A Gua assassin is sent out to kill what appear to be random victims. But with Joshua observing events, Foster is determined to find out the truth behind the incidents.

Quatrain 72, Century 5: "Hallowed eyes burned through the line to the fifth in colonies of old / Malevolence awaits a perfect vision as four makes five for apocalypse".

When Mabus dissolves the Gua Assembly, his military leaders are concerned that he is launching the second wave too early. They hatch a plan to assassinate him, with the help of Cade Foster.