Gally infiltrated Melchisedech, Jeru's central computer, with a heart to bring Lou back. In cross memories on the way to the incubator, she discovers the dramatic circumstances that have led the world to become what it is. Meanwhile, things get worse on Zalem where a giant cocoon stubbornly reproduces the mad scientist Nova. Is this the prelude to a disaster to come? And what truth is Gally going to update?