The narrative unfolds in a distant future where a crew aboard the spaceship Marco Four encounters a mysterious and isolated human colony on the planet Sadr III. The protagonist, Farrell, finds himself trapped in a dark, labyrinthine dome, the remnants of a Hymenop hive, after being stripped of his weapons and clothing. The colony's inhabitants, the Sadrians, exhibit strange behaviors, having been subjected to a form of psychological control by the Hymenops, which has left them unable to communicate their needs or emotions effectively. As Farrell navigates the dome, he discovers a Ringwave generator, a device crucial for the colony's power and the source of their current plight. The Sadrians, having lost their connection to the generator, are left without their "Counselors," mechanical images that once provided guidance and support, leading to a breakdown in their social structure. The crew learns that the Sadrians have been conditioned to rely on these images for emotional expression, which has resulted in a series of suicides and murders as they struggle to cope with their newfound freedom. The crew, consisting of Farrell, Stryker, Gibson, and the robot Xavier, debates the best course of action. They realize that the Hymenops may still be present, complicating their efforts to restore the colony. Stryker believes that understanding the Sadrians' motivations is key to helping them, while Farrell expresses skepticism about their sanity, given their extreme isolation and the oppressive control they experienced. As the crew works to repair the Ringwave generator, they confront the reality of the Sadrians' condition. The narrative explores themes of communication, emotional expression, and the consequences of isolation. The crew ultimately decides to leave the Sadrians to the care of a Reorientation team, believing that the removal of the hypnotic control will allow the Sadrians to reconnect with one another and regain their humanity. In the end, the crew reflects on the importance of sharing burdens and the need for emotional catharsis, recognizing that the Sadrians' plight was a result of their inability to express their feelings. The story concludes with a sense of hope for the Sadrians' future, as they are left with the means to begin healing and rebuilding their society.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Adventure