Once the replicators became available to everyone, the world's oligarchs put up a lofty fight, but the outcome was inevitable …

Daryl Switzer, a surviving 'energy CEO,' bunkered on his private island with everything he ever needed, including hoarding much of the globe's 'resource’—a material required to energize replicators.

"Forcefield, intact?"

"Yes, Mr. Switzer. Our replicator's dome is virtually impenetrable."

"What's that, over there?"

"Scanning, sir. It looks like a waterspout forming, but we'll be safe."

The dome shook and rumbled; then the unexpected happened—a replicator's nanite swarm breathed sentience into the forcefield itself.

Daryl's fate was sealed.