The Expedition

It was supposed to be just a just a routine visit to Reital...

When Casitian physician Jamelo makes a research trip to the western United States in 1859, he quickly becomes emotionally involved with Earth and its inhabitants. His visit brings great healing to many: the patients whom he surreptitiously treats and cures with powerful Casitian medicines; Emma, the sensitive young slave whom he befriends; and Lena, the struggling farm widow with whom he finds himself unexpected, passionate love. Although Civil-War-era life isnt easy for a mixed-race visitor from another planet, Jamelo uses his quick wit (and his secret arsenal of Casitian technology) to keep himself out of trouble - until his fateful decision to accompany Lena to her family home in Virginia. On that harrowing journey, Jamelo learns more about slavery than he had ever hoped to know, and the boundary-crossing couple are plunged into circumstances that threaten both their love and their survival.