The human colony on Teuba has just been attacked by the Hufko. Ormsin Ives' husband was one of those killed in the attack. As Ormsin sits in the assembly hall with the other colonists, the delegates who are negotiating for peace, the Doctor and Evelyn Smythe, enter. Evelyn is impressed by Ormsin and asks Vice President Skemp if Ormsin can take part in the negotations.