The story's most important characters are the five teen-age heroes. Each of the youths has a different background and different talents. Cord Ma Kiy, who becomes the leader of the group, is the most well-developed character, and most of the story is told from his point of view. Raised in the wilds of the Scottish highlands, Cord has little knowledge of technology, but his independent spirit and wilderness tracking skills prove useful on the wild planet of Klydor. Cord is also a muscular, able fighter. These qualities make the other youths view him as their natural leader, but Cord dislikes the idea of giving orders to other people. He accepts a position of authority reluctantly, trying to encourage the others to adopt "the Highland way" —and make their own decisions. Of Cord's companions, only Samella, a girl with telepathic receptivity and computer expertise...