Portia, a half-metre, uplifted jumping spider, communicates via palps and vibrations and leads a small expedition beyond familiar territory with Bianca, a larger female, and a smaller male. Facing an unjumpable gap, Portia orders the male to bridge with silk while she and Bianca hunt to conserve time and energy.

Spotting a massive ground-hunting tarantula-descendant, Portia manipulates its trip-threads to fabricate phantom prey, drawing it into position. Bianca drops onto the predator, delivers venom, and withdraws, and the females feed once it is down. When the male seeks to feed, Portia insists he complete the bridge first.

The male suddenly warns of approaching Spitters (Scytodes), ancestral pack-hunting rivals that spit sticky, venomous webs. Portia judges the eight-strong troop too dangerous, briefly considering a secret new weapon but prioritizing her larger mission. She signals a retreat, and the Spitters hold off as Portia’s group withdraws.

As night falls, meager catches—an orb-web builder and a mouse—prove insufficient. Bianca releases domesticated aphids, which produce honeydew after Portia spins a canopy tent with warning lines. The spiders subsist, and though still hungry, Portia preserves their livestock and the male to serve the longer plan.

Settled for the night, Portia navigates by the stars her people track. She notes one light that moves swiftly against the heavens and feels kinship with it, intuiting a fellow traveler—an unseen presence orbiting above.