A man named Manson, a pacifist and idealist, has spent a decade searching for extraterrestrial beings known as the Watchers, whom he believes are manipulating humanity towards self-destruction. He confronts an alien named Havlik, who is preparing to leave Earth under orders from their masters, the Kha Niish. Manson accuses the Watchers of inciting conflict among humans to maintain control, believing they are responsible for humanity's irrational behavior. Havlik claims their mission was to guide humanity, not destroy it, but Manson remains skeptical. As they converse, Manson realizes that the Watchers are evacuating Earth, which he interprets as an abandonment of their mission. He becomes desperate to join them, believing that he can help humanity if given the chance to see the Kha Niish's galaxy. Havlik, however, informs Manson that he would not be able to handle the truth of the Kha Niish or the other races outside Earth. He reveals that the girl Manson saw earlier is an android, created by the Kha Niish, and that humanity is a failure in the grand scheme of the Galactic Urge. The Watchers leave, allowing humanity to continue its self-destructive path. Manson is left in his gyro, grappling with the realization of humanity's fate and the futility of his efforts. He reflects on the irony of his situation, feeling both defeated and determined as he reaches for his weapon, contemplating the future of Earth without the Watchers.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1976 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Speculative Fiction