Sister Ingrid, a curious acolyte trained among the Butlerians on Lampadas, becomes obsessed with rumors that the Rossak Sisterhood is hiding forbidden computers. Because Ingrid views thinking machines as absolute evil, Ingrid decides that the rumor must be treated as true until disproved. Sister Dorotea is concerned when Ingrid raises the suspicion, but Ingrid fears official questions will only make the Sisterhood hide its secrets better.

Before dawn, Ingrid slips past a barricade toward the restricted upper caves that hold the Sisterhood’s breeding records. On the trail, Ingrid hides and sees the old Sorceress Karee Marques descending from the area, which strengthens Ingrid’s suspicion. Ingrid reaches the caves, then hides again as Sister Valya and another Sister arrive and enter the restricted tunnels.

Ingrid follows the two Sisters in the dark and discovers that they vanish through what appears to be solid rock. After searching by touch, Ingrid finds that the wall is a holographic illusion concealing an entrance. Inside, Ingrid sees rows of computers, storage devices, screens, and robed Sisters tending the machines. Horrified, Ingrid flees, concluding that the Sisterhood’s claims of relying on human abilities are lies and deciding that Manford Torondo must be told so the Butlerians can destroy the machines.

Valya notices Ingrid in the computer chamber and silently pursues Ingrid down the cliff path. Valya confronts Ingrid, tries briefly to deflect suspicion, then pushes Ingrid off the cliff when Ingrid openly accuses Valya of computer corruption. Ingrid falls to the jungle floor and dies. Valya feels no guilt because Valya believes the breeding records and the Sisterhood’s long-term work must be protected.

At dawn, Valya confesses to Reverend Mother Raquella. Raquella tests Valya’s truthfulness and motive, then accepts that Ingrid would likely have brought Butlerian fanatics down on Rossak. Raquella and Valya find Ingrid’s body in the jungle and hide it where predators will dispose of the remains. Afterward, Raquella reflects on Karee’s prediction of a Sisterhood schism and receives no clear guidance from her other memories.