An unfortunate contestant in Sporall's weekly meat quiz dies during the popular island game. As is Jinsy custom, her nameworm must be removed, and the worm itself passed on to the most recent newborn. For Arbiter Maven, this spells bad news for many reasons. Firstly, it's snowing; second, the infant is on the far side of the island; and third, the procedure has to be carried out by Maven's old teacher, Ernest P. Threcker, who has nothing but contempt for Maven, and isn't shy about showing it.
—Anonymous