The fourth book in the Star Patrol series tells about the fate of special department officer Bionde Neli. Having deceived herself onto the transport ship "Ark", she convinces the smuggler captain Mekeldono Monse to help her escape from her own people. However, together they get into trouble, being suddenly thrown several light years away from Alamakh into the darkness of space thanks to someone's skillful sabotage. A quick realization of what happened leads them to the hidden warship "Taco" and helps them not to die in the battle with it and its crew. And when it seemed that all the dangers were behind them, the heroes came into contact with a new unusual form of life. The difficulties that arise in communication and the irresistible desire to get what they need even at the expense of everything else, ultimately ruin their plans and lead to an unexpected tragedy.