The day the Cooperative Realm finds Arkhide, Katla is alone on top of an active volcano, checking sensors in the sulfuric steam. Within hours, she's standing before cameras as her planet's only diplomat—not because she's qualified, but because she's broken.

In a world of enhanced humans and synthetic beings, Katla's failed implants make her the odd one out. She can't join mental conversations, needs actual screens to read messages, and definitely can't eat and text at the same time. But the galaxy-spanning Cooperative refuses to talk to anyone "contaminated" by enhancements—and they think synthetic humans shouldn't exist at all.

That makes Katla the only adult on Arkhide who can negotiate with them.

No pressure.

Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers' Wayfarers, Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries, and Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga.