The mid-21st Century: Computerized brain augments are the newest “must-have” consumer product. They make smartphones look like a rock and a chisel. But there is a dark side. Governments dream of compliant sheep. Corporations see a marketing El Dorado.<>When consumerism rages unchecked, the human race needs a leader to save us from ourselves. Damon Leiter has had a brain-computer interface since he was 14. It gives him extraordinary abilities; he may be the next step in human evolution. But Damon can’t be sure he isn’t playing into the hands of the rich and powerful. <>They might even be right: Maybe the real threat to humanity is Damon himself.