Puck, who introduces himself and offers to show Cavalon around the ship. As they walk, Puck explains the layout of the ship and its various sectors, including the amidship vestibule, crew quarters, and research labs. They discuss the ship's limited communication capabilities and the role of the Tempus, a scouting frigate that maintains the alert system along the Divide. Cavalon meets Animus Mesa Darox, a Savant and science officer who runs the research lab, and they discuss the study of Viator technology, including a recently acquired fusion-powered pistol. After Mesa leaves, Puck decides to assign Cavalon to help out in the mess hall, where he can meet the rest of the crew and get settled in.
Cavalon is assigned to work in the mess hall, where he meets other soldiers and gets into a fight with a man named Barrow, who recognizes him as the Mercer heir. The fight escalates, with Cavalon using his Imprint tattoos to defend himself, until Excubitor Rake intervenes, using her own Imprints to subdue the other soldiers. Rake reprimands Cavalon and assigns him to janitorial duty on the bridge, where she can keep an eye on him. Despite his initial troublemaking, Rake sees potential in Cavalon and offers him a chance to advance, but only if he can learn humility and respect for his fellow soldiers. Cavalon begins to realize that he needs to change his behavior and prove himself, rather than relying on his family name or causing chaos.
Adequin Rake, the commander of the SCS Argus, is tasked with keeping the ship and its crew in order, while also dealing with the arrival of the SCS Tempus, a scouting frigate. She meets with its captain, Griffith Bach, to discuss the ship's status and the Sentinel alert system. Meanwhile, she is also tasked with managing the behavior of a new recruit, Cavalon Mercer, who is struggling to adjust to life on the ship. As Adequin works to keep the crew in line, she also finds time to socialize with Griffith, sharing a bottle of rare whiskey and discussing crew evaluations and the challenges of maintaining the ship. Despite the demands of her role, Adequin shows a more relaxed side as she enjoys the company of her friend and colleague.
Adequin Rake and Griffith Bach share a night of relaxation and conversation, during which Griffith reveals his desire to step down as captain of the SCS Tempus and stay on the Argus with Adequin. They discuss the challenges of their relationship due to the time difference caused by Griffith's scouting missions, and Griffith confesses that he has had feelings for Adequin for nearly ten years. As they grow closer, Adequin is hesitant to let Griffith give up his post for her, but he is resolute in his decision. The next morning, Griffith prepares to leave on another mission, and the two share a emotional goodbye, with Griffith promising to return in six months and Adequin hoping that their time apart will be shorter.
Adequin Rake visits the bridge in the dead of night, finding her second-in-command, Jackin, in a state of distress. He reveals that the ship's sensors indicate they have not moved, despite thrusters being engaged, and suggests that the Divide, the edge of the universe, may be moving closer to them. Adequin is skeptical, but Jackin's conviction and data prompt her to take the possibility seriously. They discuss potential explanations, but Jackin is adamant that the Divide is indeed moving towards them. Adequin orders him to keep the information secret for now and to get some rest, while she attempts to hail the SCS Tempus, which has gone dark after departing the Argus. Her attempts at contact are met with static, leaving her concerned for the safety of the Tempus and its crew, including her friend and potential love interest, Griffith Bach.
Adequin Rake's past is revealed through a flashback, where she is promoted to excubitor after a classified mission and assigned to the SCS Argus. In the present, she is dealing with the consequences of the ship drifting closer to the Divide, causing time ripples and distortions. As she tries to find a solution, she discusses options with her second-in-command, Jackin, including using the ship's thrusters to move away from the Divide or attempting to send a message to HQ through a Hermes vessel. However, their communication systems are malfunctioning, and they may be out of range. Adequin reveals that she has a warp core, which could potentially be used to travel to Kharon Gate and send a message, but it is almost entirely depleted. She and Jackin must now find a way to refill the core, which will require expertise they may not have on board. Meanwhile, the ship's crew is experiencing strange and intense time ripples, including Cavalon Mercer, who is struggling to adjust to his new life on the Argus.
