Dr. Alan Binder was the catalyst and brains behind the Lunar Prospector space mission to the Moon. He is the noted discoverer of water at the lunar poles. In this, his first science fiction novel, he tells the captivating story of humanity's first permanent base on the Moon. Binder writes with the scientific and technical insight of one who knows his trade, that of building and operating a cislunar transportation system and moon base. Echoes of real-life government strife abound, leading to decisions that ignore expert advice and ultimately lead to disastrous consequences.