Once at the mine, Sheremet and Andrey find themselves in the smelter, where they are initially mistaken for enemies. The situation is saved by Bronnikov. He asks Stas to go back to the city and bring help - they alone cannot handle it. Bronnikov comes under crossfire. Khairullo comes to his aid, but is seriously injured. Bronnikov drags a friend to the hospital, where he forces the doctor to perform an operation on him. But even after the operation, Khairullo’s life is in danger. He needs to be transported to the hospital as soon as possible. Mezentsev turns to criminal authorities for help. For half the share in production, they agree to single out people. A new bandit detachment is sent to the mine.