The narrative follows a skilled Guesser aboard a merchant ship, the _Naipor_, as it lands on the planet Viornis. The protagonist, known simply as The Guesser, is responsible for predicting the trajectories of enemy ships during space battles, a task that requires a unique mental acuity that sets him apart from others. Following a mishap involving a Misfit ship, he faces disciplinary action for a subordinate's failure, leading to a nerve-burning punishment that he endures as part of his role. After the ship's landing, The Guesser reflects on the importance of his abilities and the consequences of relying too heavily on computers for predictions. He grapples with the inadequacies of his apprentice, Kraybo, who struggles to master the art of Guessing. The Guesser's harsh treatment of Kraybo stems from a desire to instill discipline and skill, but it also reveals his own insecurities and the pressures of his position. As the story progresses, The Guesser finds himself in a precarious situation after being attacked and left for dead in a sewer. He awakens in a Class Six environment, cared for by a woman named Deyla, who offers him shelter. The Guesser learns that he has been declared a fugitive for failing to report back to the _Naipor_, and he faces the grim reality of being declassified, which strips him of his status and rights. Deyla proposes a daring plan to escape their dire circumstances by seeking refuge with the Misfits, a group of outcasts and rebels. The Guesser, initially skeptical, begins to consider the possibility of using his skills to navigate a path to safety. He devises a scheme to board a ship bound for D'Graski's Planet, where he hopes to find a way back to his former life. The tension escalates as The Guesser impersonates an Executive to gain access to a ship, relying on his training and instincts to maintain his cover. However, the strain of deception takes a toll on him, and he struggles to adapt to the expectations of the higher class. His internal conflict deepens as he confronts the realities of class disparity and the moral implications of his actions. Ultimately, The Guesser's journey leads him back to the _Naipor_, where he faces the consequences of his choices. The captain, having learned of his ordeal, reinstates him but imposes a punishment for his impersonation. The story concludes with The Guesser reflecting on his experiences, the nature of his abilities, and the complexities of his identity within a rigid class system. The work explores themes of class struggle, the burden of responsibility, and the quest for identity in a society that values status over individual merit. The Guesser's journey serves as a commentary on the human condition, the importance of personal agency, and the challenges of navigating a world defined by hierarchy and expectation.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Fantasy · 4 chapters