At the frontier of post-apocalyptic Vegas, Austin discovers clues to secret research that may cure the plague that has brought civilization to its knees. But the price is the freedom of the most beleaguered of the survivors, as "black ops" squads hunt down the few with natural immunity. Austin is called upon to help a band of the detested lepers rescue their comrades. But not all of his companions are what they seem, and their success may mean doom for the city! David N. Brown resides in Mesa, Arizona.