This follows Miko, an Australian boy of European immigrant parents, who fatally collides with his father and mother. He flees to Vietnam, where he meets Madame Phuong, the daughter of Bao Dai, Vietnam’s once-mighty but now fallen, last Emperor. The saga starts in Bondi Beach and moves to the opal fields of Lightning Ridge in the Australian outback. Then, back to Bondi and finally to Saigon. Miko becomes drawn to and immersed in the major epic battles near the Vietnam War’s closing stages. He is now torn between the burning need to kill and keep killing and the love of Madame Phuong. Her love for him sets him free. But she remains, becoming a victim. Miko flees to Paris.