This is a fun book with science fiction based in real physics. It could happen. It has life forms that evolution could produce. a great read for teen agers. This book would be rated PG13. In 2147 earth has mastered intergalactic travel settling many new planets. Factions on Earth are battling over whether these new planets will be colonies subordinate to Earth or a commonwealth of planets. One of the new planets, Gaiea, is wildly beautiful with tremendous resources. It also has a revolutionary new fuel source that could change the relationship between Earth and the other planets. Colonialism supporters send Colonel Hunter Arnold to Gaiea to discourage settlement. Colonel Arnold, known throughout the galaxy as a ruthless autocrat, will do anything to keep the fuel for Earth, including destroying Gaiea's pristine environment. He's a dangerous man. Our hero, Tom Pike, infiltrates Arnold's team and awaits the arrival of his father, Captain John Carswell. While waiting, Tom works to keep Colonel Arnold from destroying the planet. Captain Carswell is transporting colonists to settle Gaiea. He knows about Arnold and his biggest fear is that Arnold will discover that Tom is his son. The story develops around this father/son relationship and tells how Gaiea is saved for all humanity.