A story of love and betrayal among the first colonists of Jupiter’s moon Europa. A book that imagines people’s every-day lives in a colony established in caves beneath the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon.

It is the 21st century and severe overcrowding on Earth has led to the creation of colonies on Lunar and Mars and Jupiter’s moon, Callisto. As children Symon Shaw and Marvin Piper become best friends, a friendship that survives into adult life. Marvin is ambitious and has a talent for business but Symon drifts aimlessly through life with no real purpose. When a new colony is established on another of Jupiter’s moons, Europa, Marvin invites Symon to join his company when it relocates there. They prosper in the colony and Marvin invites Symon to become his business partner.

Treatment for infertility, including diagnostic tests, has been previously banned in an attempt to limit population growth. Symon and his wife Meena have two children, but Marvin and Liv remain childless. In a desperate attempt to have a child, Marvin asks Symon to have sex with Liv. She becomes pregnant but loses the baby. Liv implores Symon to continue making love to her and he agrees, though he knows that Marvin would not approve. Liv remains detached, but Symon falls more and more in love with her. When their relationship is discovered the consequences are devastating for both couples