On the day that the theft of the solar system's light begins, Burl Denning is in the Andes with an expedition. Within hours the U.S. Air Force has ordered the expedition to investigate the strange phenomenon that is causing a dimness and a drop in temperature throughout the world. This is the start of a fantastic adventure that eventually takes Burl on the first circumnavigation of the solar system. Each planet-fall brings unexpected hazards, as the ship draws closer and closer to solving the mystery of the theft.