In a future where telepathy exists, the United Nations has established the Psychodeviant Police to manage individuals with abnormal mental powers, known as Controllers. These Controllers can manipulate the minds of others, leading to widespread fear and paranoia among the general population. The story follows David Houston, a member of the Psychodeviant Police, who is tasked with tracking down a suspected Controller, Sir Lewis Huntley, in London. Houston, equipped with advanced surveillance technology, tails Huntley after he withdraws a large sum of money from a bank. The operation leads to the capture of Huntley, who is revealed to have been controlled by another telepath, Robert Harris. Harris is arrested and sentenced to exile on a Penal Asteroid, a fate that awaits all Controllers deemed dangerous. As the narrative unfolds, Houston grapples with the implications of his own abilities as a Controller. He is recalled to New York, where he learns of a more significant threat: a group of megalomaniac Controllers who are manipulating events from the shadows. Houston's investigation leads him to suspect that Controllers are being framed and that a larger conspiracy is at play. The story escalates as Houston confronts the Controllers at Lasser & Sons, a corporation suspected of harboring a powerful telepath. A confrontation ensues, resulting in Houston and the Controllers being captured and sent to the Penal Cluster. Here, they are chained to asteroids, facing a slow and painful demise. However, the narrative takes a turn when Houston discovers that the Psychodeviant Police, led by Division Chief Reinhardt, have a plan to rehabilitate Controllers. Reinhardt reveals that the Penal Cluster serves as a means to separate the sane Controllers from the megalomaniacs, allowing them to develop their abilities free from fear and hatred. As Houston and his fellow prisoners awaken, they form a bond, sharing their experiences and thoughts. They realize that their collective strength can help them navigate their dire situation. Reinhardt's ultimate goal is to prepare Controllers to take their rightful place in society as the population of Normals dwindles. The work explores themes of identity, power, and the nature of humanity, questioning what it means to be "normal" in a world where telepathy blurs the lines between control and freedom. The story concludes with Houston finding peace in his new reality, ready to embrace the future alongside his fellow telepaths.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure