Centuries ago, Geo-213 had been deforested, and mined of most of its mineral wealth. Now, a new mining company has been established on Geo-213, and survey activity has commenced on the upper levels. But one of the survey teams has gone missing. A rescue team sent to find it has also gone missing. Divad LaTroy, Harren Trober, Gerreb Lederi, and Rowec Sullers go deep into the planet to find the lost expedition and bring its workers to the surface. What happened to the lost expedition? Will they ever be found? Who are the powerful beings that live deep within the planet, and what is the secret they are keeping from those who live and work near the surface?