In a world where humanity has colonized the solar system begun to explore more of the local galaxy, a vast audience follows real-life stories presented by wealthy media mogul, Duncan Chalk.

Chalk feeds on the pained emotions of others. He plays cruelly with his staff, but gorges on the mass emotions generated from the dramas he orchestrates.

Chalk pairs Minner Burris, an emotionally-withdrawn space explorer who was captured and freakishly surgically altered by aliens and Lona Kelvin, a suicidal 17-year-old girl who donated eggs for a fertility experiment that produced a hundred babies none of whom she has been allowed to adopt or even see.

Chalk promises to solve their personal problems in return for a joint performance tour.

The two enjoy each other's company and become lovers as their mutual weaknesses somehow strengthen them but their emotions then move them to conflict. Their break-up allows Chalk to break his promises but keep them on the hook by making new offers.