The peaceful planet of Eden has an independent colony of Terrans and a small population of aliens who escaped from their planet of Vkani. The alien Atrapako sport spiky crests, sharp claws, and scales covering massive humanoid bodies. Their scales are colored according to their rigid class structure. When the Blue, Sa Kamizan Veedak, and Dr. Lucy Stannis receive a distress message from his sister, they must undertake the dangerous mission to rescue her from the war-torn planet. As an exile, Sa Kamizan risks death if he is recognized. Their motley crew of Atrapako and human scientists will need all their skills to combat treachery by brutal foes as well as the hostile environment.