In this dark and edgy first-contact story, a team of anthropologists discovers a species of truly bizarre intelligent lifeforms called the Kal. The team consists of the leader, an experienced, highly respected female Professor of Xenoanthropology and Linguistics; a young female biomedical specialist; and a still younger male, an expert in alien artifacts. As each team member reacts in a different way to the Kal, the story builds toward a disturbing climax and a conclusion with an unsettling twist of perspective.