In this story's alternative timeline for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church members did not permanently settle in the Salt Lake Valley. They instead moved to Nippon, effecting a complete break from America. Now, in 1989, a rock band comprised of Mormons tours America, hoping to improve relations between the two countries and to investigate the Americans' offer to negotiate for a Nauvoo temple cornerstone.
"thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity – thou must commune with God." – Joseph Smith