Heralded a week earlier by the sudden explosion of an unnamed red giant star, representatives of each of the Five Worlds hold a summit in New York City in November of 2000 to decide the fate of their worlds. After the Dupe known as Zan is killed, Max is brought before the Summit in an effort to reunite the Five Worlds. He is offered the chance to rule as a figurehead, with Kivar as the true power behind the throne of Antar.