Originally from the domed city of Javecek, Zivancevic is a professor at a university in Anvard. Javecek culture puts great value in physical perfection, which is likely related to Zee's departure, as he has no legs below the mid-thigh and his eyes are not organic. He wears birdlike cybernetic leg prostheses and his eyes have been replaced by radar-based sensors (a blindfold-like mask keeps the implants from getting cold but the radar allows him to see through it.)

Anthropology student Vary approaches him in hopes of getting a grade changed, not knowing that her class is actually taught by Zee's academic partner Shar. Vary finds Zee's prodigious intellect, prickly disposition and self-imposed isolation intriguing, and she attempts to reach out to him emotionally, with varying degrees of success.