Mara Armand, director of a foundation for the protection and study of humans with extrasensory abilities, has made telepathic contact with an alien starship captain orbiting the earth. After weeks of nightly telepathic visits with Captain Sander, Mara develops an intimate mental relationship with her unseen alien lover. She experiences his need, his passion, and his sensual touch, but it is a bittersweet relationship for the laws of the Explorers forbid them to ever meet. An accident in space changes everything and Mara and Sander are given the chance they never thought they'd have. Threatened by World Federation troops from without and jealous hatred from within, their survival now depends on the strength of their bond and a ragtag army of young Sensitives willing to risk their lives for an alien starship captain.