Alin’s mission was supposed to be joyous.

Generations past, an expedition from the ni’drassi collective discovered a world filled with a young species – bipedal, smooth-skinned, and just beginning to blossom. Knowing it was too soon for the nascent race to join the rest of the galaxy, they left.

And now, they’re coming back.

Sitting at the helm of a ship filled with translators and diplomats and researchers, Alin’s task is clear: Return to the world, and welcome them to interstellar society. It’s an imposing duty, yes, but simple enough.

So he thought – until they reach their destination, and find their mission turned on its head.