Stay Frank Melton is still considering whether or not he wants to continue with the operative program when Howard, an intelligent robot, asks him to help save a fellow operative and friend, Tim, who had been rendered comatose on the planet, Tishog. As a consequence to Franks gallant action, he and Tim pair up for future operations which continue to be involved with finding the missing components of the 'mind control' device, though this time, they are up against more sophisticated and advanced communities. He also pairs up with an operative he reviled. Why? Frank also suspects that a friend, Gabrielle, is also an operative, but for whom? Could she be working with the rival group, Deltrum, and enemy of the Intergalactic Council? Frank and Tim become suspicious of the Elders of Trellin, suspecting that they want the device for their own gain, but proof thus far has eluded them. Frank once again takes time away from the program to reconsider his involvement. Are the Elders corrupt?