Champion of the SkyBattles, Ziebrig flies for AmeriCo in a world run by blocs, holosets, and managed chaos. His battles are broadcast to millions, riots form beneath his flight path, and Internal Security adjusts its response levels in real time. Governments argue in private while the public chants his name.Ziebrig lives above the rules-wealthy, untouchable, and increasingly bored. He flies without missiles, violates regulations for sport, and tests systems simply to see how they respond. At home, his relationship with Ilya strains under the weight of his obsession, while Miranda, the computer that knows him best, watches quietly.As blocs tighten control, religions resurface, and SkyBattles are doubled to push him toward a fatal mistake, Ziebrig is forced to confront a truth he has avoided: Earth has become a closed system. Fame is a leash. Freedom requires departure.