The last functional Quintarch aboard the FENERIK who seeks total dominance.

The story is set in the year , which corresponds to 5659 AD. The primary setting is the FENERIK , a massive "Chaoporter" spacecraft that has recently entered the Milky Way.

The narrative follows the aftermath of a major disaster aboard the FENERIK. Several high-ranking "Quintarchs" (the ship's rulers) have been incapacitated or killed; for instance, the Quintarch was recently slain by Alaska Saedelaere, and another, Farbaud , was abducted. This leaves Addanc , the titular "Diver," as the only remaining Quintarch capable of acting. He seizes the opportunity to demand absolute authority over the vessel. Key Characters