While Carson Gray begins his journey to join the ranks of the United Colonies Army Special Operations, the Originalist War evolves into something far more dangerous in his absence. New enemies reveal themselves, releasing a terrible Artificial from its century of confinement to punish the Colonies, to punish humanity and maybe, to fulfil prophesy of the Church of Greater Cognition.
Carson will return to a war he doesn't quite recognize. Pressed right back into the fight, Carson must walk the line between his duty to the Army and his friendship with the Custodial AI, Monitor, as she continues to sue for her freedom from the UC.
Carson may realize too late that everything is connected, much more than he could have possible imagined.