Four astronauts settle on a strange planet to build a safe haven free of the weaknesses and flaws of modern civilisation. Their moral imperative is soon corrupted by degenerated descendants who unwittingly repeat all mistakes of the human race by creating a hierarchical society, worshipping false gods and striving for expansion and conflict with more advanced Szerns. When a foreigner lands on the planet, they initially treat him like a saviour only to betray him in the end.