The story opens with the launch of an Atlas Centaur, a four-stage rocket designed for deep space exploration. This rocket harnesses energy from the sun and the gravitational pull of nearby planets to traverse the solar system. It carries vital information about humanity and a map of Earth, with its primary mission being the search for intelligent life forms similar to those on our planet.

The scene then shifts to Neil Clarke, a school teacher who is recognized as one of Britain’s greatest writers, suggesting a connection between his character and the broader themes of exploration and the quest for knowledge.