The new norm is war, crippling need, and chaos. For the orderly Lewis Varnhill, this norm is trouble. Working as an officer for the Children of Earth Project, Lewis is sworn to complete a mission. This mission: create a team of eight human beings and sustain their lives long enough for the impossibly long voyage to a distant star system. This mission is difficult enough on its own, but becomes endlessly more so when politics and a brewing rebellion are introduced into Varnhill's life. Now, amid all the confusion, he is faced with a constantly delayed launch date and pressure from his superiors and enemies. He just needs more time. But time is not a luxury that he will ever know.