In the Old Earth Year 4766, the lost colony of Earth on Proxima b sends a scout ship, Novus, to reconnect with Earth. Equipped with a new superluminal drive, the scout ship approaches Earth only to have the Earth’s magnetic field cause havoc with the ship’s engines. After crash-landing, the 6-member interspecies crew, 4 humans, Luigh, Aislinn, Rowan, and Coinneach, along with 2 Lacerta, Llyr and Farr, are immediately attacked by animalistic creatures. Thinking that they have landed on the wrong planet, they hastily make a run for the nearest shelter, where Rowan discovers old technology and accidentally activates it. Unable to rest, they are attacked again, but are saved by two people who saw the ship crash. Attacked along the way, the crew of the Novus, travel with the two rescuers, Maia Quia and her Gleidhidh, Angus, to a Fortress and safety. The battery power of most of the crew’s technology was used up in the initial attacks and are abandoned. The rest in a burned village, and Rowan finds a sword as a primitive defensive replacement. They are soon attacked again in an ambush, and Maia discovers that Luigh and/or Aislinn may have the ability to wield a power called Medeis. They survive the ambush and hastily make their way to the Fortress, being chased by more creatures. They narrowly make it to safety, thanks to the Fortress’ defenders. While staying at the Fortress, the crew learns that they are indeed on Earth, but it has been dramatically altered by Medeis and help from Proxima b is four years away. They must decide to wait for a rescue that may not come, or learn to fight. The Phoenix will rise again.