The Delphs are an artificial species who depend entirely on an extremely rare substance, that not only allows them to live and reproduce, but also fuels their creative talents – for the Delphs are the most sought-after storytellers in the galaxy. They call upon Galaxity to find a new source of it, as their own is exhausted. The problem is, the only available deposit is on 21st century Earth, and the agents on station … are still going to high school!

An apparently simple mission – apprehending a speculator-droid – turns into a race against time when the Shingouz drop in uninvited mid-arrest, begging Valerian and Laureline for protection against someone who means to kill them. To the agents’ surprise, it’s an old friend who soon pops up in hot pursuit, guns blazing. The ensuing shoot-out does little to simplify an already complicated situation: our heroes’ favourite information brokers have managed to ... lose Earth in a card game!