A clash of ideologies erupts when the descendants of a robotic-nurtured colony on Chiron encounter the authoritarian survivors of a post-nuclear Earth. The protagonist, representing the established colonial society, must defend their hard-won autonomy against the encroaching influence of the Earth government. The narrative explores the logical consequences of a society raised on the ideals of the American Founders, contrasting their radical commitment to liberty with the bureaucratic control exerted by the arriving Earth ships. The story unfolds through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the technological and philosophical divide between the two human factions.

Readers frequently highlight the book's focus on political philosophy and the practical implementation of libertarian principles within a science fiction framework. Discussion often centers on the tension between the colonial society's rigid adherence to founding ideals and the pragmatic, often cynical, approach of the Earth government. Critics note that the pacing prioritizes ideological debate and world-building over traditional action sequences. The work is often cited for its exploration of how a society might evolve when isolated from the historical baggage of its origin planet. Many readers appreciate the logical consistency of the technological premise regarding the colony's inception.