In the early 22nd century, mankind has been able to settle most of its differences and has been trying to reach for the stars. The graduating class of 2114, from the Coalition of Sovereign Entities Interstellar Academy, located in Nevada, are embarking on their first mission, a quick jump to Ross 128b approximately 11 light years from Earth where the first extraterrestrial human base, Exo Terra Beta, has been settled.

A solid mix of various nationalities, the crew makeup shows the advancement humans have made in the next 100 years. During the initial jump, the funnel distortion drive receives a sudden burst of energy from a failing antimatter flow regulator, which causes their ship to go far off course in a matter of minutes.

With the drive now damaged, the crew has to settle on an unexplored planet without the full complement, or experience, exploratory ships normally have. Within the first few hours, the crew encounters its first living creatures on a planet with similarities to Earth, and others that are not, including a telekinetic, intelligent plant and furry, little 'culas' that are almost totally invisible to any sensoring equipment.

The new, inexperienced crew must find a way to make their repairs in time before the hostile creatures make them permanent inhabitants. .