Typical of others his age, Bill Lerner pursues many interests, experiences rivalries with other youngsters, and worries about the future. For the most part, he is a competent, serious, and selfassured young man, who is still confused by many aspects of the adult world. His involvement in a youth group called the Scouts introduces him to the travails of becoming a young adult. He learns the hard way that other people's behavior does not always meet his standards.

Bill's mother, Anne, is no longer alive.

Before the departure for Ganymede, Bill is disturbed to learn that his father plans to wed a woman named Molly Kenyon—meaning that his new life will bring with it a new family, including a younger stepsister, Peggy. For the first time, Bill must share the companionship and affection of his father with others, and this makes him...