The Ascendency has declared that only creatures with insectoid physiology may gain psychic powers.

When it is discovered that humans have begun to unlock psychic capabilities the Ascendency deploys a neutron start to correct this blasphemy.

One young member of the Ascendency dissents and secretly rescues a small group of humans from the terrible fate that will befall their world. Wracked with uncertainty she attempts to learn whether they're worthy of her intervention.