No Quick Fix

Goodman takes Ash to the Cartmel scrap market for video spares. While there, he meets Luke, a fellow 'sender', and is lured to fall in with Skylar, a Fagin-like crook who convinces senders to steal for him. In return, Skylar provides them with 'tags', dangerous chemical strip patches that stimulate and enhance their special abilities at the risk of serious side effects. Ash becomes addicted to these, concerning his friends and coming perilously close to burnout and health complications.