Victory in a fierce battle turns into defeat for Captain Lannett of the Shooters. He is accused of treason and sentenced to death. Only the emperor's absolute confidence in the loyalty of the captain devoted to him helps Lannet avoid execution. The captain secretly heads to the distant planet Haire, which is under the rule of Commander Ethasalou, who turns people into living killing machines obedient to his will. Ethasalou, striving for world domination, has surrounded himself with impregnable guards. Lannet's military art will have to withstand the most difficult tests, because only by destroying the sinister tyrant will Lannet be able to regain his good name once and for all.