During an exploration of Mars by four married couples, Mary Jane Lyle Smith gives birth to Valentine Michael Smith. The adult crewmembers mysteriously die. The Martians raise Michael, who is found and brought back to Earth by a subsequent exploratory team 25 years later.

The government wants to control Michael as he may have sole claim to Mars, according to a preceding law decision. Ben Caxton wants to scoop the story. Gillian (Jill) Boardman wants to save Michael, and she brings him to Jubal Harshaw who wants to protect the Man from Mars. Unknown to all at the beginning, Michael needs no protection or salvation. He knows he is God. He knows that waiting fills understanding. He can levitate objects and people. He can also blink anything, including threatening people, out of existence. This is what the Martians have taught him.

Jill first witnesses Michael's special abilities...