The planet Khnemu is a closed system where space travel is prohibited by the white and black holes that distantly ring the galaxy. Each person on the planet carries in their genes a hereditary "Godswitch" which enables "God" to monitor their every move. People on their deathbeds are told the meaning of their life by God, but increasing numbers of people seem to be dying of unnatural causes. It is the job of the Destinists to investigate these people's lifestyles in order to explain the reasons for their premature deaths to their families.