In the future, the New Society is governed by the principles of Theoretical Regulation: world affairs are directed by regulators, and carried out with the help of genetically altered specialists. Regulator Anthony Liff enlists the aid of Specialist Dek Steel in a plan to discredit President of the United States Howard Baldwin and prevent him from winning a third term. When Anthony's plans begin to unravel, he must confront his need to control events...