Sterling Silver's adventure begins when a fishing boat captain delivers the new wild silver dolphin to the Bainbridge Labs
Marine Research Center in San Diego, California. The marine mammal proves far more intelligent than the other three dolphins in the facility, and lead researcher Allison Banks begins a quest to discover why he is so special. When images start popping into her head, apparently directed to her from the highly intelligent creature, she wonders what in the world is happening.
Through research techniques and input from colleagues and friends, she discovers the truth of Silver's interstellar origins. But how can she explain what's going on to her research team and new scuba-instructor boyfriend, Rob Randall--let alone her money-focused boss, who wants to use the research animals for public entertainment?
She and Rob develop a secret plan to save Silver from his current fate. That requires a faux government undersea exploration with the fishing boat captain's crew and Rob's scuba rescue team. Will their scheme work, or will it cause Allison to lose her job and reputation, and maybe end up serving time in prison or a mental health institution?