During a brutal space war between humans and the reptilian Drac species, pilot Willis Davidge crashes on a barren planet alongside a Drac soldier named Jeriba “Jerry” Shigan. Initially hostile, they are forced to cooperate for survival, battling the planetβs harsh conditions and dangerous creatures.
Over time, Davidge and Jerry form a deep friendship, overcoming their differences. Jerry reveals that Dracs reproduce asexually and is pregnant with a child. When Jerry dies during childbirth, Davidge promises to raise the child, Zammis, as his own, teaching it both human and Drac traditions.
Years later, scavengers capture Zammis, forcing Davidge to infiltrate their base to rescue him. He fights against human miners who exploit Dracs for labor, showcasing his loyalty and growth from prejudice to acceptance.
In the end, Davidge fulfills his promise by bringing Zammis to the Drac homeworld, reciting Jerryβs lineage before the Drac elders. The once-prejudiced human is now honored among the Dracs, symbolizing unity between the two species.