Conrad Nomikos, old Earth's Commissioner of Arts, Monuments and Archives, has been assigned to escort an arrogant Vegan diplomat, Cort Myshtigo, on a tour of the remains of the nuclear-war-ruined Earth...which the Shtigo family now owns. Though the Sprung-Samser treatments have significantly extended lifespan for some humans, it seems unlikely that the thirtyish Nomikos, mutantly grotesque though he may be, could be the legendary Konstantin Karaghiosis, radical troublemaker of a former century. The Returnists believe he is, though, and desperately seek his leadership. They also want Myshtigo dead. And on a Hot planet filled with mutant menaces, there is more than one way to skin a blue-skinned alien...