Earth has launched perhaps its only colonization mission in space. On arrival at their new planet, an accident destroys one of the landing craft, sending a fourth of the colonists down on a low-probability trip in lifeboats. One of the few survivors finds himself in contact with an alien race that considers him the Devil. He must first survive, and then make peace. Then he must find the rest of the colony. He soon finds himself caught up in an ancient conflict that only he can settle.
