5Fire on a space station is a serious problem. Every colonist has a role to play. Unfortunately for Porter, the cast on his leg prevents him from suiting up and assuming his normal emergency duties. Instead he finds himself deployed to help evacuate the nursery, shuttling children to the station's greenhouse. After several trips, he collapses. When he awakens, he discovers thirteen young children depend upon him for everything. He and his charges appear to be the only survivors.

This adventure for adults and young adults explores the cultural implications of trying to survive in a unique and hostile environment while trying to recreate essential tools of civilization that were developed by billions of people over thousands of years.