In his youth, Eduard Korund dreamed of becoming a space archaeologist - revealing the secrets of lost civilizations in order to understand what the future of humanity should be. But it’s not easy for dreams to come true in a Galaxy divided into Elders and Youngers, over whom a ruthless super-civilization rules. Hopes were in vain that the more advanced galactic races would share knowledge and power with those who had only recently left the cradle of their home planet. And if anyone dares to disobey, then invulnerable killer ships will appear in the sky. The real world lives by harsh laws: stingy stars do not sin with altruism and do not give out gifts. You can come to terms with the dictates and live according to the laws prescribed from above, but humanity chooses a different path - struggle. Edward was among those who understand: humanity must win a cruel race, because the survival of the losers is not at all guaranteed. And although it seems that confronting an irresistible force has no chance, every battle brings him closer to realizing his dream.