Martel is a Scanner, one of a brotherhood whose senses have been surgically cut off so they can survive the Great Pain of Space, and who must read their own bodies through instruments. When news comes of a discovery that could free all travellers from the Pain, the Scanners’ guild plots to protect its power, and Martel must choose.
The startling story that introduced Cordwainer Smith’s Instrumentality, one of science fiction’s strangest and most original voices. Download the free EPUB.