In 2028, Earth is in the midst of worldwide conflict and increasing terrorist activity. Confronting the ever-growing dangers, a brilliant scientist named Katie Mac Angus leads a team of physicists: through the use of her faster-than-light spaceships they are to found a human colony on one of the newly-discovered planets within the Milky Way. But as plans for this colony begin to unfold, threats are made from malicious governments and businesses – desperate to gain knowledge of Mac Angus’s revolutionary technology and exploit its huge military potential. And meanwhile, the ethical issues involved in the colonisation process are unmistakable. In order to tackle these growing concerns, the physicists employ George Higham: a brilliant young philosopher/clergyman who soon becomes deeply involved in the ensuing events – both practically and emotionally.