Veteran starliner pilot Priscilla Hutchins is taking the chance to be part of a first-contact mission, despite the efforts of the government to stop it. The team had to leave before fully prepared, and judging by the age of the alien transmission that triggered the mission, there is no guarantee they will find anything when they arrive. The mission will test the team in ways they didn't anticipate.

This is the ninth book in McDevitt's Academy series, and for years Hutch has been my favorite character of his. McDevitt's alien species often have ridiculous appearances, though, which isn't to everyone's taste. He shines light on our human nature, and challenges us to look beyond appearance, which I appreciate.