On Lampadas, Manford Torondo reviews reports of successful Butlerian demonstration raids and reflects on why humanity must reject technological shortcuts. Haunted by Erasmus's warning that humans may recreate thinking machines if they forget, Manford frames the Butlerian cause as a defense of the human soul against convenience, hubris, and dependence.

Anari Idaho informs Manford that two offworld scientists from Zenith have arrived with equipment. Manford agrees to meet them, and Ptolemy introduces himself as an independent scientist and Landsraad representative, accompanied by his Tlulaxa research associate, Dr. Elchan. Ptolemy hopes to open a reasonable dialogue and find common ground between science and Butlerian faith.

Ptolemy presents a gift: lifelike artificial legs designed to attach to Manford's nerve endings and allow Manford to walk again. Ptolemy argues that such technology can ease suffering, citing Dr. Elchan's own artificial arm as proof. Manford recoils, seeing the prosthetics as a violation of sacred human flesh and a dangerous step toward cymek-like machine integration.

When Ptolemy insists that the human body can be understood as a biological machine, Manford takes offense and orders Anari to act. Anari destroys the prosthetic legs with her sword, horrifying both scientists and terrifying Dr. Elchan, who fears for his own artificial arm. Manford explains that machine technology is seductive and that accepting one compromise would open the door to ruin.

Ptolemy challenges Manford's inconsistency, pointing out that Manford uses starships, weapons, and other technologies when convenient. Manford admits limited compromises for spreading his message but refuses technology for his own body, insisting that only human assistance is acceptable. After stopping Anari from attacking the scientists, Manford dismisses them in disgrace and privately pities Ptolemy for what must happen next.