The Best of Fences

"The Best of Fences" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction narrative that unfolds during an era of interstellar colonization as humanity encounters alien civilizations, and it investigates humanity's pursuit of dominance in the cosmos against a mysterious extraterrestrial species. The story centers on Romm Parmay, the Chief of Psychological Contact, as he deals with establishing contact with a newly discovered alien race. Together with his wife, Alina, a hypersee technology researcher, Parmay discovers the aliens' unique existence in gas giants, suggesting the potential for peaceful coexistence rather than conflict. The narrative emphasizes the importance of boundaries and mutual respect in interstellar relations, illustrating that both races can prosper without conflict.