In the future, the megacorps rule the Earth. When emissaries of the galactic community come to evaluate humans for membership, they are appalled that the corps not only tried to bribe them for a favorable review but by the corruption and repression of the population. They embargoed Earth, but also left behind a gift. A game played while sleeping called Tower of Somnus, where players advance and weakened versions of their skills can then be used in their real lives. The true purpose of the game is to promote community and cultural understanding among the varied races, but naturally humans see it only as a way to gain a bit more power. Kat is just finishing her mandatory schooling at 18, but despite her high scores, she couldn't afford to go to college even if the slots didn't all go to the children of managers. In her spare time she is a runner for an information broker hoping to save up enough credits to someday pay off her corporate debt. Everything changes when a friend offers her a subscription to the Tower if she helps him advance. Kat loves it, but Arnold is a terrible player and constantly risking their "lives". If you die it's game over, and you have to acquire another subscription, which neither can afford. Her new skills come just in time to help her in real life, because someone is out to get her.