Bove Sandle is sent on a mission to the Delta planet of Phoenix-Gamma. As a member of the elite First Encounter Team of Galactic Peacekeeping Force (GFP) his mission is to determine if the planet can be colonized. While on the planet he has visions of the destruction of the Kryth civilization inhabiting the planet. Ignoring the visions, he approves colonization of the planet. Because of his approval to colonize, he has another vision forcing him to commit to providing protection to anyone threatened with harm, regardless of the severity of the threat.

Due to his visions, the GPF places him on desk duty which he finds unacceptable, so he quits the First Encounter Team. No longer a member of the elite team he has trouble finding work and takes a job piloting a starship to deliver a special package. The job turns out to be more than a simple delivery and puts Bove, and the crew of the starship Ibex, in grave danger.