Nova Artemis Archer is a young test pilot whose life changes when NASA recruits her to fly the first faster-than-light starship. Her journey begins at Cal Tech, where she meets Alfred Wurlitzer, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist who believes he can create a wormhole without cosmic energy levels. Although dismissed as insane by his peers, Nova sees potential in him and befriends him, sparking a budding romance hindered by his anxiety. Together, they propose their ambitious plan to NASA and SpaceX: to launch a mission proving Wurlitzer's theories. Their collaboration results in the USS Novaborn, the world's first true starship, with a crew of five: Nova, Wurlitzer, retired Air Force Colonel Frank Mustag, conservative scientist Harvey "Trip" Conner, and young mathematician Spencer Howitzer. Together they will surpass what all others in space have done before . . but woe be unto the human who believes we are alone in this universe.