In 2147 earth has mastered intergalactic travel settling many new planets. Factions on Earth are battling over whether these new planets will be colonies subordinate to Earth or a commonwealth of planets. One of the new planets, Gaiea, is wildly beautiful with tremendous resources. It also has a revolutionary new fuel source that could change the relationship between Earth and the planets. Colonialism supporters send Colonel Hunter Arnold to Gaiea to discourage settlement. Colonel Arnold, known throughout the galaxy as a ruthless autocrat, will do anything to keep the fuel for Earth, including destroying Gaiea's pristine environment. He's a dangerous man.Our hero, Tom Pike, infiltrates Arnold's team and awaits the arrival of his father, John Carswell. He also works to keep Colonel Arnold from destroying the settlers and the planet. I'm sure readers will want to know what happens with Tom and Susa Stark, Captain Carswell's second in command.Captain John Carswell of the commonwealth group is transporting colonists to settle Gaiea. His biggest fear is that Arnold will discover that Tom is his son. The story develops around this father/son relationship and tells how Gaiea is saved for all humanity.
