Some 30-odd years ago, John Robert Crichton, Jr. was born in North Carolina. His scientist mother was a strong role-model, and he was inspired to study physics, attending MIT and ultimately achieving a doctorate in theoretical sciences. But Chricton was equally inspired by his astronaut father. When the opportunity arose to train with IASA as an astronaut, he jumped at the chance. Because of his strengths as a scientist, he was a valued mission specialist on several shuttle missions. Despite his astronaut status and tall, classic good looks, Chricton still considers himself just one of the science nerds, like his buddies. Up until recently, his take-charge, heroic nature has remained dormant -- until that fateful day when his experimental, one-man capsule accidently shot him to the far end of the universe. Since being hurtled across the galaxy and joining a fugitive crew aboard a living vessel (Moya), Crichton has managed to survive many obstacles, including lethal confrontations with carnivorous and shapeshifting aliens. The difficulties he and the alien crew have undergone have forged a special bond between them all. They'll need that bond to survive. The merciless Peacekeepers, a military race, dog their every step, and Chricton in particular is their target.