Computer hackers who have entered the grid of the worldwide computer network are becoming trapped within the virtual landscape. Those who do manage to escape are irreparably damaged, driven to suicidal madness. Five hackers remain in the grid, struggling to survive, but able to move freely. They have one thing in common: an earlier brush with death which may be the key to their survival. But can the hackers escape the grid with their minds intact? Or will the twelve minute countdown to computer crash destroy them first?