Evelyn hadn't meant to kill anyone. Unfortunately for her, Singapore is a particularly bad place to commit manslaughter. Facing years of imprisonment, she is offered an unexpected alternative.

Far away from Earth, there is an alliance known as The Understanding. Created to prevent conflict between different alien races, members receive access to incredible technologies in exchange for a commitment to peace. Unfortunately, tension between the different species persists, so The Assassination Simulation—a competition used as an entertaining alternative to actual violence—was created. Everyone enjoys watching politicians die, especially when their deaths are reversible. The assassins are murderers found on worlds outside of The Understanding, offered a chance at a new life in exchange for their participation.

But unlike their targets, if assassins die, it's permanent.