The archipelago of Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. Its lucky citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until the monitors embedded in their forearms fall below 10 percent. Then they retire themselves, embarking on a ferry ride to the island known as the Nursery, where their failing bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean, and they are readied to restart life afresh.  Proctor Bennett has a satisfying career as a ferryman, gently shepherding people through the retirement process. But then comes the day he is summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a disturbing and cryptic message before being wrestled onto the ferry. Soon Proctor finds himself questioning everything he once believed --- and on a desperate mission to uncover the truth.