In the near future, known as the "3rd Era," most human beings have been reduced to "Valued Associates," Global Corporation's word for people whose brains are completely connected within massive cubicle complexes. Echo 900682972187 "lives" all his days within the narrow walls of his Multitasking Cubicle-Home Station (MCHS). Every aspect of his existence is completely focused on "Productivity," also known as the bridge to Global Corporation's promised utopia, the mythical "7th Era." Once per year (12-Month Productivity Cycle), Valued Associates are scheduled exactly 59 minutes to communicate with their biological parents. Welcome to "Family Hour."