A clandestine agent from a distant star recruits a band of eclectic prospects to accomplish a perilous mission. He misrepresents himself as the Messenger, a biblical-like prophet, and launches a new religion as a cover.When his recruits turn him into the Grateful Dead, the fun begins. This cat can heal the stricken and manipulate the forces of nature. Yet even wielding these uncanny abilities, this mission proves treacherous. Unbeknown to him, a fierce adversary tracks him to Earth, bent on destroying the Messenger and his fledgling movement.Impressed with the Grateful Dead, he contacts Jerry Garcia's spirit. Garcia agrees to help him on his quest, but there are many who want him stopped at any cost, including religious fanatics, a black-caped nemesis, and a wealthy realtor who has a personal score to settle. Political and paranormal satire abounds in a story that touches every aspect of our harried lives.