Did a share of speculmalations on the old forum so here goes:
I think that Atavism's currently at a major turning point in the story. Lupus has gotten most of Skandatech killed, along with (from what I know) the entire SRS cult. He's also wiped Sigma's mind via the thralldom device. However, while he may have killed off some possible threats to his goal, Zed's betrayed him. And from what I can tell, Zed was a pretty useful guy to have around.
Zed now has Oswald, Grey, Faust, and maybe Hart on his team. And while Zed and Oswald might not be big enough players to stay alive for long, I can assume that the three mercenaries are.
On Lupus's side is Sigma, who's pretty damn powerful and probably not a coward anymore. Lupus might also have any number of flunkies at his disposal.
The only other character still ALIVE I can think of is Joanne (Leander, Fox, Hart's head voice, and any others of the like don't count) and she could go to either side, really. Though I predict it will be Zed's side so she can help them stop Sigma.
Anyhoo, the number of characters has dwindled significantly and the remainder have mostly chosen (or been forced onto) sides. This could mean Atavism is reaching it's conclusion, but could also mean that things are going to greatly change, likely for the worst as far as out "heroes" are concerned, as the plot takes a massive turn.
My prediction is that the story still has a way to go, but instead of Sigma and the like as a key plot point we're going to see a whole lot more about that portal and stuff in the future.