Book Synopsis
A mistake or something overlooked causes a rocket launch to go bad. Before it can be aborted the capsule is separated and the men in it are saved, so to speak. They land and are faced with the problems of where they are and how long to wait before they either give up or walk out. They decide that no one is looking for them and decide that two officers walk out and leave a Sergeant there to guard the capsule and all of its valuable electronics.
They never return. The Sergeant learns to survive despite wild animals, very little medicine and no cover. He makes do and what he accomplishes passes on to others.