Part I is about Aton. Number 1 shows his arrival in Chthon, where he meets prisoners and encounters dangerous love in the form of Laza. Section One is the parallel, where he meets the nymph of the wood with the broken song, and gets to know neighboring children. In each case the love is dangerous and the companions are new. Number 2 shows Aton in prison, tempted by a woman, then dreaming of the Minionette, with an umbilical cord between them, hinting at the real connection, mother and son. Section Two is the second encounter with the nymph of the wood, followed by an embarrassing episode with the neighbor girl. Thus the theme is sexual throughout, with problems. Number 3 in prison is trouble with Tally and banishment to a worse prison. Section Three shows Aton denying his father’s wish for his betrothal to Coquina Four, and decision to go to space. Thus love denied, and banishment, in each case.

Part II is about the stone and the woman Garnet. #4 brings Aton to the lower caverns, where Garnet quickly makes him her enemy. Four shows Aton in space and explains the § drive. Both introduce new situations. #5 clarifies Hastings and Framy, and shows Aton’s rape of Garnet. Five shows the Turlington aphids. Both are ugly situations with destructive potential. #6 is the blue garnet. Six shows the alien Xests, and reveals the Minionette. Both stone and woman are highly alluring and deadly.

Part III relates to the chill. #7 describes it. Seven introduces Idyllia and Coquina the slave. Those may not seem parallel at this stage, but the later merging of the chill and Coquina are to have crucial effect on Aton. #8 suggests the possibility of escape, since Doc Bedside succeeded. Eight transforms Coquina from slave to woman; she is the avenue by which Aton may escape the Minionette. #9 is the revolt and betrayal. Nine reveals Coquina as the Daughter of Four. Aton sacrifices both his fellow prisoners and Coquina.

The Interlog establishes Chthon’s decision that the disease of life must be expunged, and Aton is to be the instrument of that.