Commodore Tyler Malbrooke is temporarily relieved of duty and placed on special assignment. Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble is given command of the Pioneer and a special mission. He is to take the Pioneer to Kaitos the new home world for the El Aurian people. Along for the ride is the Diplomatic Council from Empok Nor. Their mission is to open relations with the Governing Council of that planet. The question remains can these Diplomats survive each other long enough to arrive at Kaitos.