A former lab assistant thrust into the difficult position of leading the human moiety under the oppressive Carryx empire. Dafyd must act as an intercessor between his people and their brutal captors, balancing the empire's demands with his secret plans for long-term liberation. His role requires a grim pragmatism that often alienates him from his fellow humans.

A secret alien intelligence and biological spy designed as a weapon against the Carryx. It currently inhabits the body of a human scientist named Jellit Kaul, carrying the absorbed consciousnesses and memories of its previous hosts, including Dafyd's former lover, Else Yannin. The entity struggles to manage its primary mission of covert espionage while processing the lingering emotions of the humans it has consumed.

A human biologist and the sister of Jellit Kaul. The Carryx send her on an exploratory survey mission to study the flora and fauna of a newly conquered planet. Thrust into an unpredictable environment, Jessyn must adapt her intellectual curiosity into a tactical mindset, testing her resilience as she uncovers dangerous mysteries in the alien wilderness.

A brilliant, proud lead scientist who represents the unyielding mindset of humanity's pre-captivity life. Tonner deeply resents Dafyd's new authority, viewing him as an unqualified assistant who has usurped power. His dedication to his scientific work is critical to the community's survival, though his arrogance frequently creates political friction.

A resilient and empathetic human captive assigned to labor on a Carryx warship. Campar serves as a moral and emotional anchor for those around him, prioritizing human connection and care to survive overwhelming despair. He seeks small moments of pleasure and intimacy as a psychological shield against the horrors of their subjugation.

A human archaeologist whose academic expertise in ancient cultures makes him a valuable asset on the Carryx exploratory mission. He is a fundamentally kind and intellectually curious man grieving his separation from his family on Anjiin. His knowledge becomes surprisingly critical when encountering unfamiliar human elements on the new planet.

A sharp-tongued folklorist and social historian among the human captives. Initially resistant to Dafyd's leadership and viewing him as a collaborator, she is a pragmatic thinker who understands the power of myths. Her expertise makes her an essential figure in shaping the cultural survival and covert education of the captive population.

A human captive and former colleague of Dafyd who was taken to serve on a Carryx warship. Haunted by the loss of his lover in a previous failed rebellion, Rickar is consumed by hopelessness. He views their captivity as an inescapable fate, advocating for endurance rather than holding onto false hope.

The Carryx keeper-librarian directly in charge of overseeing the human moiety on the world-palace. Ekur-Tkalal views the humans strictly as resources for the empire's endless war effort, demanding they become self-sustaining and useful, forcing the captives into harrowing compromises.

A human captive assigned to a Carryx warship who struggles deeply with the psychological toll of imprisonment. Prone to depression, Ghati relies heavily on Campar for emotional support as they survive the terrifying reality of active combat zones.

A captive alien who resembles a large slug, assigned to the Carryx warship alongside the humans. Vaudai's specific purpose for its keeper-librarian is to analyze patterns of violence and tactical data, making it a critical source of information during space battles.

A menacing human soldier clad in advanced armor, discovered by Jessyn on the planet "World." As the protector of a group of hidden refugees, Corvall is highly militarized and willing to use lethal force to safeguard his charges from the Carryx and their overseers.

A member of Tonner's research team who attempts to apply pre-conquest labor tactics to their captivity. Brun's lack of understanding regarding the lethal power dynamics of the Carryx empire frequently puts him at odds with Dafyd's pragmatic leadership.

A member of the Sinen, a goat-like captive species appointed by the Carryx to act as overseers. Third Gardener supervises Jessyn's fieldwork, keeping a suspicious and watchful eye on her scientific activities and enforcing the empire's strict rules.

The human security director working under Dafyd at the world-palace. She is unapologetically harsh in her methods for maintaining order among the desperate population, refusing to take the blame for unpopular decisions and demanding explicit backing for her actions.

A famous human dancer who struggles to accept his new, degraded status under Carryx rule. His insubordination and explosive temper pose a direct threat to Dafyd's carefully maintained political stability within the world-palace.

A Carryx regulator-librarian who serves the empire's supreme ruler, the Sovran. Surur-Tlassen is deeply attuned to the highest echelons of Carryx politics and warfare, monitoring anomalies and managing the broader strategic operations of the empire.

The supreme ruler of the Carryx empire. She is a singular figure of absolute authority who dictates the grand strategy of the endless war against external threats, commanding vast forces and maintaining the empire's ruthless expansion.

A human survivor and tutor hiding on the planet "World." Omco belongs to a group of refugees escaping the destruction of their settlements, fiercely guarding the children in their care while warily interacting with the newly arrived captives.