A massive explosion threatens humanity’s mission of first contact. The genetically engineered backup crew were each designed to know nothing more than their own duty. If contact with the aliens is to be made, the crew of the UNOP Ascension must break free of their conditioning… and become fully human.

It is 2063. Mission Zero is humanity’s first great, long-distance voyage beyond the orbit of Neptune. Invited by the vast alien space station that has appeared at the edge of our system, the crew of seven elite astronauts sets out with the hopes and expectations of billions back home on Earth.

Max (Medical Assistant XIII) was designed, grown and conditioned for this mission and this mission alone. He is capable of performing complex medical tasks, administering drugs, running blood tests and even assisting in minor surgeries. But Max knows nothing more. Nothing about the mission, the ship, the other Artificial Persons on board or even himself. Only, there is something wrong with Max.

He is beginning to learn.

The first prequel in the Galactic Arena Series, Inhuman Contact explores the story of Mission Zero and humanity’s first encounter with Orb Station Zero. It examines the origins of the Artificial Persons Program and why there is pro- and anti-AP terrorism on Earth in the main series. It can be read before or after Book 1 Orb Station Zero, or as a stand-alone story.