A spaceship has crashed and doomed the world of Newhome as exploding fuel particles poison land and air. A small group has survived in the wind shadow of a mountain with just enough Quaradian Crystal to power their heat, light, and weapons. They barricade themselves inside a log stockade and hold off marauders with their laser weapons. Once their crystal power is exhausted, they will either die or be enslaved.

Trent volunteers to journey down the mountain in search of more crystal. He is the sixth questor to try – none of the previous five has returned. What will happen when he succeeds and rediscovers the world's most advanced technology?