It is not by accident or inefficiency that there always are a number of survivors of a Vinctalin harvest. And it is not only the Vinctalin who can make use of them. Saved by Mettle, the remaining humans of the world are being gathered into a secure haven, but for what real purpose? Questions and resentment abound as the increasing population is forced to aid in the never-ending fight against the Vinctalin. But it is only at the release of the magnificent alien Emperor that Jonathan's suspicions are confirmed and he begins to understand just how dirty the tactics of the Disciples have become.