Rear Admiral Lavrov is almost there, or so it may seem. The prototype subspace portal has been successfully tested, the hypergate construction program has been approved by the President, and the Earth Federation has a new ally. But the ally is weak, and rather needs protection himself than can help people. Time is against Lavrov. He understands that the quargs have found an effective means of countering the new Federation weapons and are preparing a large-scale offensive. Lavrov has no doubt that the enemy will strike before the hyperportal is built. Despite the severe time pressure and misunderstanding on the part of the top military leadership, he is preparing two operations at once - the defense of the Federation planets and a counter strike.