In a post-apocalypse world where the USA as it once was no longer remains, Lt Colonel J.T. Coulter commands a unit of the Dome Security Force (DSF) that protects Dome 17 from the lawless bands of brigands determined to take the Dome for themselves. As a result of a particularly intense battle, he is injured very, very seriously and hovers at deaths door. Dr. Heather Dunkirk, a brilliant orthopedic surgeon, manages to put him back together using some of the most advanced surgical techniques currently available. She also offers him the opportunity to undergo some of the most cutting-edge procedures related to the implantation of information into the brain, designed to skip the tedious process of classwork.Because of his heroic role in protecting Dome 17, the council of Elders decide to offer him a quest, the completion of which will result in him being installed on the Council of Elders. This Quest is for him to design, build and fly a spacecraft to an uninhabited planet and start a colony of humans.

There is a catch.. he only has between 13 and 20 years, after which the Earth will no longer be able to support life. They do offer him one thing. Full access to all the alien spacecraft currently housed at Area 51/43 If he accepts the quest, he will be given free rein on staff needs and anything else needed for him to complete the Quest. At the razors edge, Coulter understands that no limits, obstacles or espionage can stop him from completing the mission.The Quest: Book one delivers the gripping origin of a dedicated, decorated military commander, all the hurdles, subterfuge and setbacks he and his select senior staff deal with, including a ticking clock that is not very forgiving, in order to reach the point where they can launch a spacecraft with 1500 colonists aboard for a new home in the cosmos.