Beneath the Canadian border wall, years after the end of the Second American Civil War, Owen and Teah Lancey have lived a life of peace and prosperity, helping bring Detroit, Canada, from ruins to a garden paradise. Every seven years, the city's peace is tested when the Canadian government and corporate interests bring proving cities like Detroit through a new economic transition. Fearing technology will radically alter their simple way of life, the citizens of Detroit have formed a delegation of students led by Teah Lancey to travel to the New United Nations capital to plead for the city's future. On the eve of this flight, an enemy from Owen and Teah's past appears in Detroit. Owen has promised to keep his head, but Mr. Bishop has taken a particular interest in their son, Josh. Owen has promised to give up his warrior ways. Owen has promised to help maintain the peace. Owen would give his life for Detroit, but he never promised to give up his son.