Once bustling and prosperous, the city has been decimated by a mysterious and deadly disease that is wiping out the population. Almost all traces of technology have vanished. Life has reverted to a state of primitiveness bordering on barbarism. Anarchy has erupted as powerful minorities within the ruling government intrigue against each other to tip the balance of power.

Might has replaced right.

To make matters worse, unknown to the inhabitants of Hera, a vicious colony of alien predators -- the Frill -- have established themselves on the planet.

For Vel -- at age sixteen already a seasoned con man who seeks his fortune in the streets -- none of this matters. His only concern is his own survivial. Up to now he has relied upon his cunning and wit. But now, hunted by the secret police, Vel must go underground to avoid capture -- and there he meets a soldier from a mysterious separatist movement. Can he trust her? More important, does he have a choice?

Forced to choose sides in a conflict that may very well decide Hope's future, Vel will stumble upon a startling secret . . . a secret so profound that it will change everything he thought he knew about Hope. And about himself.