The day the machines stopped began in an ordinary way. There was little warning of the impending disaster. Suddenly, all electrical energy was destroyed on the earth. Planes, cars, rockets, machinery of all kinds became useless. By week's end, total chaos enveloped the world as the wheels of civilization ground to a halt. Then ruthless leaders began to emerge, seeking a way to gain control of the almost helpless population. Only a handful of scientists remained to fight the inexplicable phenomenon -- until they were captured and forced to use their knowledge to help the ruthless power combine to take the world back to the Dark Ages.