An astrobiologist assigned to protect wildlife must use her preservation skills to fight off a greedy construction company from killing off native species

SYNOPSIS:

The year is 2200. The human species is now colonizing other planets located in other solar systems within their "goldilocks zones". This has become a lucrative industry while other businesses back on Earth are waning. Our Earth's atmosphere and environments have passed the point of any possible restoration. Worldwide industries are struggling to stay in business by investing in the survival of our species on other worlds. As a result of the boom in interplanetary colonization, world leaders established a set of regulations and laws to ensure that other planets do not meet with the same fate as Earth. These guidelines have been established through universal agreements and treaties. A watchdog group known as the Interstellar Preservation Group is created. Its membership consists of highly dedicated, respected scientists representing the disciplines of biology, geology, environmental science, astrophysicists and climatology. Dr. Rachel Goodall is an astrobiologist working for this group. She and her husband, Conner Wilson (a geologist) inspect and survey planets scheduled for colonization prior to any type of construction and ecosystem alteration. Their reports may not be well received by these greedy companies pursuing profitable development. Regulatory restrictions to protect indigenous species get 'in their way' and are sometimes dealt with by secretly attempting to extirpate protected species inhabiting the construction site. At times, conflicts between the companies and scientists reach dangerous levels. Sabotage is often utilized. Rachel Goodall soon faces just such a grave situation. It could cost her life along with those who work closely along side her.