When all of humanity is connected, the network's hub is the true seat of power.

In the year 2097, the only stable nation is the NAU: a dystopia exploding with new technologies and ruled by two political parties. The choices are Enterprise (sink-or-swim ; effort and luck determine whether members prosper or starve) or Directorate, where members are guaranteed safety but can never rise above their station.

Above it all is The Beam: an AI-built computer network that serves every whim and connects citizens through implants and biological add-ons. The Beam anticipates every need and has created a world within the world. It permeates everything. It is everywhere.

But now the NAU's power is shifting. The Beam seems to be taking on a life of its own as immersion becomes as real as reality itself. New powers are making their moves while others hang in the balance ... and behind it all, a shadowy group is pulling strings. But if the NAU's true power goes unchecked, the actions of a shadowy few will shape the fate of millions for years to come ...