The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is essentially set around what I will amateurishly describe as a space motel. Essentially a group of very different people from various species (none of them human) set down at the space motel on a barren planet notable only for being at a hyperspace junction. Unfortunately, their short stay is extended while waiting for their exit lane is extended when a satellite catastrophe prevents all launches and communications. 

These aliens who would otherwise barely see each other in passing are forced to cooperate and learn about each other as we uncover their various journeys, pasts and challenges. As they learn from each other's experiences, they grow themselves and we seem to bounce between deep topics from the cost of war, exile, parenthood, the weight of history, bodily autonomy, accessibility, gender, cultural taboos and why humans are obsessed with bacterial infested milk from other animals?