The Planet Deorl had exploded; although the event was both predicted and expected, the timing was not. The final actions of politicians dictated that a fortunate few escaped. A small craft which survived the Planet's destruction is limping through space; instruments severely damaged and fuel almost expended. The optimism and faith of its captain are also practically exhausted; the appearance of two planets presents an unexpected choice. A decision is made and they crash land on the first planet which initially appears to offer salvation and the opportunity to establish a colony. An introduction to the group of survivors and a number of highly personal situations, although outside of contemporary experience, contains sufficient familiarity to place the reader in situ and to perhaps question their own faith and morality.