2039. California. Dust storms and illnesses are on the rise, and fire sweeps across land still holding vegetation. Janet Whitaker Virdis, a mother of four, who believes herself devoted and good, struggles to deal with the consequences of her infidelity, which led her to the bed of a high-ranking man from a powerful and dangerous political party. Janet wants two things: She wants to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage to her devoted and considerate husband. She also wants the married man with whom she was unfaithful to her husband. The political party presents Janet with an ultimatum. Janet rebels. Will her rebellion free her, or will it imprison her?