Elena Ransom is on the adventure of a lifetime with her friends. After illegally crossing from Grimsby School of the Republic into the outside world, the members of the Firebird Unit face many dangerous challenges. But the true test of their friendship comes when they're caught coming back into the dome cities where they live. When she returns to school, Elena confronts a new schedule and course workload, plus she's forced to participate in group work with students she's never had to deal with before. Basic Training with Instructor Marshall pushes Elena to her limits, and there's a new bully in the Firebird Unit to contend with. In addition to her regular life, Elena faces questions about the artifacts that she, Austin, Fergie, and their other friends are looking for. Will they get to all the artifacts in time? What will they have to do to remove Imperator from power so they can free mankind from his evil reign?