The cover is gorgeous, but I don't fully understand the image of the water yet. I totally didn't understand the diagram/map at the beginning, but that's OK. The beginning introduction to Alan and Kira was great. Kira's thoughts about her past growing up and the many planets she had surveyed gave a grand scope to the world - which is very appropriate in this space setting. The bit of romance I see between the two makes Kira's discovery and potential harm very jarring, and I'm left wanting to know what happens to her.