James Benton is surprised at the role the mineral jacksonite has played in his life. He's not alone: jacksonite has had an immense influence on everyone in the galaxy. It could be said that jacksonite has made the current galactic civilization possible. Now jacksonite has brought Benton to Colliery, the only world where the mineral is found, the headquarters of the immensely powerful and wealthy Jacksonite Corporation. He will know this world, and liberate it -- and in process liberate something deep within himself. . . .