Dual PhD Evan Lockwood travels back to ancient times, banished to barren Craggy Isle with his family. He meets ancient koi Jin, who only he can communicate with. Using his skills, he extracts fresh water, cooks seafood, builds housing, makes salt, grows rice, and takes in displaced people. The group builds houses and grows food year-round. The barren island becomes a fertile paradise. Evan, family, Jin, and partners cultivate it.