This third book of the series brings Country home from the Whirlpool Galaxy only to find his family in danger and the Rocky Mountains being torn apart by the looting Venaticians. Country and Miguel are stranded on the planet Sory where they find adventure at every turn in the underground city of Elno. They visit an otherworld zoo, help repair the damage done to the Sorian farms after a battle with the Venaticians and try to be understanding with Kallie, a Venatician and enemy. On the emergency trip home, Ramar (leader of the Sorians), bestows Country the title of Junior Officer and he's given the responsibility of finding the Venies' weakness. During the flight, he finds out that knowing who your friends are can be impossible. Country and his friends think they're powerless to stop the destruction of our mountains and the takeover of Earth. But if they don't, who will?