Consortium of Planets · Alien Test

Wystl is a searcher for the Consortium of Planets' scientific "think tank" known as the University. She hunts the galaxy for species compatible with C.O.P. interests. When she discovers one with potential, she studies their members in depth and tests their response to a threat. Few can pass her challenge and those who fail are sterilized. After hundreds of trails, she is ready to retire, but University scientist, Reggiald talks her into one last mission far beyond the galaxy core.

The Consortians believe that if they fail to grow by discovering new civilizations, they will wither and die. Since the Battle of Trinity, forty thousand years ago, the Warrior Caste has reluctantly Allowed Searchers to use their ships to search for appropriate species.

Before the Battle of Trinity, the Warriors enforced a cruel Consortian dictatorship that plundered and destroyed newly discovered civilizations. After the battle, they lost status to the University, and some in their ranks now plot a return to their lost glory.

Wystl's current mission finds her setting up a research base on the Earth's Moon to determine whether the Human race has the potential for admission into the C.O.P. During her fifty-year study, Earth Chancellor Jonathan Visen uses terrorism to consolidate all the planet's governments under his control. The Searcher finds that humanity may be worthy and begins her test. Earth's United Defense Corps responds by sending their best asset, Colonel Dean Forge, to the Moon. There, he confronts a colorful, flashing ray of unknown destructive force as it advances relentlessly toward Earth.