Welcome to the world of the Elders where the management of time and distance is child's play. The Elders were an ancient people living a calm and peaceful existence in a far corner of the universe. When one of their transports accidentally happens upon an interplanetary war, they find their people targeted for slavery or the dinner table. A lone transport captain dares to suggest a way out of the dilemma and becomes the focus of an internal squabble that threatens the life of everyone on their planet. During the final escape a small group of Elders are set adrift in space. They are pursued by a determined enemy, but a banquet table saves the day. Then comes the daunting task of establishing a new life on a very strange world.