In the dystopian world of New America, all Eric Skye and his twin sister Melina want is to keep a low profile; to blend in with the rest of the orphans. To be left alone would be asking too much—orphans have to be put to some use, after all. But that's all right. As long as they're together, and each knows the other is safe, then working as slaves salvaging scrap metal suits them just fine. But when Melina is taken away to Commerce City and Eric is forced to join the militia, they both know that something is very, very wrong. They've both heard of the City's scientists and the endless, strange experiments they perform. Eric has to find Melina. He has to get her back.