Cavalon is tasked by Commander Rake to recharge a warp core, which is essential for the ship's survival, by extracting acium from the ship's missiles. He is assisted by Emery and Warner, and together they navigate the challenges of manually accessing the missiles and extracting the acium. Despite initial setbacks, including the discovery that the missiles are ancient and have weakened over time, Cavalon's knowledge and resourcefulness help the team find a solution. They come up with a plan to vent a sector of the ship and drain the accelerator lines, which could provide the necessary acium without oxidation. Commander Rake is impressed with Cavalon's progress and encourages him to see the task through to completion, offering him a chance to prove himself and earn her respect.
Cavalon completes the task of extracting acium from the ship's missiles and hands it over to Commander Rake. She reveals that they will be using the acium to power a warp core, which will allow them to travel to Kharon Gate and send a request to HQ. Cavalon, along with Jackin, Emery, and Warner, is assigned to accompany Jackin on the mission to Kharon Gate aboard a small transport vessel, the SGL. As they prepare to depart, Cavalon is unsure of what to expect, but Rake reassures him that he will be fine as long as he listens to Jackin. The team sets off, and Cavalon installs the warp core, allowing the ship to engage its warp drive and head towards Kharon Gate. During the journey, the team discusses the meaning of the ship's name, SGL, and speculates about the past of their commanders, including Commander Rake and Centurion Bach. However, their conversation is cut short by Jackin, who reminds them to maintain discipline and focus on their mission.
Commander Adequin Rake is dealing with the consequences of sending Cavalon on a mission, and is questioning her decision. Meanwhile, the ship's sensors indicate that they are drifting closer to the Divide, and Jackin is unavailable to handle the situation. Adequin calls upon Circitor Puck to assist her, and he suggests rerouting power to the thrusters to push them back inward. As they work on a solution, the ship's sensors detect an unknown visual anomaly 35,000 kilometers away, which is moving rapidly towards them. The crew prepares for a potential threat, locking down the bridge and raising shields. However, the situation becomes increasingly chaotic as the anomaly draws closer, causing time ripples and distortions. Savant Mesa appears on the bridge, warning of a situation outside Octo Sector, where crew members are trying to break down the bulkhead door to arm themselves. Adequin leaves Puck in charge of the bridge to deal with the situation, as the crew's panic and desperation grow.
The crew of the SGL, led by Jackin, arrives at Kharon Gate, a remote Apollo Gate, to refuel and send a message to HQ. However, they find the gate abandoned and dark, with no signs of life or activity. Despite the ominous atmosphere, they decide to dock and investigate. Cavalon uses his Imprints to force open the airlock door, and they make their way into the station. As they explore, they discover that the station's systems are still online, but the last log entry is three months old and marked as "redacted." Jackin and Cavalon try to access the comms system, but they encounter interference. Just as they're trying to find a solution, an alarm sounds, and a mangled cargo ship, identified as a Drudger vessel, appears out of the darkness, illuminated by the station's hull lights. The crew is left stunned and concerned, unsure of what to expect next.
Adequin Rake is faced with the reality of the situation on the SCS Argus as the ship is experiencing strange occurrences and the crew is on the brink of panic. She tries to maintain order, but the situation spirals out of control, and she is forced to make difficult decisions to ensure the survival of as many crew members as possible. With the help of Circitor Puck and Savant Mesa, Adequin navigates the chaos and works to evacuate the ship, but not before tragedy strikes, and she is left to come to terms with the consequences of her actions. As the crew prepares to abandon ship, Adequin must confront her own feelings and make a choice that will determine the fate of those around her. Meanwhile, Lace, a skilled engineer, makes a heroic sacrifice to ensure the escape of the remaining crew members, leaving Adequin to grapple with the emotional weight of her loss.
