The galaxy is in stagnation. The golden age has passed, but so far few see signs of a general crisis and decomposition. Space fleets have turned into scenery for parades and springboards for careerists. Young officer Ivor Garru is decommissioned from a warship ashore to make way for the offspring of a noble family. Soon, however, the matter turns so that the kingdom with its decayed aristocracy has no one else to count on, except for a native of the lower classes.