In a distant future where humans and alien species coexist, Sun, an experienced pilot, finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with her gastor bird. This unique creature, known for its exceptional navigational abilities, has become both a partner and a source of intrigue for Sun. During a routine mission on the planet Miphre, Sun encounters a flock of gastor birds, which leads to a series of events that challenge her understanding of these beings. The story delves into the emotional and psychological impact of piloting such an enigmatic creature, raising questions about communication, loyalty, and the nature of intelligence.

Sun's journey begins on the spaceship Messina’s Third Daughter, where she works alongside her mentor, Dossa Nirav. The arrival at Miphre presents an opportunity to capture a rare hatchling, but it also stirs up unresolved tensions between Sun and her team. As the flock breaches the clouds, Sun is struck by the sight of a young pilot-bird nestled among the adults. This moment triggers a series of reflections on her own career and the bond she shares with her gastor bird. The experience leaves her questioning the ethics of their work and the true nature of the creatures they pilot.

The narrative unfolds as Sun returns to the ship and visits her bird in its chamber. The bird's behavior becomes increasingly puzzling, emitting neural outputs that defy explanation. Sun's attempts to decode these signals lead her down a path of self-discovery, forcing her to confront her fears and uncertainties. Her interactions with the bird reveal layers of complexity in their relationship, hinting at a deeper connection that transcends mere piloting duties.

As Sun delves deeper into the mystery, she finds solace in memories of her past. Conversations with her friend Hati, who specializes in gastor research, provide additional context to the anomalies she observes. The hatchlings he studies, though genetically identical to wild gastor, fail to develop properly, highlighting the challenges of captivity. These discussions prompt Sun to question the long-term effects of their practices on these intelligent beings.

Amidst this turmoil, Sun faces personal struggles. Her marriage to Indrani, now distant, haunts her thoughts. An encounter with a stranger in her suite serves as a stark reminder of her emotional disconnection. The man's presence forces her to confront her own desires and insecurities, leading to a pivotal realization about her life choices. The incident underscores the isolation she feels, both personally and professionally.

In the final moments of the story, Sun confides in Dossa about the strange neural outputs from her bird. Despite his skepticism, Sun remains convinced that the bird is trying to communicate something important. The conversation reveals the strain in their mentor-student relationship, as Dossa urges her to focus on her responsibilities. Sun's determination to understand the bird's messages persists, setting the stage for further exploration in the next part of the story.

Sun's experiences on Miphre and her subsequent discoveries aboard the ship challenge her perceptions of the gastor birds. The emotional weight of piloting such an intelligent creature forces her to reconsider her role and the ethical implications of their work. As she grapples with these profound questions, Sun's journey becomes one of self-reflection and growth, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the beings she pilots and the universe they inhabit.