Simpler times are a memory.

Albert adores his wife. Holly has been the companion, mother, and lover he's always wanted, and he considers himself a lucky man. He's wanted to provide a good life for her, but has never managed to drag his family out of poverty, but the combination of crippling taxes from both Los Angeles and the planetary government prevented such things. The harder he worked, the more taxes both demanded. He was about to give up on his hopes and dreams... until he got an idea.

He'd always been good at building things, ever since he was a child. These days, it's mostly tinkering. But he's good at following directions. Now he and Holly produce a product which is in high demand, has immense value, and could kill them and their neighbors in a flash of brilliant light and heat.

With his final dream near at hand, will Albert achieve his goal and learn what it's like not having to worry about money, or will he make their problems so much worse?