Once a Greech

A routine survey of the Virago system turns chaotic when a scout reports intelligent life on an obscure moon. Captain Iversen, a blunt commander with little patience for mistakes, must reckon with the unexpected find while his crew scrambles to keep the ageing S.S. Herringbone on course. The mission’s uneasy leader clashes with the ship’s newest officer, Harkaway, whose unconventional methods and boundless optimism infuriate the captain even as they become the crew’s only hope for understanding the alien world.

When the vessel finally reaches the green, Earth‑like moon—dubbed Flimbot—the team discovers a society where traditional uniforms are replaced by colorful loincloths and giant pink caterpillars are treated as royal symbols. Harkaway, already eager to blend in, embraces the local customs, leaving the captain to navigate diplomatic friction and mechanical setbacks. The story balances witty banter with science‑fiction curiosity, inviting listeners to explore how humor and humanity survive the unknown.