Cecilia and Darlene are part of an observation team. The planet where they are assigned is thought to have extraordinary potential. But they soon learn that the society, and the government, have taken a dark turn. Cecilia finds a family that is typical of the era, and learns about the negative impacts on them. Darlene learns about aspects of the society that she finds disturbing, including a notable lack of moral conscience among the people. Over time, the society careens toward self destruction, and the observation team must flee. Darlene and Cecilia can only watch the collapse of such a worthy people from the far distance of space.