The rest of the globe had become a bio-warfare wasteland covered by the black sea. It was the result of a costly but necessary war which overthrew the tyrannizing monarchy. A new system of justice now governed Panterra and its people: the Sanctorium of twelve demigod Pantheons each presiding over a holy temple, and the Parliament science Magistries led by the Premiere and his peace officers. Citizens of Panterra lived happily and wanted for nothing, but their health only reached the thirty-sixth year, the apex of one’s life. Apotheosis ceremony transitioned them to the beautiful and eternal afterlife in order to avoid the inevitable sufferings of rapid aging and deterioration due to overexposure of environmental toxins.

Only the brave and the selfless chanced the sufferings after reaching apex, and devoted the remainders of their useful lives as civil servants for the greatest common good. That was the most noble path. 

Culver was a gifted marine technologist. His destiny, he believed, was to heal the ocean and recover the planet. His invention has shown to be promising, and opened the possibilities of extending the healthy life expectancy. He was ready to serve. Once enlisted, he met a fellow civil servant, a young woman with mysterious origin who made him question the fundamental paradigm taught by the authorities. In their dichotomized society of modern technology and outdated traditions: what is the real reason that people have to die young?