Thermopolis was launched into orbit, but Rick Omicron remained on Earth. Now he must find a way to return home. In his wanderings through the desert world, Rick finds an unusual city, surrounded by impregnable walls in three rings, in the center of which rises a tower - an exact copy of his native citadel. Having penetrated the walls, Rick is constantly forced to hurry and hide from dangers: the previously sleeping city strangely changes , and outbreaks of madness among the locals are becoming more frequent...What secrets are hidden behind the high walls? What is the true purpose of citadels? It is here that Rick Omicron will understand the depth and grandeur of the forerunners’ plan. From the author: The novel was extensively edited by Alexey Bobl.