In an entertainment spectrum saturated by reality TV, cooking shows and glorified karaoke competitions, the overnight sensation is The Pattern. A short-lived blend of shifting colours and flashing lights available on televisions, computers and mobile phones, The Patterns produces a drug-like high in its viewers...but only on first viewing. This leaves audiences constantly seeking new episodes, new patterns.
Despite the massive popularity of The Pattern, it has its opponents. Protest groups claim that extended exposure causes hallucinations, haemorrhages, changes in behaviour, even changes at a genetic level.
Activist Madeline Wright seeks out her ex, retired thief Alex Tarr. She proposes a job and enough money to help not only Tarr, but his Pattern-addicted partner. He would have to round up his old gang for one more heist - breaking into the unassuming building that holds the Pattern generator.
But what awaits Tarr is the true nature of The Pattern and the sinister forces behind it. Getting into the building will be the easy part....getting out will be another story altogether.