Traq struggles with implant withdrawal and identity crisis during transit to Haven. Adeline helps him reconnect with his pre-Vanguard humanity. He begins basic physical training without enhancement.

Father Niccolo travels from the Vatican to the United States with three crates of archive materials. He arrives at the safe house and is struck by the changes: Arthur aged brutally by Hell, new team members Petrillo and Emma, and Abigail with golden eyes.

Cosmic powers convene at Liminal — Heaven, Hell, and primordial chaos — to negotiate reality's future. Michael and Lucifer sit united for the first time since the War in Heaven, aligned by shared uncertainty.

Admiral Rylee Voss commands the Fifth Fleet from the UES Defiance, positioned near the former warp nexus where Kate sealed the dimensional breach. She keeps the fleet at battle-ready status despite months of inactivity, unable to accept the war's end.

Lucas presents full classified history. The Dominion - alien empire that enslaved humanity for centuries. Created the Hollowing as control weapon. Humanity rebelled and closed the warp routes two hundred years ago.

Alexis Chen (22), newly certified analyst and Admiral Chen's granddaughter, arrives at Station Unity. Commander Voss conducts orientation revealing: incursion rate increased from 3-4/month to 12-30/month, barriers weakening, humanity's early warning system is 9-year-old girl Kate Morrison.

Chelsea testifies before the council about Kate's character and values, sharing memories of eight-year-old Kate's compassion toward the Dominion and of Kate saving a dying Dominion soldier. Her emotional testimony powerfully argues that Kate would have wanted humanity to show mercy.

Marcus finds Gambetti's body at St. Peter's Cemetery — killed with surgical precision by the Sword of St. Michael. Human violence, not supernatural. Among Gambetti's effects: research notes tracing the Iscariot bloodline from first-century Jerusalem to a seminary student in Chicago.

Gregory leads rapid response team via teleportation to Dark Citadel. Find Abigail defending against black-robed attackers called the Liberators conducting ritual to tear open seal and release Dark Citadel Void Walker. Desperate battle ensues as reality itself begins to tear at seams.