Lovely and insightful, Mia provides emotional support to her community. She is bright and sensitive, and cares deeply for the unique aspects of her world and the people in it. Mia strives to overcome past loss as her attraction to Jeff grows. She discovers new courage for adventure as love expands her horizons.

Flight Engineer for the space shuttle, Encounter, Jeff is motivated and handsome, serious minded and softhearted. Disillusioned from a bitter divorce, he is floundering in relationships, but eager to find love. Jeff is captivated by Mia and struggles to find his footing in her unexpected world. As his heart opens to her, he finds himself reevaluating what he knows.

Lindsay is Jeff’s fourteen year old daughter. Suffering from her parents’ divorce, she is lonely and struggling with self-esteem. Lindsay is vulnerable to peer pressure and drawn into sketchy situations in pursuit of attention and acceptance.

Commander of Encounter, Ted is driven, efficient, and conservative. Clean cut and hard working, he is rigorously focused on the success of the mission. His fascination with space exploration stems from childhood, having provided young Ted respite from his highly structured life.

Pilot for Encounter, Jack is athletic, charming, and good looking. Serious about his responsibilities, he finds release in the thrill of high risk adventures. Jack is a womanizer, enjoying each new conquest and remaining detached enough to exit smoothly.

Known only by his alias, Mr. Smith is a scheming billionaire. Intent on avenging his beloved brother’s debilitation from military service, he seeks to acquire power in advanced weaponry. Engaging an eccentric scientist, he manipulates the inner workings of Encounter to his own ends.

Sterling is a prominent leader in his world, carrying a strong sense of responsibility for its preservation. Strong and observant, he is vigilant in containing newcomers who may pose a threat to his cherished way of life. Sterling is a loving husband to Nadia and a proud father of two teenaged sons.

Nadia is a talented healer who sees to the recuperation of Encounter’s injured travelers. She is boisterous, witty, intelligent, and caring. Her shining white smile is enhanced by her dark complexion, and her humor is endearing. Nadia is particularly close to Mia, and devoted to her family and friends.

Devray, Lily, Ralia, Nadia, and Mia’s sister Elana are attentive friends to Mia. They gather together regularly for lunch, cards, laughter, and support. Their affectionate nickname of Garden Club refers to their collective provision of salad fixings for their lunchtime escapades.

Two elderly women, living together in a supported setting. Both are treasured by Mia and visited frequently. Auntie Rosie, who raised Mia and Elana, suffers from dementia. Freida, who has physical challenges, employs her feisty spirit toward age old wisdom and raucous storytelling.