ow much freedom are people willing to sacrifice for safety? In the aftermath of a nuclear devastated world the Delaney family lived a comfortable life. Nora Delaney worked for Heartland State Resources. Her husband, Bill, worked at Enable Incorporated who provided systems to improve companies' production. The Total Child Development program cared for their children.

There was no unemployment, the state provided jobs for everyone. Nothing went wrong so long as citizens stayed within the law. Josh and Ellen Sebring wanted to obey the law, but the price was too high. They lost their lives and the state took their son anyway.

When Celena and Maggie Delaney meet Rolan Sebring at the TCD academy the three children set in motion events that will bring about the destruction of their way of life. Nora, along with Rolan's aunt and uncle, to protect the children flee with them to the unknown Outland. The drought stricken land harbors genetic mutants and outcasts of all sort. In the area between the City-States life is hard. Yet, amidst the dry and barren land rides the Reunion Army, their goal is to reunite the country.