Condemned to be stoned to death for heresy (daring to question the Elders), Devon escapes Cypress Corners with his love Rachel. Her betrothed, Garth, follows to bring her back. They find they're on the Earthship Ark, headed for destruction.

Searching for a way to repair the Ark, Devon, Rachel and Garth arrive at the Omicron biosphere, which may have some ancient technical books. All the women died long ago, and Rachel is mistaken for the goddess the men worship.