The Fixed Period tells of a moral and political dilemma on the imaginary Pacific island of Britannula in the second half of the twentieth century. The President of the island, Mr. Neverbend, is attempting to bring in legislation which will reduce the numbers of old and sick by enforcing compulsory euthanasia on those of sixty-seven years of age. Mr. Neverbend's friend Gabriel Crasweller is the first on the list of those to die and, having never suffered so much as a headache, begins to regret his support and enthusiasm for the scheme. Although the people of Britannula are in revolt, rescue, if it is to come, must be swift and allow no loss of face.