On his way to Ebonshire, Nathan comes across a fallen pirate ship. Onboard, Nathan finds Umbridge, and tries to save her from an attack by insectoid creatures. Overwhelmed, Nathan and Umbrige are saved by Aliya, and the trio journey to Madame Sanctity. With Sanctity’s support, Nathan is invited into the Askani fold.

Synopsis

Nathan has found the Gender Splay, a pirate ship that has run into trouble near Ebonshire. Nathan boards the ship and learns that nearly the entire crew has been killed. Believing there is still life to save, Nathan springs into action against a Daegon despite Professor informing him that there are no weaknesses in the creature. This is quickly learned when the Daegon shrugs off every attack, including a psi-burst. Nathan is nearly killed when Aliya arrives and slices the Daegon with a psimitar. She accuses Nathan of being a pirate but opts to save him pursuant to Madame Sanctity's command. Nathan passes out as Aliya finds Umbridge, who also appears to be alive.

In Washington, D.C., Tetherblood hears rumor that the ruling class intends to locate the remaining Askani and destroy them.

Aliya has secured Umbridge to her air skid and Nathan, who is again awake, rides behind Aliya to an unknown destination. Neither trusts the other, and Nathan is surprised to learn that the air skid flies telekinetically and that Aliya can hear his thoughts. Aliya is then surprised when Nathan grabs her psimitar and starts firing at some attacking Loci (giant bugs), as the psimitar can only be used by those trained. Nathan goes into show-off mode despite being outnumbered, as he is really attracted to Aliya. He returns the psimitar and the two fight the Loci together. Nathan boasts of his skill but is eventually injured from behind. He and Aliya double down and get clear of the Loci.

In an underground laboratory near the Nile River, Stryfe schemes with Zero to reanimate the hordes of Apocalypse to wipe out the Askani. Ch'Vayre watches and resolves to finally end the threat of Stryfe, but when he puts the young man in his sights Stryfe disappears. Stryfe appears beside Ch'Vayre and reminds him that he is in the old man's head. Stryfe then turns back to Zero's efforts and finds a helmet. He wonders how he would be perceived in a helmet.

Aliya brings Nathan to Madame Sanctity. Professor prompts Nathan to respect the situation he is in, as Madame Sanctity is a very powerful psion. Nathan approaches and asks to be taught in the ways of the Askani. Aliya is appalled, as the Askani Clan is made up of women only. Madame Sanctity is not thrown, however, as she believes Nathan to be the foretold Askani'Son, a boy brought from the past by the Mother Askani to save the world. Aliya is tasked with teaching Nathan.