The narrative follows Professor Jonathan Ward, an entomologist who believes in a looming threat from a Martian insect culture known as the Mo-Sanshon. After being labeled a paranoid by the psychometric council, he finds himself imprisoned in a high-security facility. As he grapples with his impending reconditioning, he is unexpectedly rescued by a mysterious taxi driver named Red, who claims to share his concerns about the Mo-Sanshon. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to Mars, where Ward hopes to deploy a cage of mercenaries he has bred to combat the insect menace. As they navigate the complexities of their mission, Ward learns that Red is not who he seems; he is a mutant from the Mo-Sanshon, rebelling against the oppressive female-dominated society. In a climactic confrontation, Red opens the cage, unleashing the mercenaries upon the Mo-Sanshon, leading to chaos and destruction. Ultimately, Ward is left to confront the consequences of their actions, reflecting on the nature of identity and the struggle against a predatory culture. The story explores themes of paranoia, rebellion, and the blurred lines between humanity and alienness, culminating in a poignant realization about the true nature of the characters involved.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1987 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera