The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

The planet Gora is an ordinary place, devoid of air, water, and indigenous life. Its only advantage is that it's conveniently located near other, more well-known worlds, which makes it a respectable place for ships to stop over when navigating the wormholes that connect the Galactic Commons. In the context of deep space, Gora is only a typical truck stop.

Long-haul spacers can stretch their legs (assuming they have any) and pick up fuel, transit permits, and other supplies at the Five-Hop One-Stop. The Five-Hop is operated by an industrious alien and her occasionally helpful child, who put in a lot of effort to give every traveler a small taste of home.

Three strangers, from different species and with different goals, are thrown together at the Five-Hop when an odd technological malfunction stops all transit to and from Gora. The three characters—a cargo runner at a crossroads in her life, an exiled artist with an appointment to keep, and an enigmatic person trying her hardest to assist those in need—are forced to face where they've been, where they might go, and what they are or could be to one another after being grounded and left with nothing to do but wait.