In a future where telepathy and teleportation are real, the story follows an FBI agent tasked with investigating a series of bizarre inefficiencies in government operations. The narrative begins with the Director of the FBI, Andrew J. Burris, expressing confusion over a mysterious problem affecting various government departments. Agent Kenneth J. Malone, who possesses unique abilities, is assigned to uncover the cause of these inefficiencies. As Malone delves into the investigation, he discovers that several congressmen and senators are experiencing strange occurrences, including errors in their paperwork and communication breakdowns. The investigation leads him to three spies, Brubitsch, Borbitsch, and Garbitsch, who are arrested but seem to be more of a distraction than the actual culprits. Malone suspects that a larger, more insidious force is at play, possibly involving telepathic manipulation. Throughout the investigation, Malone interacts with various characters, including a telepathic queen who believes she is Queen Elizabeth I, and a psychologist, Dr. Thomas O'Connor, who provides insights into the nature of telepathy and its potential effects on human behavior. The queen's ability to read minds becomes a crucial element in the investigation, as she picks up on bursts of telepathic energy that seem to influence the actions of those around her. As Malone pieces together the clues, he realizes that the confusion in government operations may be linked to a deliberate effort to disrupt the United States, possibly orchestrated by foreign agents. The narrative explores themes of power, control, and the implications of telepathy on society, as Malone races against time to uncover the truth behind the chaos. In the end, the investigation leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of telepathy and its potential for manipulation, leaving Malone to confront the moral implications of his findings and the reality of a world where thoughts can be weaponized. The story concludes with Malone grappling with the consequences of his discoveries and the ongoing battle against unseen forces that threaten the stability of the nation.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure · 17 chapters