Ten sentenced to exile on a XT-59 planet are crossing the Sargassov Swamp. They divide into two groups. Erwin and Christie are going in search of the Happy Isles and Justus is bringing the others to the Rotten to the Shallow. But they were forced to travel the same route for a while. Erwin realizes that he is going to be killed, as he is dangerous for those who come to power after him. That is why he is trying to separate from the others together with Christie. They will have to overcome a lot of obstacles on their way towards freedom and happiness.