The Eternal Emperor has returned to power. It is with him that all the hopes of the Empire are connected for getting rid of the numerous problems that have arisen in recent years, primarily related to the protracted war against the Taans and the unsuccessful rule of the Privy Council. Of course, the Emperor’s loyal supporters, who have done so much for him previously, are ready to come to the rescue now, but will the immortal ruler be able and, most importantly, want to rely on them again? This is a big question, because the Emperor has changed a lot during his absence. But so far few people are thinking about this, and meanwhile Stan, as a plenipotentiary ambassador, flies to the Altai system, where long-standing contradictions between four local nations threaten to result in a real war.