This novel, the ninth volume in the Greasepolis Chronicles, describes a world where metaphysical "e;grease"e; and "e;lubricity"e; are fundamental cosmic forces battling against dryness and corporate greed, particularly LubriDyne Corp, which is attempting to create attenuated, memory-drained oil. The protagonist, historian Stella Pontifex, finds herself drawn into this conflict through strange dreams and manifesting grease droplets, which contain messages from historical figures known as the triumvirate of the Great Emulsification (Frank, Glen, and Runciman). Her research leads her on a journey through various attenuated afterlives—including commercialised versions of Christian, Islamic, and Buddhist Hells and Heavens—revealing that a cosmic process of "e;thinning"e; or "e;erasure"e; is destabilizing reality. Eventually, Stella overcomes her native skepticism and accepts her role as the chosen conduit for the grease's memory, and prepares to lead the fight against the forces of dryness and oblivion.
