In a time of boundless travel when nations are separated by lightyears, Umber Treggevvthann, a Gorboduc biologist, finds himself in search of purpose and belonging after he is held captive by those who would call his people vandals. Despite his strong sense of duty and loyalty, Umber befriends those who would hurt him. Stripped from his native home, he develops into a humble man, falls in love, and attempts to unravel a dark mystery that has chaotic and disturbing implications, for it is his duty to science that makes him a man of truth-no matter the betrayal and loss he encounters on the way. And in the end, Umber discovers what it takes to truly win.