Lockhaven Penitentiary is on fire and the lives of many of its inmates are in danger. In the middle of it all is Aaron Helzinger, robbed of the calming effect of the implant which keeps his emotions under control. Nightwing finds himself facing off against Helzinger while prisoners Soames, Ryerstad and Boone all make their escape in the confusion. Meanwhile, the balance of power begins to shift in the police department as Chief Redhorn realises that the force is more powerful than any of the town's gangs, and begins to think he perhaps doesn't need Mac Arnot to liase with them any longer. Back at Lockhaven, Helzinger is finally subdued when he momentarily thinks he may have killed Nightwing and is filled with remorse.