Early 90s of the 20th century. The destruction of the Soviet Union gives rise to the drama of a deceived people who believed Gorbachev’s “perestroika”. The search for truth in the confused public consciousness is emphasized by the fate of an Afghan warrior confined to a wheelchair, and mystical events in the local history museum of a provincial town. Against this backdrop, Soviet intelligence is desperately fighting against the consequences of Gorbachev's treacherous course abroad, participating in a tense intelligence battle. The large-scale canvas of the novel leads the reader to conclusions about the only correct direction of Russia's historical choice in a period of new trials.