Advance Agent

An undercover agent is sent through subspace to a water-covered alien world to discover how its population is controlled, how a recurring rejuvenation process connected to a neighboring planet operates, and whether the species can be engaged commercially for resource harvesting. To blend in, the operative receives physical reconstruction and implanted language patterns, then travels by ship and trawler to the mainland, enduring severe storms and seasickness. Once ashore he must observe social behavior, investigate technological and biological signs of the rejuvenation cycle, and weigh corporate interests against unpredictable cultural and physiological risks.