For each of us there is one person who has the power to change our lives for ever. For Carol Marcus and Leila Kalomi, those people are Kirk and Spock.

Biologist Carol Marus is running a project that she is convinced can reshape planets, transforming an inhospitable world into a fruitful paradise. Her dream is shared by her lover, Starfleet officer James T. Kirk. Meanwhile her work inspires botanist Leila Kalomi, who is encouraged to join the team by Spock, science officer of the USS Enterprise. So begin the interlinked careers of four people who will rewrite the history of the exploration of space.