Robin Taylor is an android, an artificial human, and a specialist in the origins of language. As millions of people become mute in a spreading pandemic, she discovers that language is an intelligent virus that infected early humans, ultimately enabling modern civilization. But now the virus is enraged by the false language of talking technologies, everything from "smart speakers" to talking remote controls. But Robin is an AI gadget herself. Anyone she communicates with is instantly stricken mute. How can she warn humans and stop the plague?