Vincent Berg worked in both Chicago and Manhattan, working as a consultant designing computer systems for financial institutions, so this story was a return trip, allowing him to capitalize on his in-depth knowledge of the city and the complex financial issues involved in the story.

More than this, the story allowed him to move away from his extensive science fiction background, and delve into some real-world relationship issues.

He was familiar with many of the story’s locations, though he had no real connection with the city management, and no run-ins with the law to speak of. But often working on wall street, and walking back and forth between assignments and his apartment on 18th street, he spent a lot of time around City Hall, One Police Plaza and the other areas the story addresses.