Three

Jessyn arrives on a prison planet called World after a journey aboard a Carryx slave ship. She disembarks with a mixed group of alien captives and several other humans, including Garral Pär, an archaeologist from Hibbrin Medrey. Their Sinen overseer, Third Gardener, briefs them on their task: to survey and explore the planet to gather intelligence about the enemy that previously controlled it.

Jessyn maintains a delicate biological device in her bunk that produces a daily dose of medication to keep her mind stable—a system she must preserve carefully with only two backup batches remaining. During turbulent descent, a Sinen messenger informs her that landing will occur in forty-five minutes. Jessyn reflects on her time in captivity, including her separation from Campar and Rickar, and her assignment away from Dafyd and Jellit by the Carryx librarian through the Soft Lothark. She has lost track of time aboard the ship, living only in the present moment. When ordered to disembark, she reluctantly leaves her device behind and joins the mixed group of alien captives in the common room. The ship lands on World, a planet with a breathable atmosphere, blue sky, and lush vegetation—a stark contrast to the metallic ship environment. Jessyn is moved by the natural beauty and fresh air, which reminds her of home on Anjiin. She meets Garral Pär, a human archaeologist from Hibbrin Medrey, who is overwhelmed by the open sky and sunlight after long captivity. They share a moment of recognition though neither can place the other. Additional humans and aliens are herded into their group, and Third Gardener, their Sinen overseer, addresses them. He explains that World was recently conquered from an enemy and hasn't been sterilized, presenting both opportunity and danger. The group is tasked with surveying the planet to gather intelligence about the enemy, with research notebooks to be issued for communication with Third Gardener. Third Gardener warns of potential traps and dangers while emphasizing that their usefulness to the Carryx depends on the discoveries they make.