On the world of Branoff IV, in the lovely land of Scorvif, live the rascz, an industrious, artistic, superbly civilized race. Few of them are aware that their prosperous civilization is totally dependent upon the olz, a race of slaves owned by their god-emperor. The olz till the fields and work the forests and mines, and their reward is starvation and the vicious, caustic stroke of the zrilm whip.

Cultural Survey trainee Cedd Farrari receives a routine assignment to Interplanetary Relations Bureau headquarters on Branoff IV. His delight with the splendid cultural achievements of the rascz is shattered when he becomes aware of the horrible plight of the olz. He dedicates himself to their liberation...