In the near future, bitter nuclear conflict has brought the world to the brink. As the United States begins to lose control of its territory to foreign invaders, Dr. David Benedict launches six thousand refugee colonists using three sleeper ships from Project Columbus, a decades-old government exploration venture. Their destination: Demeter, a suspected habitable planet orbiting a nearby star. Yet the launch is only the beginning of their perilous journey. When a divisive conspiracy surrounding Project Columbus is discovered, members of each crew must face the fallout. Lt Haruka Kimura, a navigator on one of the ships, must defend herself against accusations stemming from her father's treason. Eighteen year old Cal McLaughlin struggles to reconcile why his own father would make the ultimate sacrifice and send him to the stars, completely alone. Computer specialist Lt Darius Owens is thrust into the uncomfortable role of peacemaker when the arrest of the conspirators induces discord in the ranks. But when a young crew member dies in stasis, they must work to stave off threats that could kill every innocent man, woman, and child aboard the ships.