What is it to be human? What is consciousness? What makes a soul? 2075. Change brought fear and fear brought destruction. The island-state of the Republic had risen up from the destroyed world- isolated, ordered and repressive. Its citizens are alive, but not free. What remains of the outside world is kept at bay. Planes are gunned down; refugees shot on sight. Until a man named Adam Forde rescues a girl from the sea. Forde is long-dead when Anaximander faces the Examiners. Her aim- to join the philosopher's class at The Academy. Her topic- Forde's challenge to the Republic. Anaximander feels a connection to Forde, one that she can't explain, one that she doesn't yet know is dangerous.