The people of Umvitar, also known as Homeworld, use their wormhole control for both good and evil. A few, the Billionaires, excel at this. It's a bizarre planet with reverse chronology, which is the polar opposite of the galaxy's time arrow.

On Umvitar, Cleopatlekaveh is a Zero, a pariah who lacks the most basic and common skill. In her early twenties, she fails test after test. But then something unexpected happens.

Adam, an Earthling in the 25th century, wishes to do the impossible: bring back the dead through science and technology. Plus, Umvitars can help. But is it such a good idea?