(A/N: The side stories won''t affect the main story line. They are stories for those who want to have a extra insight in some characters that will appear throughout the novel and some information about the Starbound universe. )


    My dear Itsuki,


    I write this letter to you from the remains of my camp. It appears that missionary work is more difficult than I anticipated.


    Despite the training we received, I was woefully underprepared for creatures such as these.


    The morning began as peacefully as one could expect on an uncivilized planet like this.


    Nonetheless, it was chosen so that I may spread Hylotl peace to the less fortunate, so I was determined to "rough it."


    I placed my tea atop a gentle flame and eased myself into my morning meditation as usual. However, I could hardly achieve a state of enlightenment for the cacophony that soon assaulted my ears from beyond a hill!


    After a calming breath, I set out to investigate.


    A brief hike to the top of the hill revealed two alien lifeforms, shining like beacons, each with a marking atop their face!


    A search through my xenobiological handbook revealed these to be Novakid, a primitive gaseous species.


    The two, glowing blue and yellow respectively, whooped and hollered as one strummed a guitar, creating some semblance of music. "What better specimens to enlighten than these creatures?" thought I!


    I strode down the hill. They seemed wary of me, but I assured them that I meant no harm. I introduced myself in customary fashion, and they returned with their names, the blue one "Oscar," the yellow "Lenny."


    Lenny extended his hand, and I, assuming it was a customary greeting, reached out in response. The savage shook my hand with a vigour that nearly toppled me, the whole exchange quite uncouth.


    Determined to civilize these ruffians, I invited them to tea, as tradition dictates. They seemed very excited at the prospect, eagerly following me back to camp.


    My tea boiled, and as I prepared the proper settings the Novakid perused my camp. There was not a single ornament they were not curious about. Their filthy hands touched all my perfectly-aligned furnishings. They shattered my favourite coral sculpture! Nevertheless, I knew I could enlighten them.


    Over tea, I spoke about opening their third eye to the world. They seemed to barely pay attention.


    The tea I served was my finest blend, but after a single sip they dropped my cups, shattering them on the floor! I struggled to remain calm as Oscar removed a jug of some liquid and passed it between himself and Lenny. "Perhaps I could earn their trust by partaking in this cultural tradition," I thought.


    After a hesitation they allowed me the jug. "Maybe they''re warming up to my teachings after all." Those thoughts faded away after I lifted the jug to my mouth. The drink burned down my throat, and after one sip I fell unconscious. When I awoke, Oscar and Lenny were gone, leaving me in my battered camp nursing a terrible headache.


    I end this note with a warning for your missionary travels, Itsuki.


    Never invite a Novakid to tea.