The last great war has been fought – but you wouldn't know it here in the deep desert of what was once America. The sun beats down as it always has and always will on this unforgiving landscape. The few inhabitants of this land - oblivious and uncaring about the greater events in what was once a more civilized world – all except one.

Months after the disappearance of her daughter, Emily - Jess Flood has resigned herself to daily survival when the unexpected happens: a radio signal from an unknown man playing music. Jess makes contact with Tony Myles, surviving on a boat offshore - caught at sea after the war began.

As they find their predicaments approaching something humanly bearable, Jess finds something that could lead her to Emily. Jess follows the trail as Tony waits in solitude, his mind dwelling over his missing crewmates.

The trail leads Jess to a derelict desert town, while Tony makes his own troubling discoveries. What will happen to them - as danger surrounds?