From Introduction: The protagonists begin as long-term patients in a futuristic medical facility: “The Institute for a Better Tomorrow.” They don’t remember why they’re patients or how long they’ve been there—but they can tell right away that the place has a dystopian vibe. A voice prompts them to escape, leading them to a neuroengineering laboratory (where they download skills into their brains), a fabricator lab (where they arm themselves), and then a psychology lab (where they confront the authorities and make their escape).