Life on the island archipelago of Prospera is everything a person could hope for. Founded by the mythical genius known as the Designer, Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. In this island paradise, Prospera's lucky citizens enjoy long, vigorous, and fulfilling lives - that is, until the monitors embedded in their forearms, meant to measure their physical health and psychological well-being, fall below 10 percent. When that happens, they retire themselves, embarking on a short ferry ride to the island known as the Nursery, where their failing bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean, and they are readied to restart life afresh. Proctor Bennett, Managing Director of the Department of Social Contracts, has a satisfying career as a ferryman, gently shepherding the elderly through the retirement process - and, when necessary, enforcing it.