The Moralist

When the Terra mapped the distant world of Xenon, its gentle gravity and oxygen‑rich air seemed a perfect canvas for humanity’s next frontier. A three‑year‑old colonization report declares the planet fertile, peaceful, and free of native threats—ideal for farms, orchards, and even a simple chicken ranch. The Bureau’s cataloguing team returns with glowing recommendations, warning only that the wrong settlers could spoil its promise.

Back on Earth, veteran Lee Spencer arrives at his friend's home, still basking in the hero’s welcome and a generous pour of family brandy. Over a crackling fire he and Sam reminisce about the landing, while hints of rivalry surface—Martha’s teasing about “Prunella” and whispered anecdotes from the World Congress suggest that personal agendas may already be at play. As breakfast looms on the patio, the quiet conversation foreshadows the moral choices the colonists will soon face on their new world.