The story revolves around Leland Hale, a cunning and opportunistic criminal who lands on the isolated planet of Cardigan's Green after stealing an Interstellar Police ship. The planet, settled centuries ago, has a history of being ravaged by a deadly Plague, which has left the population with a deep-seated fear of the disease. Hale, seeking refuge and profit, discovers that the planet's inhabitants are isolated and have developed their own society, with Yon the Fisher as a prominent figure aiming for power. Yon dreams of repairing a crashed spaceship, the _Morris_, to gain interstellar travel and power. Meanwhile, a hospital ship, the _IHCS Caduceus_, is stranded on a nearby island, unable to leave due to the Plague and lack of a crucial diamond tuning crystal for their sub-radio. Hale, posing as a savior, exploits the situation by spreading a common cold virus, which the locals mistake for the Plague. He offers a "cure" using aspirin and vitamins, collecting valuable diamonds in return. Hale's manipulation extends to the _Caduceus_, where he convinces the crew that he has a vaccine for the Plague, securing more supplies. He eventually repairs the _Morris_ for Yon, but with a hidden agenda. Hale orchestrates a plan to destroy the _Morris_ with Yon aboard, ensuring the Plague doesn't spread and securing his fortune in diamonds. Hale's actions are misinterpreted as heroic, and he becomes a legend on Cardigan's Green, with a statue erected in his honor. The story highlights themes of deception, opportunism, and the manipulation of history and perception.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1966 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Heroic Fantasy · 6 chapters