Cavalon and Jackin's mission to send a message to HQ takes a deadly turn when they encounter a group of Drudgers at the abandoned Kharon Gate station. The Drudgers, genetically engineered warriors with enhanced strength and armor-plated skin, prove to be formidable opponents. Despite being outnumbered, Cavalon and Jackin manage to hold their own, with Cavalon using his Imprint tattoos to enhance his strength and Jackin using his combat training to take down several Drudgers. Just when it seems like they're gaining the upper hand, more Drudgers arrive, and the two are forced to retreat to their ship, the SGL. With the help of their crewmates Emery and Warner, they manage to fend off the Drudgers and escape, but not without suffering injuries. As they make their way back to the Argus, Cavalon is left to grapple with the moral implications of his actions, realizing that he would have abandoned Emery and Warner if it hadn't been for the valuable warp core they possessed. The experience leaves him feeling uneasy and questioning his own humanity.
The chapter delves into Adequin Rake's past, where she is shown standing over the last Viator breeder, ready to end its life and effectively commit xenocide. However, the scene cuts back to the present, where Adequin is on a Hermes vessel, having been rescued by her crew against her will. She is filled with anger and grief over the loss of her ship, the Argus, and its crew. As she looks out at the destruction, she sees the SGL, a ship carrying Jackin and other crew members, being pulled towards the Divide. Adequin takes control of the Hermes and executes a daring maneuver to help the SGL achieve escape velocity and break free from the Divide's gravity. The maneuver is successful, but not without putting both ships at risk. After the rescue, Adequin attempts to contact Jackin, but the communication is filled with static, and she can only hope that they are safe. The chapter ends with Adequin's relief that the SGL is clear of the Divide, but her concerns for the crew's safety and the fate of those she has lost still linger.
Adequin Rake and her crew are dealing with the aftermath of their narrow escape from the Divide, a region of space that is pulling them in with intense gravity. They are on a small transport vessel, the SGL, and are trying to come up with a plan to fix their damaged warp drive. Adequin decides to take a team back to the abandoned Kharon Gate station, which is overrun by Drudgers, to try and repair the comms system and send a message to Legion HQ. However, their ship experiences a malfunction, and they need to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) to repair it. Cavalon, who has a background in astromechanical engineering, is tasked with performing the repair, but he has no experience with spacewalks. Adequin decides to tandem with him, but then changes her mind and decides to go alone, despite Jackin's objections. She suits up and prepares to venture out into space to repair the ship, putting herself at risk to ensure the survival of her crew.
Cavalon Mercer, accompanied by Commander Adequin Rake, embarks on a spacewalk to repair the damaged warp drive of their ship, the SGL. Despite his initial reluctance and fear of the vast, empty space, Rake's guidance and reassurance help him to navigate the challenges of the spacewalk. As they work to repair the ship, Rake uses a combination of technical expertise and personal anecdotes to distract Cavalon from his anxiety and keep him focused on the task at hand. However, when Cavalon accidentally triggers his MMU's thruster, he begins to spin out of control, and Rake must use her own thrusters to counteract his spin and prevent a disaster. After the ordeal, Cavalon is left shaken but grateful for Rake's expertise and composure under pressure.
Adequin Rake tends to Cavalon Mercer, who is suffering from space sickness after their recent spacewalk. As she administers saline to help with his dehydration, they engage in a conversation to distract him from his discomfort. Cavalon begins to tell a story about a fictional character, "the boy," who is revealed to be a stand-in for himself. The story recounts his experiences growing up in a powerful family, his desire to change the system, and his eventual attempt to overthrow his tyrannical grandfather, Augustus Mercer. Adequin listens intently, surprised by Cavalon's bravery and willingness to risk everything for what he believes in. As they talk, Adequin reflects on her own concerns, including the fate of her friend Griffith Bach and the mysterious contraction of the Divide, which threatens the entire universe. Despite the gravity of their situation, Adequin finds herself drawn to Cavalon's story and his determination to make a difference.
