The Grand Crossfyre Odyssey, an ancient circus, travels from planet to planet across the galaxy displaying for entertainment the wares of an Earth long forgotten. Xavian Crossfyre is resigned to his fate training under his father to become the next Ring Master of the GCO when he meets Sorrow, a stowaway posing as the niece of the GCO's pilot. In a galaxy where Earthlings are considered second class citizens Sorrow longs for freedom and sanctuary. On the other hand, Xavian's life has been sheltered aboard the GCO. Meeting Sorrow forces him to face the reality of his place as an Earthling and what that means. The Ring Master's son and the Stowaway's lives are thrown into turmoil when the secret Sorrow is keeping threatens the future of the GCO and those whose lives depend on it.