In the General’s Secret Room in London is the New Babylon Artificial Intelligence (AI). It bears the responsibility for the balance of vital forces in a near-future of wars, catastrophes and dangers. Its upgrade takes one week, during which time, the 'transition', it hands over all its rights and power to the TRANSITION KEEPER - a single person.

As the week unfolds, various interested groups and people – the military, the clergy, business corporations and shadow structures – vie to uncover the identity of the TRANSITION KEEPER, little realising that she is already known to them.

As a hostile AI tries to eliminate TRANSITION KEEPER and destroy New Babylon, the TRANSITION KEEPER realises the importance of her mission: to obtain new information about the living world beyond the comprehension of the machine intellect. 

But can she save the world from terrorist attack before transition is complete, and can she save herself?