One of the many scientific expeditions discovers in space an artifact, presumably created not by humans but by another form of life. Since there are no other signs of alien existence, the significance of the find cannot be overestimated, but unfortunately, during a forced landing on the planet Layoquae—used as a place of exile for various criminals—the artifact is stolen by local residents. The Galactic League asks Jim di Griz for help in searching for it… who, to make matters worse, also receives a dose of a deadly poison, whose antidote he will be given only after completing the assignment.