On a distant planet in the future, as the galaxy is being populated, the humans, Terran, wage war against the Dracs, an intelligent reptilian race who come from the planet Draco. They fight for control of many worlds. In one of the battles, Willis Davidge crashes on Fryine IV which is a volcanic planet and he finds he isn't alone. He discovers a repulsive alien enemy Drac named Jeriba Shigan has also crashed on the planet. In time they decide not to fight each other, put aside their differences and hatred for each other and both try to survive being marooned together. They reach an understanding and become friends.