That summer in Rustum Magna, the hot, dry days had lasted far longer than usual, and the superstitious villagers began seeking explanations. Dr Ritchie knew that their fears were by no means groundless. His instruments recorded a jolt in the earth's rotation that night - the same night that the Ministry Of Defense lost contact with its most dangerous space weapon. But most of all, Dr Ritchie feared the uncanny intelligence of his young helper, Bobby Miller.