Avery Cates: The Shattered Gears

Picking up after the conclusion of "The Final Evolution," this short story gives a glimpse of what the future holds for Cates in the grim world that exists in the wake of his epic battle with Cainnic Orel, the Angels, and the dehumanising avatar technology. As the System has collapsed under the pressure of war and a sort of "anti-singularity," Cates finds himself in unfamiliar environs - but as always, he's a quick learner.

Mysterious inhuman figures. An abandoned prison. And The Howler. Cates has his hands full, as usual ... and is starting to get his mojo back.