Dargent's thoughts and emotions have been neuro-regulated, just like ninety-eight percent of Earth's ocean city-dwelling population. He's also skilled at manufacturing consent, and he's soon to be the last, best hope for a far-flung planet in turmoil. On the planet Arican, technology-shunning rebels are wreaking havoc. They're resisting the elites' efforts to enforce global control and surveillance. Dargent must struggle to maintain some semblance of humanity while surviving (without his former neuro-regulation by Earth's elites) along with his ex-girlfriend, Maria; a suspicious and possibly sinister pilot; and a curiously intelligent PKD-head with revolutionary potential. Then there's Justine, Dargent's enigmatic and brilliant daughter... Arican's fate rests with Dargent, and soon will Earth's