During the era known as The Expansion, in the depths of space, massive city-like structures called exploration stations travel the universe, finding and terra-forming planets for earth to populate. Earth, in a benevolent gesture toward their less fortunate offspring, sends a single human being on a long journey to provide technical updates and cultural enrichment. Syfer Allen is one of those from Earth trained for solitude but forced into a culture evolved on its own. Those on board the exploration station care little about distant earth. Syfer meets charming Margaret, and with conscious effort attempts to conform to the culture at hand. Joining their regular flight rotation, his assimilation is thwarted when an unexpected and hostile encounter threatens the very survival of his new home and the home he left behind. This is the story of first contact, war, and the human spirit of sacrifice and survival beyond all odds.