A web of international intrigue is generated by Jeff Sloan, a PhD student at the University of Washington, who crafts a software program that can reverse engineer any material. Without realizing what he's developed, Jeff quickly learns that if his program gets in the wrong hands, the consequences for world markets and the security of nations are catastrophic.

Jeff is propelled into a nightmare; he is on the run for his life. His mentor is assassinated. Family and friends are threatened and hurt by the many interests pursuing this technology for their own nefarious ends.

Terrorists, pharmaceutical companies, and rogue nations are among those with designs on this program and its creator.