By 2050 the multinational corporation BioGenAssist (BGA) uses genetic engineering and cloning techniques to create thousands of bonobo-based, cloned Helpers capable of doing the large variety of work that still requires a "human touch." Initially BGA only sells Helpers as personal companions. But over time people find Helpers are good workers in many settings, some of which are dangerous or even criminal. Trouble escalates when people learn that Helpers' organs and other body parts are compatible with humans. BGA hires former DEA Agent Jaye Jennings to lead its new Helper Authority Law Enforcement (HALE) division in an all-out effort to control these unintended illegal uses of Helpers. In the final chapter Jennings discovers here-to-fore unknown Helper capacities that could dramatically reduce Helper neglect, misuse, abuse, and capture for use of their body parts.
