Synopsis: The Second Republic can control the past, piece by piece, slowly changing it to make sure that they would never lose their grasp on history. The Time Police were the agents of oppression of the Second Republic, dedicated to protecting its version of the past. Jackson Dubchek is an researcher, and ordinary citizen, too insignificant to warrant the attention of the Time Police until he stumbles onto the truth behind their work. He is determined to undo what they have done. Jackson must try to escape the Time Police. So he goes into the past. (adapted from the back cover of the first edition)