Ben McConnell has heard all about the New Republic ? the rising city-state that plays fast and loose with the deadly z-germ parasite.
Desperate to know more about their medicine and the program that spreads it, he slips into the city to recover a sample for White Mesa's doctors.
Tommy Thaxton worries about Ben...but then, he worries about everything. Then Ben is captured, and he finds his concern well-founded.
When the White Mesa security council deems a rescue attempt too risky, it's up to Tommy and a couple friends to face the dangers of the city and get Ben out.
Can Ben survive the fight ring without stooping to the gangs' standards?
Will Tommy find a way to get Ben home ? before he's killed by the New Republic's primitive criminal justice?