Iain Banks has created a global empire the origins of which are shrouded in history, and the machinations of which have influenced history and seek to control the future.   Enter Kate Telman, an executive officer in the field of technological developments.   The Business, as it is known, wishes for the first time to take a more direct role in global politics.   And they are relying on Kate to do it…  This novel blends current politics and ancient history with conspiracy theory in order to create a plausible scenario where a very few men have for centuries controlled and directed the destiny of humanity.