A large detachment of mercenaries and paratroopers ended up surrounded. At a cost of enormous losses, the warriors managed to break through into the Neutral Zone. Their fate depended on the decision of the Congress of Morseville. In a difficult situation, Oles found the only correct solution. Hrabrov offered the tasconians a deal: the soldiers’ lives in exchange for two hundred years of freedom and independence of the Neutral Sector. The Oliviets were quite satisfied with this outcome. By that time, Olis arrived on the planet as an adviser for developing new territories. Under her pressure, the commander agreed to the conditions of the Rusich. The feeling that flared between Hrabrov and Crowl during the first expedition only grew stronger after their separation. They confessed their love and met secretly in the earthmen’s camp.