In the year 2020, Zirkos finds himself on Earth among the "indigenous bipeds who appeared to be harmless gatherers," two million years after his ship crashed and he entered extended hibernation. To fit in his surroundings and mesh with the inhabitants as well as build a new ship, Zirkos must utilize the patterning technology.

As a homeless man, Zeke has worked hard to claim an alley as his own territory. A restaurant backs onto the alley, with staff leaving him food. Zeke wants to find employment, but he's on a government watch list. As if things aren't bad enough, Zeke also has a metal skull, made from a meteorite, which has bonded to his brain.

When Zirkos discovers the material in Zeke's head is Pheson Alacite, he faces a dilemma. Zirkos needs the material. On the other hand, Zeke will die if the material is removed without careful timing. With an intergalactic conflict to win and a need for human allies, Zirkos decides to team up with Zeke, rather than kill him.

As the partnership leads to learning and growth for both Zirkos and Zeke, can they evade Zirkos' pursuers and fulfill their self-imposed mission?