Though this book is number two in the series, it is recommended by the author to read first: Tark and Devane return from their mission to explore a geosynchronous alien satellite hovering over their home planet of Ikara. After an encounter with the outsiders, they come back to inform the Ikaran Space Program (ISP) ground control crew and its scientists of what they may be facing, but they hold back some of the finer details for themselves. Though outwardly it appears this is the first contact, there seems to be evidence that it is not. What do these outsiders want? Why have they not made contact on their own accord and are they responsible for the destructive events that took place on the night of Candle Fall? Are they friends or are they enemies? What happens when another species of hominid comes to a new planet?