When Sari and her fellow emissaries from the Empire disembark from their ship, they find themselves on an unknown planet teeming with life and mystery. The natives, whom they intent to 'civilise', are not as malleable as expected and their only other human contact, a man with some unexpected genetic modifications, only causes further conflict within their ranks. Something dark is growing in Mopu. The only question is whether the danger that will undo the women's delicate camaraderie is outside the gates - or within.