As a small boy, Daniel Rooke is obsessed with numbers. His teacher is compelled to confiscate a notebook where he writes prime numbers. Daniel is admitted to Naval Academy courtesy of Dr. Adair, who had visited him some years back. At Naval Academy, Daniel conceals his ability. However, he learns that he has a soft spot for astronomy. After graduation, he appeals to Dr. Vickery to get him an astronomical job. Eventually, he gets a job at the Marines. Here, he meets Talbot Silk, who shows him how to interact well with people.
After several years, Daniels is requested by Dr. Vickery to be a voluntary astronomer aboard the First Fleet to New South Wales. He willingly agrees upon learning that he will be sailing together with Silk. The two friends are meeting for the first time after the American Revolutionary War. When they arrive at New South Wales, Rooke decides to erect an observatory to see a comet foretold by Astronomer Royal. After some days, Daniel discovers that governor Gilbert is forcefully capturing aborigines and forcing them to teach settlers the native language.
Daniel becomes acquainted with aboriginal people, particularly with Tagaran. Governor Gilbert continues persecuting natives, but Daniel is not amused. The torture of natives makes Daniel learn that the English system of justice is unkind. One day, Silk informs Daniel to join him in a punitive expedition to seizure a man who had impaled a soldier with a spear. However, Rooke informs Tagaran, who then notifies the suspect and other aborigines. As a result, the expedition becomes futile. Consequently, Daniel feels he can’t participate in such brutal activities anymore. Therefore, he tells Gilbert about the issue. Governor sends him to England. Ultimately, Daniel spends his later life in Antigua thinking of Tagaran and fighting for the liberation of slaves.
