Having entered space, humanity established contact with the Conclave - an association of intelligent beings at different stages of development. The strong races that control the Conclave entrust the Weak with only the most minor operations, and it is this unenviable role that goes to the earthlings. The young pilot Pyotr Khrumov accidentally gets involved in a conspiracy, the purpose of which is to revise the terms of interaction in the Conclave. The balance of power is not in our favor. Jump - the unique ability to move between worlds - is the only advantage of earthlings over aliens...