When Rhodan and a small group land on Baytuin, they are made prisone in the Kyhber. Tolot and Sroncholl destroy vital installations on the planet, causing gravitational fluctuations in the whole system that incapacitate the Sol. Tolot frees Rhodan who still can't convince the Varbenians of their innocence.

Chaos settles in the Varbenian society as the Hulkoo fleet finally enters the system.