Having ran out of fuel while at sea, the children are given no choice but to moor their boat on the nearest possible island. Whilst there, they discover a museum dedicated to preserving parts of the time before the floods, looked after by a strange middle-aged woman with a literal 'eye socket' named Polly Phemus. Upon trying out her old virtual reality video games, it becomes clear she is trying to trap them, and the group strive to break out of the virtual world and get back to real life.

Greg sets off to replenish the group's supplies of a vital plant ingredient needed for sunblock, essential in the new climate. During his search trip, he meets a mysterious, attractive brunette, Siren, who appears to have the plant he needs. Through her, Greg finds himself caught up in the sinister activities of a strange sun-worshipping cult, who are determined to put a stop to people they perceive to be 'interfering' with nature and what is seen to be its natural course.

Goodman takes Ash to the Cartmel scrap market for video spares. Ash meets Luke, another 'sender', and is lured to fall in with Skylar, a Fagin-like crook who convinces young telepaths to steal for him. In return, Skylar provides them with Tags, dangerous chemical strip patches that can stimulate and enhance their telepathic abilities at the risk of serious side effects. Before he can stop using them, Ash comes perilously close to burnout and health complications.