A Buddhist proverb says, “When the student is ready, the teacher will come.” Pillar Russell, ready or not, was headed for an encounter between her serene life, and an “Apparition” that would change everything about it. She would learn about portals, embedded breathing and cloaking devices, and about the intelligent life forms living on planets in galaxies throughout the universe. Pillar would also learn that nothing can elicit change and unleash courage faster, than the threat of losing your heart, and possibly your life, due to an alien encounter that requires all you have to give, yet offers you even more.