The narrative follows Egan Rains, a telepathic psiman, on a mission in India to locate a teleport capable of saving Earth from a catastrophic comet collision. Rains navigates the complexities of a densely populated and culturally rich India, where he encounters various telepaths and mentalists, including a dyeman named Gowru Chandit, who possesses the ability to manipulate colors and dyes. Rains's journey begins with the challenge of disposing of a psi pin that identifies him as a psiman, which could attract unwanted attention. He struggles to blend in with the local populace while searching for clues about the teleport. His mission is urgent; a comet composed mainly of water and oxygen is on a collision course with Earth, and he needs to find a way to divert it. As Rains and Gowru form an alliance, they face numerous obstacles, including the scrutiny of local authorities and the mental defenses of powerful telepaths. Rains learns that Gowru's unique abilities could be instrumental in their quest. They devise a plan to infiltrate the Gommaf organization, which is rumored to have connections to the teleport. Their attempts to gather information lead them into a series of comedic and perilous situations, including a chaotic encounter with soldiers during military maneuvers. Gowru's powers prove invaluable as they create illusions and manipulate their surroundings to evade capture. However, their journey is fraught with danger, and they must constantly adapt to the shifting dynamics of their environment. Eventually, they discover that the teleport they seek is linked to a cremation barge that has mysteriously vanished. Rains realizes that Gowru's abilities have inadvertently transported them into space, where they find themselves on a trajectory toward Mars. The comet, now altered by Gowru's powers, is set to collide with Mars, potentially transforming the planet's atmosphere and surface. As they navigate their new reality, Rains grapples with the implications of their situation. He must reconcile his scientific understanding with the mystical elements of Gowru's abilities and the cultural beliefs of the local priestesses. The story culminates in a blend of humor, adventure, and philosophical exploration, as Rains and Gowru confront the challenges of their mission and the unexpected consequences of their actions. Ultimately, the narrative weaves together themes of science, spirituality, and the complexities of human (and non-human) relationships, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone amidst the chaos of their extraordinary circumstances.
By F.L. Wallace · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure