(A/N: The side stories won't affect the main story line. They are stories for those who want to have an extra insight into some characters that will appear throughout the novel and some information about the Starbound universe. )

My dear Itsuki,

I write this letter to you from the remains of my camp. It appears that missionary work is more difficult than I antic.i.p.ated.

Despite the training we received, I was woefully underprepared for creatures such as these.

The morning began as peacefully as one could expect on an uncivilized planet like this.

Nonetheless, it was chosen so that I may spread Hylotl peace to the less fortunate, so I was determined to "rough it."

I placed my tea atop a gentle flame and eased myself into my morning meditation as usual. However, I could hardly achieve a state of enlightenment for the cacophony that soon a.s.saulted my ears from beyond a hill!

After a calming breath, I set out to investigate.

A brief hike to the top of the hill revealed two alien lifeforms, shining like beacons, each with a marking atop their face!

A search through my xen.o.biological handbook revealed these to be Novakid, a primitive gaseous species.

The two, glowing blue and yellow respectively, whooped and hollered as one strummed a guitar, creating some semblance of music. "What better specimens to enlighten than these creatures?" thought I!

I strode down the hill. They seemed wary of me, but I a.s.sured them that I meant no harm. I introduced myself in customary fashion, and they returned with their names, the blue one "Oscar," the yellow "Lenny."

Lenny extended his hand, and I, a.s.suming it was a customary greeting, reached out in response. The savage shook my hand with a vigor that nearly toppled me, the whole exchange quite uncouth.

Determined to civilize these ruffians, I invited them to tea, as tradition dictates. They seemed very excited at the prospect, eagerly following me back to camp.

My tea boiled, and as I prepared the proper settings the Novakid perused my camp. There was not a single ornament they were not curious about. Their filthy hands touched all my perfectly-aligned furnishings. They shattered my favorite coral sculpture! Nevertheless, I knew I could enlighten them.

Over tea, I spoke about opening their third eye to the world. They seemed to barely pay attention.

The tea I served was my finest blend, but after a single sip, they dropped my cups, shattering them on the floor! I struggled to remain calm as Oscar removed a jug of some liquid and pa.s.sed it between himself and Lenny. "Perhaps I could earn their trust by partaking in this cultural tradition," I thought.

After a hesitation, they allowed me the jug. "Maybe they're warming up to my teachings after all." Those thoughts faded away after I lifted the jug to my mouth. The drink burned down my throat, and after one sip I fell unconscious. When I awoke, Oscar and Lenny were gone, leaving me in my battered camp nursing a terrible headache.

I end this note with a warning for your missionary travels, Itsuki.

Never invite a Novakid to tea.

Hiraki Corale signing off.