A scientific expedition lands on a newly discovered planet, Glade, which was deemed suitable for colonization. Upon arrival, the executive officer and the biologist discover that the colonists have mysteriously lost their clothing overnight. The biologist, Dano Marin, investigates and suspects nocturnal insects or a plant's exudate might be responsible. However, he finds no evidence of insects and begins to suspect the local fauna. As the colonists settle in, they encounter a small mammal, later identified as an omnivore, which appears harmless but soon becomes a nuisance by consuming their clothing. The executive decides to keep the colonists sleeping in the ship until dormitories can be built. Marin is tasked with studying the omnivore and its ecological role, but he soon realizes that the planet's biological survey had missed critical information about the local wildlife. The situation escalates when the colonists face a mouse infestation, which Marin learns is a result of the omnivore's rapid adaptation to the new environment. The biologist develops a plan to control the mouse population, but the problem intensifies as larger rodents, resembling rats, emerge. The colonists struggle to manage these pests, leading to the introduction of robot cats to control the rodent population. As the colony develops, they face new challenges, including the appearance of large carnivorous creatures resembling tigers. Marin discovers that these creatures are also a product of the omnivore's rapid evolutionary response to the changing environment. The colonists must adapt their strategies to combat these new threats while managing their food supply. Throughout the narrative, Marin grapples with the implications of the omnivore's unique evolutionary capabilities, which allow it to produce new species in response to environmental pressures. The colony's survival hinges on understanding and managing these rapidly evolving creatures, which pose a continuous threat to their existence. As the story progresses, the colonists face a series of crises, each revealing the limitations of their knowledge and the unpredictability of Glade's ecosystem. The biologist's research leads him to conclude that the omnivore's adaptations are not merely mutations but a form of accelerated evolution, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of their presence on the planet. In the climax, the colonists encounter a new creature that appears to be a culmination of the omnivore's evolutionary process, resembling a humanoid figure. This discovery forces Marin and the executive to confront the reality of their situation: the omnivore's adaptations may not only threaten their colony but could also have far-reaching implications for other worlds, including Earth. The narrative concludes with a sense of uncertainty about the future, as the colonists must decide how to respond to the omnivore's latest evolution and the potential consequences of their actions. The story explores themes of adaptation, survival, and the unforeseen consequences of human intervention in alien ecosystems.
By F.L. Wallace · First published 2021 · Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Adventure