An earthquake shakes Southern California and sets the stage for the appearance of Aster, a stranger from a world far from our own. Miracles happen around him, spectacular promises are made, and wisdom flows forth from his lips. Aster says he has come to complete our knowledge, to explain our beginnings, and to correct our spiritual errors. He speaks of one greater than he who will soon return to the earth he seeded long ago. And the world is ready to receive him: politicians seek his advice, religious leaders wish to call him friend, scientists want to study him, and philosophers wish to debate him. But not everything is what it seems in Aster’s world. Priscilla Simms, an investigatory journalist, is the only one with doubts.