Adequin Rake tends to Cavalon Mercer, who is suffering from space sickness after their recent spacewalk. She and Jackin discuss their plan to investigate the abandoned Kharon Gate station, and Adequin decides to drop out of warp early and cruise up to the station to gather information before docking. As they approach the station, they detect no other ships in the area, but are aware that the Drudgers may return. Upon docking, Adequin addresses her crew, warning them of the potential Drudger threat and assigning tasks to prepare for a possible attack. She sets up a base camp, assigns teams to gather arms and ammo, and establishes a temporary med station. Meanwhile, Jackin reveals that he has a mysterious past, and Adequin notices that he seems to be hiding something about his connection to the Mercer family. As the crew scrambles to prepare for a potential attack, Adequin, Jackin, and Puck head to the port-side control room to assess the situation and plan their next move.
Cavalon wakes up in a makeshift medbay, feeling relatively fine after his previous ordeal. He finds a plasma pistol on his chest and meets up with Mesa, who explains how to use the weapon and provides advice on how to take down Drudgers. Cavalon then sets out to find his commanding officer, Puck, and ends up in the control room, where he overhears a conversation between Rake, Jackin, and Puck about their plan to contact the Legion for help. Rake decides to manually reboot the mainframe and comm systems, which requires a trip to the server room at the other end of the station. Despite Jackin's concerns, Rake insists on going alone, but he later orders Cavalon to accompany her. Cavalon catches up with Rake and follows her, unsure of what lies ahead.
Cavalon Mercer accompanies Commander Adequin Rake on a mission to reboot the mainframe and comm systems at the abandoned Kharon Gate station. As they navigate the corridors, Cavalon attempts to engage Rake in conversation, asking her about her past and how she ended up in the Legion. Rake reluctantly shares some information about her childhood on the outer planet of Seneca-IV, where she grew up in a difficult environment and eventually ran away to join the Legion at the age of 16. Cavalon also shares more about his own story, including his family's history and his grandfather's intentions to use genetic engineering to create a "perfect" human species. Rake is skeptical and disturbed by the implications of Cavalon's story, and their conversation is interrupted by the sound of Drudgers approaching. Rake pulls Cavalon into a narrow alcove, and they wait in silence as the Drudgers pass by, their presence a reminder of the dangers that lurk in the abandoned station.
Cavalon Mercer finds himself in a precarious situation, hiding in an alcove with Commander Adequin Rake as they evade a group of Drudgers. Despite his initial reluctance, Cavalon insists on accompanying Rake on a mission to reboot the mainframe and comm systems at the abandoned Kharon Gate station. Rake is hesitant but ultimately agrees, warning Cavalon to stay close and use his Imprints for defense. As they navigate the station, they encounter more Drudgers, and Rake takes them down with ease, showcasing her impressive combat skills. Cavalon is left in awe of Rake's abilities and struggles to keep up with her. They eventually make their way to a ventilation shaft, where Rake uses her Imprints to take out more Drudgers. After a successful but intense battle, Rake and Cavalon proceed to explore the station, searching for a way to escape and potentially use the Drudgers' ship to their advantage. Cavalon's inexperience and impulsiveness are put to the test as he tries to keep up with Rake's strategic thinking and combat prowess.
Cavalon and Commander Rake navigate through the narrow shafts of the Drudger ship, using Cavalon's Imprints to climb and Rake's expertise to guide him. They eventually reach a vent shaft that overlooks a room with several Drudgers, and Rake comes up with a plan to take them out. Cavalon is tasked with providing backup, but things don't go as smoothly as expected. He struggles to take down a Drudger, but eventually manages to kill it with his knife. The experience leaves him shaken, and Rake expresses concern for his well-being. Despite this, Cavalon insists he's fine and ready to continue their mission. They discover that there are only three Drudgers left on the ship, and Rake is puzzled by the discrepancy. They decide to investigate further and head towards the cockpit, where the remaining Drudgers are located.
