In a world where telepathy exists, a unique espionage operation unfolds involving two brothers, Raphael and Leonard Poe. Raphael, a telepathic spy, embarks on a covert mission to gather intelligence from the Soviet Union, utilizing his ability to communicate with his brother Leonard, who serves as his intermediary in the United States. The narrative begins with Raphael's journey from Istanbul to Moscow, where he assumes the identity of a deaf-mute named Vladimir Turenski to infiltrate Soviet scientific circles. Raphael's primary target is Dr. Sonya Malekrinova, a brilliant physicist working on a top-secret project involving a heat-beam generator. As he navigates the complexities of espionage, he faces challenges in maintaining his cover while simultaneously extracting valuable information. The brothers' telepathic connection allows Leonard to relay instructions and sketches of the information Raphael gathers, but the process is fraught with difficulties due to the limitations of their communication. The story explores the intricacies of espionage, emphasizing the need for organization and the challenges of transmitting information without detection. As Raphael delves deeper into his mission, he encounters obstacles that threaten to expose him, including the suspicion of Dr. Malekrinova, who begins to sense an external influence on her thoughts. The tension escalates as Leonard, unaware of the full extent of the danger, indulges in his passion for gambling, leading to a series of comedic yet perilous situations. Colonel Julius Spaulding, overseeing Operation Mapcase, grapples with the implications of Raphael's telepathic abilities and the potential consequences of their espionage efforts. The narrative highlights the absurdities of bureaucratic processes and the skepticism surrounding telepathy, as Spaulding and his team struggle to validate the intelligence gathered by the Poe brothers. As the plot unfolds, the brothers' telepathic link becomes both a strength and a liability. Raphael's ability to extract information from Dr. Malekrinova intensifies, but so does the risk of exposure. The climax builds as Leonard's gambling escapades inadvertently lead to a critical moment where the brothers must work together to ensure Raphael's safety and the successful transmission of vital intelligence. Ultimately, the story culminates in a chaotic yet humorous resolution, where the brothers' unconventional methods yield unexpected results. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the nature of communication, the absurdities of espionage, and the bond between the two brothers, leaving readers with a sense of both tension and levity in the face of high-stakes intrigue.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy