The novel is set in the Slavik Federation, in a salt mine, in a bleak future and revolves around telepathic people called the Mik, (pronounced meek) and telepathic wolves. The story contrasts the lives of the rival super rich Sir Percy, Sir Gilbert and their servants, and the very poor, many of whom are Mik. The main protagonists tend to be either very good, like the Mik, or very selfish and mean. There are several assassination attempts and a flood along with a flying carp shaped mini sub and the sabotage of a hillside reservoir. Oh and some of the bad guys get eaten.