The Occupation of Earth has begun, in earnest, with the construction of four new cities, and the modernization and expansion of Eridu. Mining moves from the sea to land, in a distant land. Gold production increases, and so do the demands for more of it faster from King Anu.

The toils in the mines increase, while the city dwellers live in luxury. Droids are sent to the mines to relieve the miners of the heaviest labor. It is a temporary solution that fails. The miners revolt, giving Gerald and Ariel the excuse they need to announce their plans to create a new being, a primitive worker to do the heavy work for them.

All is not peaceful in the cities. Loki builds his home, the Eagle's Nest, atop a mountain in a forest of cedar trees. Then he resumes the activities that result in him being exiled to Earth.