Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussions of child loss and references to suicide.

The novel opens with the arrival of the Overlords. The first chapter provides two perspectives on the moment of arrival: those of Helena Lyakhov, a cosmonaut, and Dr. Mohan Kaleer, a scientist and researcher.

Lyakhov prepares for a space mission by having an imaginary dialogue with historical figure Yuri Gagarin, the first man to go to space. Her reverie is interrupted with the arrival of tourists. She is struck with fear as a shadow covers the moon.

Dr. Mohan Kaleer surveys the model landscape of Mars in preparation for a mission. He thinks of the many ways in which space exploration may benefit humankind. As he reflects on the advancement of science and humanity, he sees a cluster of spacecrafts above him. He recognizes that everything has changed, and that humanity is no longer alone.

Five years have passed since the arrival of the Overlords—a seemingly benevolent alien race. Secretary-General of the United Nations Rikki Stormgren meets with the leader of the Freedom League, Alexander Wainwright, to discuss Wainwright’s opposition to the Overlords’ proposed World Federation. Wainwright argues that if such a federation were to be formed, it should be the decision of the humans on Earth, rather than the directive of the Overlords.