The story starts by introducing the protagonist, Willis Davidge and his duty as a pilot for human army. Human and an intelligent alien species called Drac are at war because they want to expand their frontiers. During a battle, Davidge and another Drac pilot go in a fight and they end up crashing onto a hostile planet called “Fyrine IV”. Davidge soon learns that the Drac he inhabits with is named Jeriba Shigan, shortened as Jerry afterwards by Davidge. They are indifferent and most of the time unfriendly towards each other at the beginning, because they are enemies in the war and their own kind have taught them how bad their opponent is. However, the environment of Fyrine IV is so unfavorable to them that it forces them into cooperation, in order to survive the harsh condition. They soon discover that their skills and knowledge are somehow complementary, so the presence of the other actually makes it easier to inhabit on such a new and tough environment. Through dialogues, they get to know more about one another. They clear up those misunderstanding they have on each other, and gradually start to develop friendship …show more content…
Yet, after they start to establish a close relationship, they put in effort to learn each other’s language. Towards the end, Davidge can speak Drac’s language fluently. Jerry also teaches Davidge the philosophy of Shuzumaat and Shigan’s family line. These 2 are regarded as the most important thing in Drac’s culture. Each Drac carries with them the writing of Shuzumaat and sings it in times of depression and confusion. They are the words of wisdom for Drac. Family line is also something they treasure. It is a must for them to learn all the stories of their ancestors so that they know where they come from. Every Drac works hard not to blemish the family line. Both their religion and family line are solemn