Grimes is given a seemingly straightforward the assignment by Survey Service command to ferry a Mr Adam from Lindisfarne Base (Earth) to Delacron. However, he soon discovers that this is no ordinary passenger. Mr Adam is an advanced robot that has been manufactured by the Federation for the sole purpose of stirring up revolt among the robots on a planet that happens to be in the Federation’s bad books. Unaware of these plans or Mr Adam's purpose Grimes invites it to the control room to observe the ship's departure, and later to his cabin for drinks and a yarn. It's a simple act of kindness that inadvertently leads to mutiny.