The Sterlings failed to stop Project Excalibur's dispersion of its DNA-altering nanites through the water supply. No longer is anyone safe from infection. While former agent Grace Matthews is charged with holding the remnant of Mathis followers together, Kevin Rowe fights for the safe return of his fiancée. Faced with mortal loss, his loyalty is put to the ultimate test. After rejecting the Independence Route technology, will Carbon and the Mathis family come through? Is the freedom found in the link worth the cost?