Money won't make you happy. But can it design machines that will?

In the energy-scarce landscape of the former US, society has turned to mood-altering nanomachines to brighten its grim reality. Like many, Lance Mireles walks the line between use and abuse, all too aware of the hypocrisy that says the difference is who can afford their nanos. Falling on the wrong side of the line, but desperate to keep ties with his straight-edge younger brother Andro, he pushes his luck once too often, and ends up disowned from family and city-state, exiled to the political outlands. Determined to make things right, but still struggling with his addiction, he stumbles on an isolated addict commune with a mysterious source of nanomachines. It looks like a second chance - but hypocrisy has found its way here too.

Meanwhile Mariela Amorgera realizes all is not well in the city: someone is manipulating the nanomachines' programming to influence behavior. Along with boyfriend Andro she mounts a desperate attempt to save her home and family from being enslaved to its own dependence - too late. With the entire city hostage to their nanos and society falling apart, Lance must summon his outlaw community to save his family and home - if he can first save himself.