Work. Rest. Repeat. That is all the last remnant of humanity knows. During the wars of The Great Disaster, people took shelter within the towered cities hoping that, one day, the Earth would become habitable once more. Sixty years later, only three cities remain and the descendants of the survivors have been reduced to a few thousand. They have only one goal; to construct colony ships so that they can leave Earth and attempt to establish a settlement on Mars.

The first of those ships is nearing completion. All efforts are focused on the launch. If the species is to survive, then nothing can interfere with this last great effort. But the City of Britain is not a dictatorship. An election is to be held to choose a new Chancellor who will lead the workers in the new colony.

With only twenty-four hours until voting is due to begin, two bodies are found. There is no question that they have been murdered. It is the first serious crime in generations, but even to the young Constable Ely the motive is obviously sabotage. The killer must be caught. The election must go ahead. The ships must be launched. Above all, production must come first. (53,000 words)