In the year 3127, the human race faces possible extinction when a viral outbreak spreads like wildfire during a never ending cold spell. Former militia member Barrick Hardison has been forced to use his training for survival before, and finds himself doing it again...but this time for a woman he hardly even knows. Lyza Guerrera has spent her entire life trying to hide in the shadows. It didn't do her any good. An orphan from the former Puerto Rico region, Lyza's foreign looks simply attract danger, including Barrick. Fortunately for her, Barrick doesn't seem to have any interest in her, or anyone else for that matter. After meeting under extreme circumstances, Barrick begrudgingly allows Lyza to tag along with him. Threatening his former employer and witnessing a near upheaval of his old militia camp has given Barrick the realization that circumstances are not only worse than he thought, but he and Lyza are stuck in the middle of it all. When it seems like their situation can't possibly get worse, the strength of the Defects seems to be growing with numbers, and Barrick's sanity begins to waver amidst it all. Will he get Lyza and her precious cargo to safety or will his uncontrollable feelings and impending psychosis prevent him from reaching their much needed destination?