Did the Earth exploration expedition make the right choice when they interrupted their journey to their goal for the sake of the Cup of Heaven – an unimaginably huge artifact unexpectedly discovered in interstellar space? The temptation to study the Chalice is all the more great since it could become a haven for many millions of earthlings… If it had not already served as a home for some creatures that bear little resemblance to humans. A complex ecosystem, amazing landscapes and incredible forms that the mind takes – all this appears before a group of researchers who are pursued by the owners of the Chalice. But are they the masters? Who created it? And for what purpose? Earthlings have to find out this, and at the same time learn something that will change their understanding of the Universe and allow them to take a fresh look at the place of humanity in the universe. And in orbit around the Chalice, the captain of the Starfinder and his crew are struggling with their own problems. And even though their ship is not a military one, every starship traveling in deep space can become a formidable weapon, capable of causing considerable damage to the colossal artifact in front of it.