1796. Vincenzo Cuoco returns to his home town. The world around him is changing: revolution is at the door and new ideas are becoming popular. In Civitacampomarano, Duke Mirelli is trying to contain revolutionary turmoil by using a futuristic machine, the optical tachograph, a sort of modern computer, with which he is able to manipulate news and information, thus controlling the population. It will be up to Cuoco and his friends to stop Duke's wicked plan, letting people enjoy, for the first time, the most precious right: the free communication of thoughts and opinions.