Book 1 of the Will Francis five novel series. Will Francis, professor of computer science at a small university in North Dakota, tries to save the life of a young woman shot in the back by an unknown assailant. Then another woman, with a striking resemblance to the first, is beaten to death. Events spiral out of control as it becomes obvious that he is the target of a police investigation that places him under arrest for both murders. Out on bail, and running from he knows not whom, Francis buries himself in his research - artificial life. After a car bombing and several other violent crimes against those bent on protecting him, he discovers that it is not he these perpetrators want, but the secret revealed by his programs. In taking the offensive, Francis finds himself lost in a labyrinth, knowing neither whom to trust nor where to turn. As events continue to unfold, he realizes that he possesses knowledge that could force modern civilization back to the Stone Age. Only by challenging logic and uncovering deception can he save an unaware world from certain disaster. Time, however, is not on his side.