George Abooli, a recently unemployed amateur astronomer, has everything to gain when he encounters the Reptons, a friendly race of reptilian humanoids from the Tau Ceti system. He accepts an invitation to visit their home planet and is taken on an interstellar journey. George marvels at the pristine world and nearly utopian society he discovers. Concerned with humanity’s social problems, he asks his alien hosts to help him introduce their advanced technology to his home world.

George’s request fits in with the Reptons’ own plans. They have been studying Earth with cloaked starships for half a century and are ready to reveal their existence to the people of Earth. They appoint George as their ambassador. However, as with any new diplomatic initiative, things do not go as planned…