A high-ranking FBI official, Jeremiah Burris, expresses his frustration over a telepathic spy infiltrating a sensitive government project. He assigns agent Kenneth Malone to investigate, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Malone, a competent but somewhat self-doubting agent, is tasked with finding a telepath to counter the spy's abilities. As Malone delves into the case, he grapples with the concept of telepathy and its implications for privacy and security. He learns about a telepathy-detecting device developed by Dr. Thomas O'Connor, which can indicate if someone's mind is being read but cannot identify the telepath. Malone's investigation leads him to a group of telepaths, including a young boy named Charles O'Neill, who had previously been studied but was deemed an imbecile. Malone's search for a telepathic spy becomes increasingly complicated as he encounters various eccentric characters, including the Queen Elizabeth I persona adopted by one of the telepaths, who insists on being treated with royal respect. The narrative explores themes of identity, sanity, and the nature of power, as Malone navigates the absurdities of his situation while trying to maintain his professionalism. As the investigation unfolds, Malone discovers that the telepathic spy is closer than he initially thought. The Queen, despite her delusions, proves to be a valuable asset in identifying the spy, leading to a series of revelations about the motivations and actions of those involved. The story culminates in a tense confrontation with the spy, revealing the complexities of loyalty, trust, and the blurred lines between sanity and madness. Ultimately, the work combines elements of science fiction and detective fiction, exploring the implications of telepathy in a world where trust is paramount, and the stakes are high. Malone's journey reflects the challenges of confronting the unknown while grappling with his own insecurities and the expectations placed upon him as an FBI agent.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1968 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 8 chapters