I sit in the tall command chair at the centre of a cylindrical chamber and flip the virtual pages of my report, preparing for my scheduled call with the Chancellor. A foreign star shines  through my viewport, dimming, as my ship propels towards the edge of its system. The control panel hums in the pulsing glow of celestial charts.

A holographic projection of the Chancellor's head and shoulders appears above the panel. Her regal robe compliments her green and yellow skin tones, and she greets me by touching her forehead. “Ambassador, what news do you bring of Earth’s status in the Galactic Denizenship?”

I mirror her greeting and inhale deeply before responding.“Our sources have been correct. Earthlings have entered their first phase of space exploration beyond the planet. However, they are by no means ready to join the wider galactic community.”

She leans forward. “How so?”

"This is who I found about their spacecraft.” I transfer her an image of a canine creature. It reaches my knee in height and has a pointed snout and ears. Covered in black and white fur, it appears simultaneously vulnerable and majestic.

The Chancellor furrows her brow. “I expected Earthlings to look more like us.”

“They do. Their most advanced species is humanoid. This particular creature is… how can I say it—a companion—sent into space to demonstrate how complex life-forms fare in these conditions. It was not, however, provided with a means to return.”

“I don’t understand.” The Chancellor cocks her head.

“They sent it to space to die. It is in the name of science, but still....” My throat tightens.

The crease in the Chancellor’s brow deepens, as her gaze drifts past me. I await her response with trepidation.

“You're right," she says after a pause. “While their exploration efforts are commendable, they are not ready for the vastness and responsibilities of Denizenship. We shall continue to wait and watch.” The hologram flickers. “I trust you concealed all evidence of our involvement? The creature’s fate is unfortunate. Alas, there is nothing we can do.”

“Of course, Chancellor.” I bow.

She disconnects and I duck under the control panel where the small being awakes at my feet. It trustingly nuzzles my face and I run my fingers through its soft, coarse fur. I pull it into an embrace. “Worry not, noble explorer, you’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”