Christian Bang, a former reporter and now a small-time writer living in Denmark, has just begun his third novel. Drinking and smoking a bit too much, Christian's whole life is down at heel, and his only income is a small grant. Christian is therefore finding it increasingly hard to keep the bills from stacking up around him.

While on his way home from a research trip, Christian witnesses the dramatic arrest of a young computer science student. An event which gains in significance when, suddenly, the arrestee disappears from police custody - without a trace.

Christian senses that a story is brewing, and he embarks on a private investigation, immersing himself in a case of international - or maybe even interplanetary - scope.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the young student has succeeded in breaking into the databases of one of the world's most secretive intelligence services. Apparently, he has gained access to a number of highly controversial documents, and when Christian eventually learns what's in them, there is no turning back.

Christian finds himself being propelled to the United States, with the nameless intelligence service never more than two steps behind him. And the scene is set for a stunning climax.