Abandoned amidst a hostile wilderness, Paul has been rescued by a
biologist, Mr Amid. The scientist is studying the pearls that are
Altair's true wealth - and more particularly the plants that produce
them and that appear to be dying off. Amid offers to take on Paul as his
assistant, but the young man is still looking for his father. As he
follows the trail, Paul becomes tougher and more inured to life on his
new planet - and to human nature.