A Beast in Paradise

Dr. Jerome Hendricks knows the incredible promise of symbionic chips-and the potential devastation of symbionics gone bad. Originally a medical breakthrough, symbionics helped the body heal itself and destroy mutant viruses during the War of the Plagues. Quickly exploited, the highly addictive chips invaded the consciousness, altered DNA, and controlled emotions. As a result, the chips were universally banned.

Now, the gifted young physician has not only found the cure for symbionic withdrawal and written a bestselling book about it, but he's also acquired rare knowledge about the science behind the symbionic chip that enabled ancient alchemists to use more than 90 percent of their minds to accomplish unbelievable deeds.

This makes Jerome Hendricks a wanted and dangerous man in the eyes of Eric Krill, a wealthy businessman and symbionic prodigy. Krill is working to illegally reprogram and distribute the chips among powerful people throughout the United Union of Global States.

To stop Krill, Hendricks enlists the help of Dr. Deborah Hilter, an expert in biotechnology and a member of the secret Disciples of Sef. Together they embark on a mission to prevent Krill from mongering political influence and upsetting the delicate balance between people and technology.