In the twenty-fourth century, Dr. Zeus Incorporated discovered the secret of time travel, but only how to move backward. Now cyborg operatives are enduring the epochs of Earth's history -- immortals dedicated to the company's great goal: "to make money and improve the lot of humankind."

After centuries of disappointments -- including the death of her lover -- the Botanist Mendoza is stranded at a remote stagecoach inn in the unspoised desert destined to be renamed Los Angeles. Back East, a Civil War is raging. But in Cahuenga Pass, there is little for Mendoza and her fellow operatives to do. Until one day the door swings open and in walks the doppelganger of Mendoza's love. And suddenly the Botanist's life is careening toward disaster...again.