Raised by emotionally distant astronomer parents at an observatory on an alien planet, fifteen-year-old earth-born Lian crashes her shuttle a thousand miles away during a routine supply run. She is found by an archaeologist from Earth who is there overseeing the excavation of a particularly mysterious site.

Among the seemingly native species, Lian discovers an immediate connection with a group of amiable hexapods whom the archeological team treat as harmless and rather stupid animals, even giving them the name "Lumpies".

Lian's empathetic bond with the Lumpies emboldens them to reveal to her a secret that they have been hiding for generations; a secret that will bring out the best and worst qualities of those in the archeological team when they are told about it.

When her mother finally finds the time to make the trip out to collect her, Lian for the first time finds the courage to defy the wishes of her parents and decides to stay on at the dig.

The author sets up a parallel between Lian's situation at the observatory (where she is not understood and given only the option of making astrophysics her future career) and the Lumpies predicament which necessitates concealing their intelligence in order to protect themselves and what belongs to them.

This time away from the observatory affords Lian opportunity to reconsider her priorities and plans for the future, which have hitherto been decided for her by others. In this way, Lian's experience has the essence of a coming-of-age story and a journey of self-discovery.