Cavalon and Commander Rake navigate through the Drudger ship, eventually reaching the cockpit where they find a Drudger captain watching a video message. Rake takes down the Drudgers and interrogates the captain, who reveals that it has been following instructions from an unknown source. The video message is played, showing a creature with four black eyes, which Cavalon recognizes as a potential Viator. The message speaks of restarting a station and following instructions, which Rake seems hesitant to investigate further. Despite Cavalon's concerns, Rake prioritizes their mission to eliminate the Drudgers and repair the gate, refusing to speculate about the possibility of Viators returning. She orders Cavalon to keep the information secret and decides to take the mysterious pyramid-shaped device back to their scientist, Mesa, for further analysis.
Adequin Rake and her crew are trying to contact the Legion for help after discovering that the Legion has withdrawn from the Divide without informing them. They manage to establish a connection with Oculus Rio Murphy, who informs them that the SCL has withdrawn from the Divide, including Kharon Gate. Adequin demands to speak with Praetor Reneth Lugen, invoking the Titan prius statute. Meanwhile, tensions rise among the crew as they discuss the Legion's abandonment and the appearance of a Viator giving orders to Drudgers. Cavalon Mercer, the Mercer heir, is confronted by the crew about his family's past actions and his potential involvement in the current situation. Adequin defends him, but the crew's distrust and anger towards him are palpable. As Adequin waits for Lugen's call, she falls asleep, only to be awakened by Puck, who shows her the cargo hold of the Drudgers' ship. The hold is filled with Legion-issue equipment and supplies, including a crate marked with the Sentinel logo and the words "SCS Tempus", which belonged to Griffith Bach's ship. Adequin is shocked and demands that Puck retrieve the coordinates from the ship's logs to determine the Tempus's last location.
Adequin Rake and her crew arrive at the last known location of the SCS Tempus, Griffith Bach's ship, and find it abandoned and damaged. They board the ship and search for signs of life, eventually finding Griffith injured and unconscious in the engine-access room. After reviving him, they discuss what happened to the ship and how it ended up in its current state. Griffith explains that he had to make a desperate maneuver to escape the Divide, which caused significant damage to the ship and its engines. As they prepare to leave the ship, Adequin and Griffith experience a strange time ripple, seeing glimpses of their past and future selves. The time ripple is unusual, showing them events that have not yet occurred, and Adequin is unsure what to make of it. The crew's attempts to contact the rest of the team are met with static, and they realize that something is seriously wrong. With the ship's engines shot and the crew's safety uncertain, Adequin and Griffith must navigate their way out of the situation and try to make sense of the bizarre time ripple they experienced.
Cavalon Mercer is tasked by Savant Mesa to extract a Drudger captain's hand to potentially unlock a mysterious gold pyramid. Along with Emery, he retrieves the hand, but they are confronted by Circitor Snyder and his accomplices, who are seeking revenge against Cavalon for his family's past actions. Snyder, having gained control over Imprint access, unleashes intense pain on Cavalon, exploiting the volatile interfacing between his royal and Sentinel Imprints. As Cavalon struggles to endure the agony, he realizes he must resist using his royal Imprints to avoid exacerbating the situation. Despite his efforts, he is brutally beaten by Snyder and his accomplices, leaving him helpless and unsure if anyone will come to his rescue.
Adequin Rake and her crew are on the damaged ship Tempus, trying to repair it and contact the Legion for help. However, they soon discover that the ship has been rigged to blow by the Drudgers, and they must abandon ship immediately. As they escape, Adequin sees a time ripple of the past, where she witnesses Griffith, Eura, and Ivana crossing from the Tempus to the Synthesis, a ship they are currently on. The crew manages to board the Synthesis, but the Tempus is on a collision course with them. With no other options, Adequin comes up with a plan to use the Synthesis's ordnance to roll the ship and create a shield bubble, protecting them from the impending explosion. The plan is successful, and they manage to warp away from the Divide, avoiding certain destruction.
