As Walküre and Delta Flight pay their respects to the fallen Messer, Arad and Kaname discover the pattern between the Protoculture ruins that could potentially bring the eight billion inhabitants of the Brísingr Cluster under control of the Vár Syndrome. Meanwhile, Grammier VI assumes direct control of the Windermere Kingdom's forces and launches a salvaged ancient ship from the Protoculture civilization for a full-scale assault on the New United Government.