A corroded biological weapon releases its deadly load into the atmosphere and wipes out the human population of the Nubs. If not for the leadership of Valda, a sophisticated and self-improved android, the other androids would cease to function.
She rallies them to improve the Nubs and she pushes the Livestock Specialists into cloning humans. Despite having advanced technology and expertise, the androids need human wombs.
Militia patrols extend their search areas. A surveillance aircraft is deployed. Women are found and convinced or coerced to be party to the cloning experiment.
But even the plans of meticulous androids can fail. Valda has to cope with disgruntled women as well as her experiments…