Grunt RX-10, the main hero of the book, meets the Author who has created him at last. Although he doesn't like him much they make a deal to finish the story in a way the Author would defeat the Administrator, the part of himself who lacks the sense of humour.

Grunt RX-10, the former machine, together with the members of the Grave comitee sest out for a quest to find out who, in fact, rules the matrix.