Having colonized other worlds, humans are certain the galaxy is theirs for the taking. But they soon discover the horrifying price of their arrogance when a scientific experiment awakens the wrath of the previously unknown Hydrogues and begins a war.
One of three known intelligent races in the star-traveling distant future, the human race wonders at the disappearance of the Klikiss race and examines its home planet technologies, one of which is a device that awakens a warlike fourth race.