Emshwiller explores the relationship between the native species on a planet, and the humans who arrive to explore. The humans are blissfully unaware that the creatures they are dealing with are far cleverer than they make out, as the story shows through the eyes of one of the aliens charged with communicating with them. Whilst the humans are similarly unaware of what the planetary system has in store for them, it is some baser instincts that bring matters to a head.
