There was contact. Those in the settlements were only dimly aware that there was anything beyond the small communities they had set up in the hills and along the edge of the plain. But something came to them, crashing in the flatlands beyond a line of rocks. Jared, one of the few adults with wings, found the sad remains and brought back the survivor and information about what was out there beyond the line of sight from the First Settlement. He shared his discovery with the Four, his most particular friends. Lori had been a junior member of the crew of the Star Queen. Her life had not been what she hoped for when she left old Earth. She longed to return to her home world, but she never would have expected her travels to end this way—marooned on a nearly deserted planet with only rather primitive technology and a very unique population. Who would expect there to be people with feathers? In particular, how could anyone who was as fascinating and striking as the one who had rescued her exist? The Seven Settlements weren’t ready for the disruption of their ways. They were kind enough—especially Jared and his friends—but it wasn’t home. Lori had known the stars, and not even a red-feathered hero was going to make her truly belong.