by Neal Stephenson · 1988
Boston-based rogue environmental activist and industrial chemist Sangamon Taylor tracks toxic dumping by corporations like Basco, using sewer outfalls, illegal sampling, and stunts staged from a Zodiac inflatable boat, before uncovering a genetically engineered organism plot tied to Basco executive Alvin Pleshy. The story climaxes in a violent confrontation on Boston Harbor with Pleshy and Biotronics president Laughlin, leaving Sangamon's friend Boone badly wounded.