Open together. Or not at all.Two worlds can't share one loop. The answer is a corridor-a live link to a third, habitable world. Wren, a scout who trusts systems over speeches, and Kaelen, a guardian who teaches with stories, co-lead the Tri-Mission under an old rule: two or none. The Duet Key opens only to paired hands. Alone, doors stay shut. Together, worlds answer.Earth sends politics with its supplies. Third answers with tests, not invitations. Misreads sting. Pressure climbs. A network of linked Keys starts to sing-ships, bunkers, relays-translating need and share into action. Control looks tidy. Cooperation works. If they can hold it.Three Homes is a character-driven first-contact finale about stewardship over seizure, trust earned in the small moments, and a corridor kept open when closing it would be easier.You'll find: A tactile first contact-touch, pulse, pattern.Co-leadership under fire, not a lone savior.A semi-sentient ship that has opinions.Science-minded exploration and grounded wonder.Hope that doesn't blink.Reading orderLone Star (Book 1) → Double Earths (Book 2) → Three Homes (Book 3).The trilogy concludes here-no cliffhanger. Best read in order.Perfect for readers of Becky Chambers and Martha Wells who want clean science, tight stakes, and quiet courage.