In the year 2065, the citizens of Aswadistan have the Internet in their heads via cortical modems. They steer their magic carpets with neural networks. Identity-swap parties are in. GnosisNet, a software that will render politicians and police obsolete, is set to roll out. An expat psychonaut known as the Outernationalist is hired to design its neurotransmitter algorithms. But he meets Najwa, the ex-sultan's court storyteller. She filibusters his...