Humans wait on the Cepheus Ring over Acheron for Anicetus to complete the terraforming process. Unfortunately, the current atmosphere above Acheron is too thick; the humans haven't received any signal from Anicetus since it landed on Acheron. Vanguards are being sent to the surface to see if the terraforming process is working or if Anicetus was destroyed on impact. With them go the hopes and dreams of the surviving humans aboard the Cepheus Ring.