A sentient Ship, an artificial intelligence with godlike powers, delivers the last survivors of humanity to a horrific, poisonous planet, Pandora—rife with deadly Nerve-Runners, Hooded Dashers, airborne jellyfish, and intelligent kelp. Chaplain and psychiatrist Raja Lon Flattery is brought back out of hibernation to witness Ship’s machinations as well as the schemes of human scientists manipulating the genetic structure of humanity. But will he be able to help humanity meet the demands of its ruler?