When hundreds of feet wash up on the shores of an island on the colony planet Igion the Jutrai send out a distress call. It seems that their burgeoning colonies cannot investigate this phenomena. The Pioneer responds to assist their new allies.

A ghastly enigma with no apparent solution. Called away from vacation on Risa, Captain Malbrooke reluctantly agrees to visit the planet—and, despite themselves, the crew is quickly drawn in by the incomprehensible puzzle. An early pathology report only adds to the mystery. With an ocean of possibilities confronting the investigation, no one is sure what happened, why, or from where the feet originated. And they desperately need to know: are the victims still alive?