Urban anarchist Harry Lampeter is employed by MI6 on a casual basis.

Modern technology has collapsed, returning the world to the Steam Age. The war between Scotland and England, is on hold, while the United States army of occupation keeps the peace. The Americans are in no hurry to leave, they plan to make Great Britain the 54th State of their Union.

Scotland and England eye one another with mistrust, and an arms race seems inevitable as the English are building a fleet of Ironclad warships.

Telford Stephenson, an agent of the Scottish Secret Intelligence Service, has stolen a copy of the Ironclad plans, but Harry Lampeter is hot on his trail.