When contract civilian Thesis creates a breakthrough artificial soldier codenamed Cardinal Patron, he achieves what many thought impossible: true artificial consciousness. But his triumph turns to terror when his creation becomes the target of a power-hungry competitor.

As Thesis and his new girlfriend Rochelle adjust to life with this sentient AI creation, a mysterious vision leads them to discover a hidden cave portal to Chiricahua, an ancient world steeped in deep Native American traditions. There they encounter Quillion Valentine, a ruthless leader who seeks to control the Cardinal Patron’s unique abilities and upset the delicate balance between the modern and ancient worlds. When Valentine unleashes Q-Striker, a rival artificial soldier programmed for destruction, Thesis must join forces with the Chiricahua people to protect not only his breakthrough creation but also the woman he loves and a rich cultural heritage he never knew existed.