Jacknife is dead, Kate is saved, but there is the matter of the conflict between Callaghan, and the Runners. Remembering the words that Jacknife has said, "I prefer to think of it as an ending." Faith feels that the Runners are one step away from the brink of extinction. Callaghan, and his forces are advancing at a steady pace, day-by-day. The time to take the initiative has come.