BOOK II of The DISCIDIUM trilogy finds Braedon Walker and Dr. Bo Granger trapped in the integrated province of Conexus with little hope of ever returning to their segregated countries. Yet, to their mutual surprise, the destitute township of Goldcrest soon becomes a place where unlikely friendships and alliances begin to form. The arrival of six Conexan smugglers, however, could destroy the township's fragile harmony once their sinister agenda is exposed. Trouble also continues to escalate in Virsias and Mulierus, where a desperate Caradine Drake teams up with an inexperienced lawyer and a biogeneticist to take down Governess Leda McCready, before the vengeful ruler of the XX province can execute Caradine's imprisoned mother. Unfortunately, removing the corrupt governess proves more problematic than anticipated, when it seems her co-conspirators may reside on both sides of the Discidium Wall.