In its expansion of the Cosmos, Earth civilization collided with the powerful civilization of the Ells. And, despite the fact that there should be enough space in the Universe for everyone, earthlings and ells crossed the swords of laser beams of their combat starships for the right to be the first. What is this, the inevitable path of development of intelligent beings? Or maybe someone's evil will? Alex Dronov, a failed graduate of the Military Space Academy, a lover of women, poker and Japanese poetry, must solve this mystery. Hot fights among the stars and at the poker table, behind-the-scenes intrigues of power, the love of women, captivity and other collisions await the main character in this way.