Red, a genetically engineered alien microorganism, chooses two earthlings at birth to deliver the Commandment. Through Red, they learn that by disobeying the Commandment, humanity has brought about a devastating plague. In a race against time, the two reach out to world leaders with a strong warning and plan for humanity's salvation. Red's message is one of healing and world peace, but for those that to occur, the Commandment must be obeyed.
Numerous scientific publications on these "aliens" among us capture the imagination and read like science fiction. The microorganisms that "infect" us are miracles of nature, numbering in the trillions, yet our immune system does not destroy the beneficial kinds. They are vital to our existence! In this novel, Weinberg imagines the future of microbial science and the applications genetically engineered microbes might have in a highly advanced alien civilization.
