Book One: On a world devastated by plague, where the only way to survive is to run, a Federation Hunter must track a felon and bring him to justice. But there are obstacles to overcome, and those in power who do not wish him to succeed, plus crazed survivors that roam a dead city. Add a few escaped convicts, two vials of deadly spores, and High Councillor Stanger into the mix, and the Hunter's mission just became harder.