They will turn a barren planet into a refuge for life.

Or die trying.

On board the interstellar ship, Theodore wakes from forty years of suspended animation, eager to transform a barren, rocky planet into a living world.

The plan: move an icy asteroid billions of miles, convert the ice into new seas and a breathable atmosphere, then seed the surface with life.

But some among the crew want to speed up the process. By taking risks with nuclear explosives. A dangerous revision, but one supported by the mission's commander.

Competing plans divide the crew into rival factions. With Earthly help over eight light-years away, Theodore must search alone for allies among oppressed workers, spiritual advisors, and the ship's artificial intelligence to save the mission—and stop the commander from seizing absolute power.

Scientists and politicians, ideals and tyranny clash when the hidden agendas of Theodore, his foes, his friends, and the ship's AI reveal themselves in a riveting, ultimate confrontation.