Late December 2119, world population is down to six billion. The great cities, capitals, and ports have been eaten by sea water. Catastrophic death is an everyday occurrence. Alena Rivera's husband and daughter have died in Beirut. To survive her grief, she has transferred back to Bogata. A drug expert in CIMI, she is tagged to head the station. Now she is lying grievously wounded on a forest floor below the eastern Andes. Sabotaged, she thinks, passing out again. Allegiance can change quickly. Rescued by Patron Salvador and his people, her first words warn of a CIMI move against his drug-producing finca. Then she falls into a two-week coma. Salvador, and other refugees at Bien Fuente, sit with her as the medical staff fights to save her. Once she revives, her loyalty is questioned by some in command, especially after her past life is revealed. Not, however, by Salvador. She has vowed to withdraw from life and love, but destiny has other ideas.