The Tubalcane race consisted of 427 inhabited planets scattered throughout their galaxy. The planet Tubalcane with its three moons was their home world. Tubalcane was the planet where life began for the Federation and they colonized all other inhabitant planets. For thousands of years they thought that they were the only sentient beings in the universe until, by accident, another race was discovered. This discovery led to a long and protracted war with their very survival at stake. The main character (Captain Yonai) in the novel was told from time to time that there would come a moment in his life when he would have to make a decision that on the surface would appear to be cowardly. Well the time came and Captain Yonai made the decision and the Tubalcane's were thrust onto the galactic stage where they were only a "player in the band" not the "conductor." The novel uniquely blends science fiction, religion and mysticism that captures and holds the reader's attention.