Humanity makes first—and possibly last—contact with an alien species in this sci-fi adventure from the New York Times –bestselling author of the Humanx Commonwealth series. Earth's most elite team of scientists has made an astonishing discovery. Far from our solar system is the life-sustaining planet Xica, home of an advanced intelligent species who have created a human-like civilization. Invited to visit, the scientists explore a world of miraculous wonders that defies the very laws of nature as they know it. But Xica's secrets may threaten not only their lives but the lives of everyone on Earth . . .