Book 8: Perils Of The Gulf. As the hurrying podship Pioneer 4 traverses between the galactic spiral arms on its way to a promised planet, the cost is energy, which is quickly being consumed -- denying it the power to sustain itself. Resolving the ever-diminishing supplies, essential to the Aidennians life-support and propulsion systems is the top priority. The podship crew finds themselves with no other option than to explore two separate sources for vital elements needed to prolong their flight. The family separates as a means to a vial end: survival.