In the darkness between planets, a spacesuit jerks to life. Far away, a human mind has merged with the suit's robotic framework. Nick Scott was born to explore, and the Link has given him the means to do so. Through its technology, he can be here now, charting this asteroid. Life is good - until a momentary lapse in concentration sends his consciousness tumbling into the unknown. He survives, but a mysterious force seeps into the Link...