When a mid-21st-century Caltech intern discovers that a spacecraft from a technologically superior alien source is headed toward Saturn, a ragtag crew of competitors races to be the first to claim the ship and its technological advantages.

Inside the Dome, Partridge, having taken his father's place as leader of the Pures, realizes that things are not as clear as he thought while outside, Pressia and Bradwell continue their efforts to heal the Wretches, unsure if they can still trust their friend Partridge.