The year 2015 saw the development of a nanomachine, which combines in a symbiotic relationship with bacteria to perform mineral recovery of recyclable metals, necessary in a world economy enduring persistently high consumption. Scientists succeeded, but a test sample was freed by accident during development. Within a few short weeks, in the UK, a mass exodus of people fleeing the towns and cities ensues, as a massive cloud engulfs and consumes iron, titanium, aluminium and other metals. When it touches humans, the result is usually death. Professor Geoffrey Short is a shy academic, who to some level was one of those responsible for the situation. He vows to find a way to stop the nanomas but will need help. Bringing together the remnants of the student body at Southampton University, the professor heads out to the relative safety of the New Forest. Equipping themselves as best they can, about eighty students, a few adults, and young children set up camp to ride out the enveloping cloud