After testing positive for a deadly virus, a group of children is abandoned in a state forest. Lost, and with few resources, they set out to find Slate Mountain and a refugee camp rumored to be located in an old bomb shelter. They are led by their 'pod captain', Jeremy, who is quickly placed in a moral dilemma no one, child or adult, should be forced to confront.
On reaching the mountain they find their hopes both met and dashed when they learn of an incomprehensible menace approaching from the north.
Death and adventure accompany Jeremy as he struggles to save the pod. Assisted by the older children, while being opposed by his old foe from school, he slowly and painfully accrues the lessons of leadership.