Crichton, Chiana, Rygel and Sikozu reach the planet of Arnessk � home to an archaeological site manned by Interions. They are joyfully reunited with Jool and D'Argo, who have been studying under renowned archaeologist Instructor Vella. On Arnessk, her word is law.

Vella explains that the planet was once the homeworld of an order of priests who by mysterious means maintained peace between Scarrans and Peacekeepers for five hundred generations. Three probes, called the Darnaz Triangle, disrupted this when they crashed to the ground and created a magnetic effect that now routinely makes the planet uninhabitable. Vella has found two of the Darnaz Probes, while one remains hidden.

Crichton seeks out the three-eyed old lady who was on board when Moya was swallowed by a wormhole. She is determined to prevent Vella from finding the final probe, and shows him a vision of Arnessk's Utopian past to convince him she is right. During this, Crichton sees the landing point of the third probe. Soon after, when Vella is murdered, the old lady becomes the prime suspect.

The site is further disrupted by the arrival of Peacekeeper forces led by Commandant Grayza who immediately capture everyone in sight. Grayza reveals her trump card of a drooling, catatonic Scorpius, completely under her control.

Grayza somehow compels Crichton to desire her totally, and he falls completely under her thrall, even when his friends are imprisoned. Crichton's life is further endangered when the old woman, convinced that he will reveal to Grayza the location of the probes, tries to kill him.