Is it the key to understanding them and stopping IL? Elsewhere, a young girl could become a devastating weapon against Pierce's closest ally — but to strike, Hanson will have to abandon his principles. Old enemies of the crew are on the move again and ready to attack. A mysterious Ancient artefact found on the outskirts of human space begins to speak. Is it the key to understanding them and stopping IL? Elsewhere, a young girl could become a devastating weapon against Pierce's closest ally - but to strike, Hanson will have to abandon his principles. Old enemies of the crew are on the move again and ready to attack. And all the while, Pierce comes closer to gaining to power of the Ancients.