The story opens up on our main character, John Vinton, who is a geologist that has been stationed on a large moon called Chantico. Due to the tidal forces exerted upon the moon by the gas giant it orbits, John and the rest of the small team of researchers experience many geological events, one of which is severe enough to send the planet into a volcanic winter. Now, trapped on the planet's surface, they must find a way to work together if they ever hope to survive.
The story opens up on our main character, John Vinton, who is a geologist that has been stationed on a large moon called Chantico. Due to the tidal forces exerted upon the moon by the gas giant it orbits, John and the rest of the small team of researchers experience many geological events, one of which is severe enough to send the planet into a volcanic winter. Now, trapped on the planet's surface, they must find a way to work together if they ever hope to survive.