Shatalov and "Mani"—the nickname given to Alexei by his fellow cadets—became friends while still at naval academy. Their lives took different paths. "Mani" became a submarine commander. Shatalov, after committing a criminal act of recklessness, served on shore. A career naval officer, he was tormented by the situation. Suddenly, a telegram arrived from distant Kuramoy from "Manya" — his friend was calling him.