Twenty years ago The Desolation wiped out all males over the age of twenty and despite the best efforts of researchers no cure has been found. Women have recovered and adapted to this new world but what should they do about the 'male problem'? With the reintroduction of democratic elections looming, this is their most pressing issue. Should males be eliminated, exploited as cheap disposable workers or allowed to live short but useful lives? And what secret is so damning that the government will go to any lengths to cover it up?