The renowned planetary zoologist, Dr. Forret, has always loved exploring new planets, discovering and cataloging new species, and returning to Earth with his new-found knowledge. His beloved Ark, the exploratory research vessel, serves as both mobile laboratory and home to the hundreds of her crew members, who have all put their lives in Dirk's hands on their mission to Santelli Minor. But this isn't a normal expedition. When Dirk's head of security breaks protocol and engages with the planet's unexpected humanoid species, Dirk and his crew find themselves, at first, with what seems like a...