The people of the planet New Esrii, refugees from Earth, live in a time of uncertainties. The star Lambda2, from a neighboring binary system, is on a tangential orbit that will closely pass their solar system. Preparations to withstand the predicted hardships have been underway for several years. But now comes a new problem. A fleet of ships is approaching from another planet in their system. The covert Hurist Coalition, watchdog of New Esrii culture, is certain these approaching ships will attack them. The reason for their alarm is secreted in the culture's history, when dissidents were shunted aside so advancements could be made. The combined events have this vitalistic society headed for civil war. Four people from New Esrii are in prime positions to aid their culture. Sinoa and Nathan are drawn to each other by uncanny means, and each has the ability to shed light on the various inaccuracies in their culture's history. Zaya, Sinoa's mother, is part of the Hurist Coalition and has concerns for what is developing; her actions become crucial as civil war looms. Gerren, space fleet commander, will sacrifice everything to get New Esrii citizens to understand what's going on. Each wants to avert the civil war by bringing the truth to New Esrii. Can they do it? And, since Lambda2 threatens to wipe New Esrii off the star map, will their actions be for naught?