The story centres around a Belarus refugee, Gregor, who fled his country to find freedom. Sam and Gregor meet weekly to discuss art's purpose, and critique Lukashenka from a distance, but the narrative's pervading enemy - the corporate world - lurks beneath the surface, wickedly described in the words of Sam's friend, architect Peter Beaven.

Finally, disillusioned by the local polite tyranny, Gregor leaves.