There is an endless war going on in Inhabited Space. A detachment of Demetrian battlestars is sent to certain death. Only Fyodor Konechnikov’s use of prohibited battle tactics allows the remnants of the strike group to escape. Gradually, Fedor comes to the understanding that bipeds are just cheap consumables for secret rulers called the Managers of Life. And obedience to self-proclaimed masters is lovingly cultivated by loved ones from the moment a person is born. He makes his choice... After many years, the Manager of Life Rogneda is accused of aiding the former star pilot. She will also have to make a very difficult decision.