Ty explores the undersea in Coldsleep Canyon, what used to be Hudson Canyon before large portions of the coastline broke off and collapsed into the ocean. Ty knows he shouldn’t explore this area but does so anyways.

Ty sees lights and realizes green lantern sharks have seen his headlamp and will pursue him. While trying to escape he finds a submarine and hides inside until the sharks give up the chase.

Inside the sub, he finds a gruesome scene–blood all over the first room and empty weapon racks. He hears footsteps and prepares his weapon. He is confronted by a young girl, Gemma. Gemma’s freckles, lightened hair, and tan allow Ty to identify her as a Topsider, someone who still lives on land. Gemma thinks Ty is a ghost at first because of his glowing skin, but Ty informs her the shine comes from eating bioluminescent fish. Ty is a pioneer, one of the first children born under the ocean. Topsiders call them “Dark Life,” a name that pioneers dislike. Gemma admits that she has been trying to find her brother’s submarine using a rented vehicle and suit.

The teens’ meeting is interrupted by outlaws hooking chains to the submarine. Ty teaches Gemma how to use Liquigen, which prevents their lungs from collapsing in sea pressure, and he connects their suits with a tether before escaping just in time.