The novel begins with a prologue set 102 years after landing. A pair of dolphins rings the dolphin's bell but no one answers. There are references to a great illness that has killed many animals: This appears to be contemporary with Moreta and Nerilka. It would appear, then, that humans lost contact with dolphins when the dolphineers died in the pandemic. This is not apparent to the people of Pern for whom the ocean rescues by "shipfish" are folklore and rumor.

The novel proper covers seven years of Pern life, with a jump of four years in one chapter, and three years in the next chapter. During this time, the characters grow up from impetuous youths to young men and women capable of fulfilling some serious responsibilities. Each chapter consists of four to seven sections of varying lengths and from varying perspectives. These are usually connected with a smooth...