The Fourth Consort

Ashton’s (Mickey7) fun yet grounded tale of first contact strikes a perfect balance between humor and social commentary. Dalton Greaves is an ambassador for Unity, an intergalactic organization aiming to bring other alien species into a benevolent brotherhood (at least, according to Unity). Another organization called the Assembly claims essentially the same goal, placing them at odds. When both organizations attempt to be first in establishing a relationship with the minarchs, a tentacled, sentient alien species, Dalton and his Assembly counterpart Breaker find themselves stranded on the minarch homeworld. Amid the demands of Neera, who also works for Unity, and numerous opportunities for cultural misunderstanding, Dalton tries desperately to complete his mission without risking his skull to a pair of insect mandibles. Ashton has notably demonstrated how to deftly balance thought-provoking science fiction with snarky yet always enjoyable humor. Narrator Barrie Kreinik helps sustain this equilibrium by showcasing her range, seamlessly voicing the meticulous yet brutal minarchs, the warrior philosopher Breaker, and the relatable everyman Dalton (with a bonus for her portrayals of consorts Bob and Randall, whose banter offers delightful comic relief).