There are three principal settings in The Ultimate Escape: Corteguay a South American "island nation" cut off from the world by a socialist government, the virtual reality of the flight simulations, and Washington, D.C. In Corteguay, "The importation of any high-tech device was punishable by immediate confiscation, imprisonment, and even death." It is a grim nation where only the political elite enjoy a good standard of living, and although supposedly free elections are scheduled to appease the outside world, the political elite will do anything to retain its power and its privileges. Torture and murder are routine instruments of the government.

Much exciting action takes place in flight simulations, in which young people demonstrate their skills at flying a great variety of aircraft, from World War I biplanes to high technology concept aircraft yet to be built. The problem the Net Force Explorers face is especially complicated...