Doctor Ain (Volume 1 of the series) showcases the humorous beginnings of James Tiptree Jr. in the late 1960s. Her story "Birth of a Traveling Salesman" marked the author's breakthrough. A customs officer at an interplanetary loading station, who is actually at risk of burnout, must make split-second decisions on how conventional goods should be packaged, as these could be interpreted as declarations of war or are subject to censorship in other solar systems. A fireworks display of punchlines and quips is unleashed on the reader as they observe the multitasking officer at work. The story, told in two episodes ("Help" and "Mother Comes Home"), revolves around a CIA office specifically set up for the event of an alien landing, bringing tears to the reader's eyes as they witness the overwhelmed protagonist.