In a distant future, a unique character named Johnny Mayhem, a bodiless sentience capable of inhabiting different bodies, arrives on the isolated planet Ophiuchus IX. He takes on the form of an elderly Sirian man to investigate a troubling phenomenon: the mysterious suicides of outworlders on the planet. The Galactic League, concerned about the implications of these deaths, sends Mayhem to uncover the truth behind the Ophiuchans' behavior. Upon meeting the local Galactic Observer, Kovandaswamy, Mayhem learns that the Ophiuchans, descendants of Indian colonists, have developed a mystic culture that may be influencing the outworlders to take their own lives. The Observer explains that the Ophiuchans, in a trance-like state, can collectively project a mental influence that leads to these suicides. The League suspects that the Ophiuchans are hiding something significant, which could pose a threat to galactic peace. To investigate further, Mayhem requires a new body, as he cannot remain in one for too long. He is provided with a young, healthy Ophiuchan body, which he reluctantly accepts. Disguised as a native, he ventures into the community, where he encounters the struggles of the Ophiuchans, including poverty and unemployment, exacerbated by the presence of outworlders. As Mayhem integrates into the society, he learns about Denebian Exports, a company exploiting the Ophiuchans for labor. The Denebians are suspected of being involved in the suicides, using the Ophiuchans' mysticism to their advantage. Mayhem meets Pandit Gandhi Menon, a local who is desperate for work, and Sria Krishna, a young woman who becomes his ally. The Denebians are revealed to be smuggling dangerous cargo, including thermonuclear weapons, under the guise of legitimate trade. Mayhem, along with Pandit and Sria, uncovers the truth about the Denebians' operations and their manipulation of the Ophiuchans. Tensions rise as they race against time to prevent the Denebians from launching their deadly cargo into space. In a climactic confrontation, Mayhem's identity as a spy is revealed, leading to a struggle for control of the jet carrying the weapons. Sria, embodying Mayhem's spirit, takes decisive action to thwart the Denebians' plans, ultimately leading to their capture and the protection of the Ophiuchans. The story concludes with the Ophiuchans beginning to understand the importance of cooperation with the Galactic League, while Mayhem prepares for his next assignment, embodying the legend of a hero who transcends physical forms to protect the galaxy.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1966 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery