Adam has never felt as though he belonged in the little commune nestled in a back corner of the megacity, a world of concrete and metal. Life is easy enough. He is respected and admired, but his own sense of purpose eludes him. When he and a group of scavers - the provision gatherers of the commune - break down the door to corridor fifty-eight in search of more supplies, they unwittingly release a swarm of terrifying creatures and Adam's world is torn apart. The commune is attacked, and he goes on the run with a handful of survivors. When they are rescued by a pair of scientists, Adam learns the truth about the megacity, the creatures, and, to his shock, the role that he specifically must play to restore life to a dying world. Only, Adam isn't so sure he wants the job.