The novel consists of five stories and novellas. Here are 2 stories.
1. Report on the investigation: P.E.R.N.
A team of scientists studies a planet intended for colonization and names it “P.E.R.N” (“Earth’s parallel, Minor Resources” in English), noting concentric formations on the ground resembling circles frozen in water, and a lack of higher forms of life—something later Perna’s inhabitants would identify as a sign of the Falling of Firemen.
4. The Second Weyr.
A young gold dragon rider, Toren, asks Shaun Connell and Sorcha Hanrahan, the Leaders of Fort Weyr, to allow the establishment of a new Weyr, because Fort is already overcrowded. Shaun, considering the request, decides to create three new Weyrs. Toren, together with M’hall, the son of the Leaders of Weyr, become the first Leaders of the recently founded Benden Weyr.
Stories included in the cycle:
Investigation Report: P.E.R.N. - narrated
Dolphin Bell
Brond Red Hanrahan
Second Weyr - narrated
Rescue Expedition