Gyle Vrantley, an investigator for the government of Bloo Cluster, a galactic state, has made an arresting discovery: a mysterious inclusion in the DNA of the Deng-Twi, a population of humans living on the Xundt, a primitive world. Falmuth Cluster, a Collective state and rival of Bloo Cluster, actually discovered the Xundt, but in accord with Galactic usage has invited the Bloos to share in the exploration of the planet. Gyle is asked to work with his Falmuth counterpart, Onell iss Trova, a scientist he met once before at a general scientific conference.During a visit the two make to the surface of the Xundt, iss Trova, at great risk to herself, discloses some thoughts she has had about the planet, and together they reason far into the meaning of the inclusion. When the astounding implications for all humans become apparent, Barlon ved Greff, iss Trova's Ideological Monitor, demands that the information be suppressed. Colonel Ayzik Judd, leader of the Bloo expedition, rejects the demand as nonsense. When ved Greff tries to enforce suppression, steps are taken by an unexpected third party.