Above, us, in the dark shadows of the outer solar system, there is the shape of something unknown, something unspeakable. It waits, it bides its time, and as the days of summer grow longer, so does its voice grow louder.<br><br>On the quiet island of Sarah Ann in the Pacific Ocean, home of the renowned Firmament Foundation, awkward teenager Eirian Calohan has come in search of the mystery of their father's recent demise. Instead, they are confronted with the stark contrast between languid life on the tiny island and an unspeakable cosmic horror.<br><br>Together with their new friends, they set out to unravel the truth surrounding the death of their father and to also uncover just what it is that the Foundation has reached out to in the dark eternal night of the distant void.

All Cats Are Beautiful

“T-That’s an air raid siren!” they exclaimed.


“It’s the civil defence siren,” she said. “I remember hearing it in a test. The government didn’t have the infrastructure in place or something, so it ended up being taken on by the Foundation.”


As if on cue, a voice resounded loud and clear from speakers doted around the island, its monotone artificial cadence resounding through the Meliae Garden, echoing from the Bight of Gloriana to Rivulet Hill and the forest beyond.


“This is an automated alert from the Firmament Foundation. As per our agreement with the government of the Republic of Kiribati, a level 5 alert is now in place as a result of a recent chemical accident. There is no danger, but we request kindly that all residents remain in their homes until further notice. This message will repeat on loop every hour until conclusion. This is an automated alert from the—”


“Something’s happened,” she said. “This is our chance.”


Chapter 47