Thel 'Vadam, the Arbiter and the face of Sanghelios agrees to a UNSC request allowing a group of scientists to stay on his planet to exchange customs and knowledge. It would serve to strengthen the human and elite alliance that had precariously begun only a few years ago. One scientist Dr. Colette Rose would be allowed to stay at the Arbiters Keep. As Colette learns about the culture and participates in their festivities Thel finds himself being unexpectedly drawn to her.