After serving three years on spaceship Moeder, Donte returns to Bergen colony on planet Purlieu. Donte is the prophasied Anialwch Connection – the one chosen to lead Purlieu to freedom. He is a mascot – a human genetically modified with animal genes, and the named successor of Pieter, Ruler of Bergen.

Pieter, Donte's grandfather, wants Donte to succeed him but he isn't happy about some of Donte's ideas. Pieter doesn't believe in the Prophesy and he believes only mascots should rule. Donte believes in equality between human colonists and mascots. The Prophesy indicates the colonists will rise up against the mascots, but Donte believes that can be avoided if the colonists are treated fairly.

Torn between loyalty to his grandfather and fulfilling his destiny in the Prophesy, Donte must decide who he will serve.