 An interstellar spaceship is stranded between the stars, but out of distance of the interstellar gases that the drive requires as fuel (the drive technology is not fully explained, but is possibly similar to a Bussard Ramjet).It is surrounded by clouds that do contain the required fuel, but with excessive quantities of impurities that can't be filtered out.Anton Viluekis, the Fusionist, a highly sensitive (and eccentric) individual who is in charge of the ship's power, is unwilling to try any alternative methods of gathering fuel, as failure will reflect badly on his reputation.