Astra Hal is a Ruffian, a member of a secret organization created by the artificial intelligence Sigma, designed to be humanity’s last hope in case all else fails. Hendric Sanjor is the son of a representative in the United Republic of Global Welfare, the ruling body of the world. When a virus of unknown origins starts spreading across the planet and Hendric’s family is accused of starting it to gain political advantage, Astra is sent to investigate the issue. When it becomes clear that the accusation is false, the two form an uneasy alliance to hunt down the real perpetrator behind the pandemic. But the puzzles, criminals, and politics they weave through can in no way prepare them for the dark secrets they are about to uncover.