The part of the Galaxy inhabited by intelligent beings is becoming larger and larger. The bonds of friendship and cooperation between people, the warlike “cats” - the Orions and the bird-like inhabitants of the Ophiuchus cluster are becoming ever closer. Even the fastest space liner would not be able to cross the studied part of the Galaxy from end to end... If not for the Nodes of Space - not fully studied physicists are the points of transition from one star system to another. Astrographic reconnaissance expeditions are primarily engaged in searching and plotting these strategically important Nodes on the star map. This kind of work is for those who love the romance of discovery, and not space battles... By a whim of fate, it is the members of the 29th astrographic expedition who have to face those who one would like to call non-humans for their bestial cruelty, those who attack peaceful earthling colonists, using adults and children as... food. Terrible newsreels cover the entire Galaxy from the Orion Khanate to the Rigel Protectorate. A new war begins, a war of life and death. It is headed by a fragile woman - Admiral of the VKF Vanessa Murakuma.