Ryner has been working hard on creating a barrier system that doesn't cause harm to those who infiltrate it. He also experienced nanotech malfunctions, and as such, was out of commission for awhile. He was also kidnapped by a Hyperion cell, and threatened with the harming of people he's close to (namely, his direct supervisor). Aside from this, he was flitting between random assignment locations and Leith, doing his best to gather enough information to do something to help.