Thirty years after the Collapse, the Few use androids to do most of the work in isolated Nubs while the Masses struggle to survive. The Few are on the brink of extinction.
An android named Valda wants to please her master, Martin. She helps him with plans to stimulate population growth and social interaction amongst the Few.
Beyond the security of the Nubs are countless treasures in the form of books, music and other cultural artefacts. Valda and Martin want to recover some of their lost culture. They are not sure if there are any survivors outside the Nubs. Strange times need strange ideas…