Lochinvar, a half-Hekoye/half-Vartan dock-worker, is working at the docks, but work is getting scarce. While talking with Lorne, a Vartan co-worker, he catches word that the Temple is looking for some strong backs to help with expeditions … purportedly to lands beyond the Procession! Lochinvar, anxious for work and eager for adventure, checks with the Dockmaster, and arranges for a meeting with Inquisitor Tobit at the Temple to find more.

At the Temple, Inquisitor Tobit fills in Lochinvar on the details about the Gateway Tower, and the exploration of the planets. Lochinvar is given an opportunity to explore Arcadia, the Planet of Life. He also finds out that a previous worker – the Titanian, Glot – never returned from the expedition, having simply wandered off with the group's supplies.

Lochinvar is interested, but doesn't make any commitments just yet. He leaves, intending to give his answer within a couple of days.