Until they met him, the twins hadn't known a world without slavery and lack.
James and Lucy had left their former lives behind, living on the edges of society as mercenaries and scavengers. None were better at finding the things the old world left behind, whether it be something as simple as shampoo or as hidden as a super weapon.
And then there was Chaucer, drug addled, pompous, and kind. Also insane. Insane enough to envision a world that was free. Free from the Families, free from servitude, and ultimately, free from fear.
A hundred years ago, nuclear bombs destroyed our world. Now, with the twins' help Chaucer will make it anew. Unfortunately for them, the Families-and Lucy's former owners-like things just the way they are.