The novel opens with a statement "Here they are." The passage goes on to describe two characters. No mention is made of their gender. The story unfolds through a series of "real time" exchanges and flashbacks which reveal not only the current action but the background (and gender) of the two main characters. These flashbacks are essential to the character development.

The protagonist of the novel is Irene Waskiewicz who was living with her mother and father in a small town on Earth when she encountered Ernst, an old friend of her mother's. Although they are from different planets, Ernst's sudden appearance offers her some chance for escape from the humdrum adolescent life she has been living.

When Irene begs him to take her with him, Ernst takes her to another world where she receives training as an agent of the Intergalactic Trans-Temporal Authority. She becomes a member...