A Nyana and Rhae story about the founding of the CNK Institute.
Nyana, a Sooni Chosen (former Council operative turned heretic), and Rhae, a Grey scientist genetically converted into a Sooni body, work to secure the Corona Noir Ki star system as a homeland for exiled Sooni. After navigating Confederacy politics and nearly closing the deal, they are attacked by Sooni assassins in subspace. They survive, defeat their attackers, and discover the assassins were sent by a mysterious figure named "Zaine" — unauthorized Sooni operating in the galaxy.