At the end of the 20th century, massive unemployment and engineered food shortages have created a huge, permanent underclass in North America and brought about a police state to control it. An underground resistance is rumored to exist, and is being exhorted to rise up by the voice of Johnny Shortwave--a guerrilla operator who broadcasts the truth to a continent oppressed by an Orwellian authority called The Industrial Alliance. Hijacking shortwave frequencies and jamming government signals, he broadcasts messages of revolution and freedom from a secret location within the city. Fearing the effects of Johnny's subversive influence, the government dispatches a special agent known as the "Photographer." His mission is to track down the radio pirate and terminate his illegal broadcasts. Will Johnny elude this lantern-jawed assassin? Will his ex-wife and daughter escape to the freelands? Will he sell out to save his life?