In the neon-colored capital planet of Chigu, Karel enters the school believing she has to prove the worthiness of humans to the empire as a whole. However, just as we all think of ourselves as the “main character” of the universe, Karel is not the only new student dealing with this life changing transition.

She is joined by Francis, a tall lanky alien dealing with the pressures of living up to his culture’s high expectations for him. Also, Nichol, an artful and highly intelligent alien girl who’s innate scientific skills fit well with her family’s expectations, but conflict with her own personal aspirations. Finally, there is Kenny, the handsome athletic type alien who’s flirty and confident exterior is hiding the dread he feels over the role he plays in his culture’s competitive examination systems. Oh, and there is a space dog named… Space Dog. He was named by a bunch of 14 year-olds on their first day of school, so not too surprising. I heard one class named theirs “Pupper-nickle.”

While initially having very little in common, all four must band together to form a detective and mystery club in order to solve the case of Principal Hobbs’ attempted assassination. Along the way, they learn how to deal with their own feelings of anxiety about their roles in society, relate to other cultures, understand the international relations of different peoples and civilizations, find love, and try to turn in their report on Earth history on time. Yes, even with an investigation going on, they still have homework to do. They are not raising slackers at this galactic imperial military high school, I will have you know.

The COMPLETE TRILOGY of Quirky Middle Grade Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance, and… International Relations Theory? Sure, why not!