We are no longer alone in the universe.

The Monitor, an extraterrestrial evolutionary biologist and anthropologist, determines that there are compelling reasons why we should now build peaceful relationships with other intelligent species-and that the time for this new reality is now. This is an invitation-an opportunity-for humans to establish contact with extraterrestrials for the benefit of all humanity and, much later, for the benefit of many other intelligent species from other worlds. So he reaches out to a retired engineer with the purpose of establishing relations between the worlds.

The Monitor describes six species from other worlds, including his own, emphasizing their evolutionary characteristics and unique idiosyncrasies. His challenge is to build human familiarity with other sentient species, to diminish human xenophobia, and encourage human curiosity toward intelligent extraterrestrial beings-and their reasons for being here. The Monitor also reveals what many sentient species consider to be the primary goal of intelligent life.

The Monitor has been observing the human species for a very long time, and until now, had no interest in making contact. Humanity, he has determined, is an aggressive and violent species, and he can't be certain of his own safety should he attempt overt contact. He has decided there is only one way to reach out to the people of this planet, with as little risk as possible to himself and his fellow scientists, and to establish relations with humanity.

The extraterrestrial, and the people of the Galactic Alliance he represents, extends an invitation for humans to join in the effort to explore and propagate across our galaxy-and beyond.