For the wild beast . . . freedom, even from compassion.

For the person . . . all that is asked.

- from the Physician’s Oath

Varayla Ansegwe—perpetual student, aspiring poet, and scion of the (allegedly) criminal Syndicate—didn’t volunteer for this alternate-world exploration mission, and the crew are fed up with his dawdling and distractions. When he disobeys orders and rescues an injured alien, he puts the entire mission at hazard ... and changes the world.