The space cruiser 'Invincible,' a technologically advanced vessel, lands on the planet Regis III. Its crew is tasked with uncovering the cause of the disappearance of the previous Earth expedition, which landed a year ago on this strange land, where life has never emerged from the ocean and the land is a silent desert. Stanislav Lem, who has made history in science fiction thanks to his remarkably realistic depictions of humanity's contacts with other civilizations, once again offers us a plot in which psychologically accurate observations coexist with philosophical questions. Does a commander have the right to risk his subordinates? Is the price of victory comparable to the cost of human life?