But it is a new galaxy. Following the economic and political collapse of Earth's governments, powerful groups organize the Economic Zones to replace national boundaries. The Economic Council promulgates facts, forbids the teaching of history, philosophy, metaphysics, and spiritual faith, instead channeling their energy into fielding planetary colonies and space stations. A generation grows up that has never seen the sun from Earth, or experienced any culture other than the self-centered, hard-scrabble struggle to survive in the darkness of space. It is this very darkness that St. James must confront, especially when he meets the beautiful and exotic Socorro, a chemist recently transferred to the Mars Administration. Memories return to haunt him as he struggles to understand his place in this new world, one far removed from his humble Southern U.S. beginnings. A mysterious artifact found during an exploration propels Socorro and St. James into an uncertain future, one guaranteed to change their lives forever.