Cavalon Mercer is recovering from a brutal beating by Circitor Snyder and his accomplices, who sought revenge against him for his family's past actions. Despite his injuries, Cavalon joins Emery and Savant Mesa in the medbay-turned-research lab to examine a mysterious golden pyramid, known as a curanulta, which they believe may be a dynamic atlas or map. As they study the device, they discover that it can track ship movements and may be connected to a series of beacons that send information back to the device. They also find a file repository containing schematics that appear to be plans for a fusion bomb. Emery suggests that the Drudgers may be using the curanulta to target Sentinel vessels, and Mesa agrees that they should continue to study the map and present their findings to Commander Rake when she returns. Cavalon reflects on his past actions and realizes that he wants to make a difference and prove himself, rather than being seen as a pawn in a larger game. He decides that he needs to earn the trust of the Sentinels and become useful to them in order to make a positive impact.
Adequin Rake and her crew have escaped the Divide and are now on the ship Synthesis, trying to repair it and contact the Legion for help. However, they soon discover that the ship has been damaged and that one of their crew members, Ivana, has died. Adequin is filled with guilt and grief, and she confesses to Griffith that she had let the Viator breeder escape during a mission five years ago, which has been weighing on her conscience. Griffith is shocked and angry, feeling that Adequin's actions were a betrayal of their mission and the Legion. The two have a heated argument, with Adequin trying to justify her actions and Griffith refusing to accept her explanation. Just as it seems like the argument is going to escalate further, Griffith suddenly collapses and begins to convulse. Adequin is shocked and desperate to save him, and she calls for help. The crew rushes to assist, and Cavalon, who has been watching the scene unfold, takes charge and demands a tPA cartridge to try and save Griffith's life.
Cavalon Mercer is tasked with caring for Griffith Bach, who is recovering from a mysterious illness. Despite his lack of medical expertise, Cavalon uses his knowledge of genetic engineering to examine Griffith's cells and discovers that he is undergoing an accelerated aging process due to his exposure to the Divide's intense gravity. Cavalon shares his findings with Commander Rake and Optio Jackin, revealing that Griffith's cells are aging at an increased rate and that there is no known cure. Rake is devastated by the news, and Cavalon feels a sense of failure and disappointment. The scene also touches on Cavalon's personal struggles, including his addiction to apexidone and his desire to prove himself to Rake and the rest of the crew. Meanwhile, Rake is grappling with the consequences of Griffith's condition and the mysterious time ripple they experienced on the Tempus, which seems to defy the laws of physics.
Adequin Rake visits Savant Mesa to learn more about the mysterious golden pyramid, which is believed to be a dynamic atlas or map. Mesa explains that the device can track ship movements and may be connected to a series of beacons that send information back to it. Adequin realizes that the map may hold the key to understanding the Divide's collapse and decides to send a team to investigate the beta beacons, which could provide a play-by-play of the Divide's position. Meanwhile, Griffith Bach awakens from his coma and Adequin informs him about his condition, revealing that his cells are aging at an accelerated rate due to his exposure to the Divide's intense gravity. Griffith has only 24 hours left to live, and Adequin is filled with grief and regret. Despite their differences, Griffith forgives Adequin for her past mistakes and they share a moment of intimacy, with Adequin promising to take him to Myrdin to see the thunderstorms he misses.
The crew of the SGL, led by Commander Adequin Rake, approaches a mysterious, enormous structure that appears to be a Viator data beacon. As they draw closer, they discover a large, bronze, triangular panel on the surface, which Mesa identifies as a trecullis, an ancient access door. The crew decides to proceed, and the trecullis scans them, then opens, revealing a massive, dark entrance. Despite some reservations, they enter the structure, finding themselves in a vast, spherical chamber with a series of concave walls and a central, bronze sphere. The ship's autopilot takes control, guiding them towards the sphere, where a narrow platform extends, inviting them to disembark. With some trepidation, the crew prepares to explore the unknown interior of the structure, donning their suits in anticipation of what they might find.
