In the midst of a mid-life crisis

Dr. Tom Richards comes face to face with the defining Rubicon of his life. In spite of perilous warnings, he recklessly forges across. He is taking data on an asteroid that has just entered the solar system, which makes absolutely no sense. Tom Richards suspects he has stumbled on a new form of matter.

The international race and rising stakes

Once the international race heats up to become the beneficiary of the newly discovered object, things turn ugly. To avoid calamity, Tom must overcome preconceived ideas of both science and people.

Peril and sacrifice

Things go from bad to worse when Tom's coworkers, one by one, lose their lives. By pursuing a dream without regard to cost, Tom can save a nation—and maybe even himself.