Orphaned Nia dreams of escaping her mundane life and exploring the stars. When the famous exploration ship Hyperion arrives at her space station, led by renowned scientist Dr. O’Malley, Nia knows this is her chance. Refusing to let her lack of credentials stop her, she devises a daring plan to smuggle herself aboard the Hyperion and join its elite crew on their upcoming mission.

Risking everything, Nia manages to secretly board the ship right before launch. Hiding in the garden lab, she begins learning from the crew while relying on the ship's cat, Moxie, to avoid detection. But when disaster strikes in the form of a deadly black hole, Nia realizes she can no longer stay hidden. Emerging from the shadows, she volunteers her unique knowledge to save the ship, despite having revealed her stowaway status. To her surprise, her unconventional skills impress the Hyperion’s leaders enough to let her stay.

As more crises arise, Nia repeatedly proves her talents by solving problems no one else can. Through courage, creativity, and perseverance, she earns the respect of the crew and a place among them. Under the tutelage of the brilliant Dr. O’Malley, Nia flourishes, soon becoming an esteemed cadet along with the engineer, Myr. But when Captain Sarkov makes a shocking offer to foster Nia himself, she has her biggest decision yet. Will she embrace this new chance at family among the stars?

Join Nia on her remarkable journey from orphaned outcast to exemplary cadet as she navigates the mysteries of space, crises at every turn, and her own quest to find belonging. Nia’s tale is an unforgettable underdog story set in a richly imagined world that will enthrall sci-fi fans of all ages.