Torn apart by conflict, humanity stands at the brink.

The Northern Alliance's Quant purge is almost complete thanks to bio-engineered soldiers equipped to find and destroy. The Alliance is also keen to put down the rebellion in the South and is engaged in a Cold War with Greater China.

Seeing the world falling apart, Mackenzie and Chris seek to escape to the Moon colony. However, the collapse of the Thermashield in Antarctica sends Chris on a desperate mission to avoid a global climate disaster.

Sophie still believes there is hope despite being fundamentally altered by her near-death experience with Quants. When the Alliance calls her back to 'read' a Scania Quant, she comes to realise the devastating truth.

The machines are not done yet.