A chance email begins a friendship with one of the founders of the new Townsend moon colony and Quinn Alexander finds himself with access to one of the most sought after stories on earth. As a reporter-even though still a rookie-he could hardly pass up a trip to the moon and unlimited access to the colony's denizens. Should he be surprised, then, to learn that the colonists have an ulterior motive? Or, maybe more than one? As Quinn explores the colony, learning its beginnings and inner workings, he is also learning its secrets and one of these secrets keeps him awake at night. Back on earth, groups known as Earth Firsters spread lies and half-truths demonizing the colony and its inhabitants. Their disinformation campaign and big-money backers worked to suppress publication of Quinn's book, a glowing account of the colony's first year. What other acts of sabotage, even terrorism, are these dark forces planning? Who is financing these groups, religious fundamentalists or corporations wanting to keep the moon's resources to themselves? Quinn knows that if the world knew the colony's secret, the Earth Firsters would win. Quinn follows his instincts and returns to earth without revealing the entire truth. Five years pass, and while pursuing a story on the International Space Station, Quinn recognizes a UN intelligence operative. However, the man is introduced to Quinn as the new colony administrator. He follows the operative to the moon where he learns of a plot to destroy the Townsend colony and discredit his friends. Quinn finds that he can no longer simply be an observer and, willing or not, becomes a part of the colony's story.