Even before fully finishing his degree, the brilliant young Roland is offered a job in the Centre for Cartography of Sodrovno-Voldachia. In the course of his employment, he climbs the ladder rapidly. Roland, who must, like his colleagues, live almost like a recluse within the huge centre, meets a mysterious young woman whose body seems covered with strange lines which he can barely perceive. Soon, the centre is visited by Marshal Radisic, supreme leader of the country, whose expansionist politics leave little doubt as to the goal: all means will be employed to rebuild the 'Great Sodrovnia'. Roland is torn between love and personal ambition and subserviance to a state machine that he grows to despise...