In this world, the Russian Empire is a truly great Power with a vast territory and the Sovereign Emperor at its head. But just as in our world, the headache of its internal politics is the most severe tribal feuds in the lands of the East, the insane thirst for enrichment of local rulers, and in the West, suspicious fuss on the other side of the border. The epidemic of religious fanaticism and terrorism that has swept the world does not prevent countries opposing Russia, envious of its wealth and fearing its growing power, from waging a secret war against it and preparing for an open one...