Dozens of technological advancements later, four world wars later, changed social expectations later, and 1000 years into the future, Ashlee (Ash) Ember lives in a society run by a tyrannical government willing to do anything to preserve its reputation. She saw the part of the government the cabinet cadre and Chancellor didn't want her to see, and she was punished for the crime of being acquainted with someone who wrote an essay. Ash will do anything she can to get the public and citizens of her city to see the true side of the government.