Set nearly four decades before THE ELECTRIC OATH, this short story follows the early career of Vigilant crusaders Gregor and Matthew Pavane. The brothers, now rising stars in the order, investigate an abandoned watchtower filled with Old World tech that is driving people mad. Fearing apostates will use the knowledge to upset the balance of the Compact, the laws that govern the technological evolution of humanity, they set off to destroy it. They arrive expecting a routine mission, but what they uncover will put their skills and sanity to the test.