The Lensmen of the Galactic Patrol are the most feared peacekeepers in the entire galaxy. The Lens is a telepathic jewel tailored to the personality of its owner and is the primary weapon in the war against the merciless pirate Boscone and his forces of lawlessness. The only problem is that the Galactic Patrol doesn't know how to take advantage of the Lens's incredible powers, but new graduate Kimball Kinnison is determined to find out. Taking control of an experimental warship, Brittania, Kinnison and his crew embark on a journey of woeful adventures, coming face to face with deadly space creatures and the evil pirate Helmut... who may turn out to be Boscone himself.