Shades of Grey

Humanity has never been alone. For longer than recorded history, the Vael have monitored us, from secret bases and elusive scout craft. When we developed aircraft, and then radar, sightings became far more common. A consensus developed about their appearance and nature: slender, grey-skinned creatures, with bulbous heads and large black eyes. They are shy but curious, fascinated by our civilization as they watch as closely as they dare. In the popular imagination, they’ve come to be known as the Greys. As they (and others) watch us, the Agency formed to watch back: a clandestine organization supported in secret by the world’s great and lesser powers, given the best training and the most advanced technology of our race, to stand in silent vigil against incursions from the stars or elsewhere. The Vael and the Agency alike, are made up of individuals. Gazing at each other through the darkness, once in a while, they form a personal connection, leading to mutual fascination, attraction, or even love.