 Following a coup, America is a country still at war with itself and ruled by a repressive Bible-inspired regime. Past pollution means only 1% of women can bear children, and anyone committing a crime and found to be a potential mother is put into an institution run by  Aunt Lydia  to be indoctrinated ready for this. One such is Kate, who then goes on to Fred, a high-up in the security forces, to attempt to procreate. Fred s wife Serena is jealous and vicious, and the State s grip seems to be tightening. But Kate still has her own mind, and is finding that some other people are prepared to resist.