The Only Thing to Fear — Julie E. Czerneda

This exclusive e-novella, set shortly after the events in Hidden in Sight, features the first glimpse of the All Species' Library of Linguistics and Culture in the Web Shifters sci-fi series.

The Human Commonwealth has spread into a section of space well and truly claimed by others, a wealth of intelligent species who doubt we've much to offer. The only recourse? Diplomacy! At least that's what Evan Gooseberry, assigned to the Human embassy on Urgia Prime, firmly believes. Enough to fight his own deep terrors and remain where even a walk outside is an exhausting challenge.

But what happens when a species' misunderstood biology is its diplomacy?

The stakes are high; the situation desperate. Doubted by his superiors, Evan stands alone.

Unless he can accept help from the strangest alien of all: Esen-alit-Quar, Esen in a hurry, Es between friends. Having come to Urgia Prime with her friend Paul on their own mission, the remarkable Webshifter is willing to do whatever she can. There's only one problem.

Esen is everything Evan Gooseberry fears.