Cavalon, Rake, Griffith, and Mesa explore the abandoned Kharon Gate station, searching for a way to repair the damaged warp drive and contact the Legion for help. They discover a mysterious golden pyramid, which Mesa believes may be a dynamic atlas or map, and use it to unlock a door leading to a large, bronze, triangular panel. As they investigate further, they find a series of terminals and a window into another area, which Cavalon believes may be a gravity generator. However, Mesa suggests that it could be a dark-energy generator, a technology used by the Viators to manipulate dark energy. The team discusses the implications of this discovery, including the possibility that the Viators built the stations to stop the collapse of the universe. They also speculate about the origins of the Viators and their motivations for building the stations. Meanwhile, Jackin's voice comes over the comms, warning them of a time ripple and telling them to take their time. Rake decides that they will head back to Kharon Gate to come up with a plan to restart the generator, but not before they realize that they may have inadvertently prevented the Drudgers from restarting the reactors and fixing the stations, potentially dooming the universe to collapse.
Commander Adequin Rake and her crew are dealing with the aftermath of their discovery of the Viator technology and the collapse of the Divide. They receive a mayday call from the SCS Typhos, another Sentinel ship, which is in distress due to the Divide's collapse. Rake and her crew try to assist, but their efforts are hindered by the Legion's withdrawal from the Divide and the lack of support. Rake decides to disobey orders and take matters into her own hands, choosing to try and restart the Viator technology to stop the collapse. She assembles a team, including Cavalon Mercer, Savant Mesa, and Circitor Puck, to accompany her on the mission. Despite the risks, they set out to restart the power source, which they believe is a contained fusion reaction, in an effort to save the universe from destruction. Meanwhile, Rake's personal relationships and emotions come to the forefront as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the fate of those around her, particularly Griffith Bach, who is dying due to his exposure to the Divide's intense gravity.
Adequin Rake and her crew are working to repair a damaged Viator data beacon in an attempt to stop the collapse of the Divide, a region of space that is pulling them in with intense gravity. They successfully create a mini-star using four dozen tanks of compressed hydrogen, but soon discover that the station's power source is not connected due to an overloaded expulsion system. Adequin uses her Viator Imprints to interface with the station's mainframe and learns that the problem is with a purge valve on the outer hull, which needs to be hermetically sealed. She decides to embark on a dangerous EVA to repair the valve, accompanied by Cavalon Mercer. Meanwhile, Griffith Bach, who is dying due to his exposure to the Divide's intense gravity, offers to use his own Viator Imprints to activate the station if Adequin and Cavalon are unable to return in time. Adequin is hesitant due to the extreme pain involved in the process, but Griffith insists, saying he wants to make a difference before he dies.
Cavalon and Commander Rake are on a mission to repair a damaged Viator data beacon in an attempt to stop the collapse of the Divide. They embark on a dangerous EVA to fix a purge valve on the outer hull of the station. As they work, Rake shares stories about her past, including her relationship with a recruitment officer and her experiences as a young soldier. Despite the risks, they successfully complete the repair, but not before experiencing a series of intense and disorienting events, including a sudden loss of pressure and a violent shockwave that threatens to pull them away from the station. Cavalon uses his Imprints to save Rake from drifting away, and they manage to ride out the wave, but not without suffering severe injuries and pain. As they wait for the tethers to run out, they share a moment of levity, discussing superpowers and their preferences. However, their relief is short-lived, as the tethers snap taut, causing them immense pain and discomfort. Cavalon's injuries prove too much, and he passes out, just as the hull lights of the SGL come into view.
Commander Adequin Rake is dealing with the aftermath of Griffith Bach's death, and the weight of her grief is palpable. As she stands in the bronze-sphere chamber, she reflects on the events that have led her to this point and the decisions she has made. She realizes that she has been waiting for a long time, waiting for orders, waiting for permission, and waiting for the Divide to swallow them whole. But now, she knows that she must take action and stop waiting. Rake decides that she will gather the Sentinels and start a mutiny against the Legion, with the goal of taking the fight to the Core. She shares her plan with her crew, including Jackin, Puck, and Cavalon, and they begin to discuss the details of how to make it happen. Cavalon agrees to help build a ship that can utilize the Viator technology, and Rake tasks Mesa with reverse-engineering the reactor. As they start to make plans, Rake knows that she is taking a huge risk, but she is determined to save the Sentinels and bring about change to the Core.