A novella about the head of a large team working in the defense industry, a major scientist, who took the responsibility in difficult conditions to continue the failed experiments. The ensuing heart attack gave reason for his re-election, and his closest friend Astakhov, accusing Potapov of frivolity and self-rule, seeks to stop the tests. Potapov is suspended, his wife leaves him, there is a misfortune with a loved one. But he continues to work.