Burton is receiving medical care from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center via a drone that looks something like a pill bug. Tommy arrives and explains to Flynne that “party time” is a chemical agent that causes people to become ruthlessly sadistic and homicidal. He claims that using it on Luke 4:5 constitutes a war crime and pleads with Flynne to force her Coldiron people to refrain from using it.

Flynne meets with Netherton via the Wheelie Boy. She tells him about “party time,” and though she despises Luke 4:5, she is entirely against using the agent on them. She makes an ultimatum, saying that if Lowbeer doesn’t back off from using the chemical, Flynne will not assist in identifying Aelita’s killer.

Griff informs Flynne that they will not be using “party time.” Griff also explains to Flynne that Lowbeer likely knew what her conversation with Netherton was about. Griff also explains Lowbeer’s motives for being a continua enthusiast; Lowbeer’s ultimate goal is to prevent the assassination of Flynne’s president in her next term. Lowbeer sees this assassination as the beginning of the jackpot. By altering this climactic event, she hopes to avert the disaster that follows.