On the Earth-like planet Caldris-9, a severe alien plague threatens the last human survivors in the Harlowe Settlement. An aggressive toxic organism kills, consumes, and absorbs any organic matter in its path.

Before the final evacuation convoy can leave, the ships must be refueled. But the organism has already begun entering the colony through the abandoned tide gate, threatening to cut off thousands of colonists before they can escape.

A demolition team is sent to bring down the tide gate before the orbital fuel pier is lost. The organism’s goblet reef releases invisible spores, drains living tissue, and turns every step into a new contamination risk. Each cracked goblet spills more spores and toxic enzyme. Every breach gives the reef another way in. Flooded passages, enzyme water, failing filters, and collapsing suit seals turn the ...