A political argument, a car chase, and a sheriff with his own agenda lead to murder, entangling Jon, Nina, and Artie with the vampire.

Landing on the alien world, Richter and Lieutenant Coni find themselves locked in an unyielding military conflict. The veiled purpose of their expedition and its connection to the enigmatic object known as The Hand of God is revealed. Richter's creator, Dr. Gupta, wrestles with the moral implications of his work and struggles against the growing apprehension of Richter's destructive potential.