The book “The Pilot-2” includes the stories “Reaching the Horizon” and “From the Carpathians to the Amur”—tales about pilots who have to act at the limit of their strength and take on choices that determine both the fate of the crew and the success of combat missions.
An attempt at revolution in Russia—disappointingly for Europe—failed. And those who fell for revolutionary ideas and joined the rebels were persistently offered to “begin a new life” in Siberian mines and forest workings…
European press is choking on alarming headlines: “In Ireland, an uprising! Russian aircraft strike Paris, Berlin, and London! Admiral Essen’s squadron heads for the English Channel…”
The darkest fears of Western Europe become reality. And at the very center of these events—by coincidence and by a call of conscience—finds itself Colonel Grachev.
Long flights across the continent, air battles over the British Isles, raids on the royal shipyards, upheavals and the coup in Germany—only part of the trials faced by the brave aviator officer of the Russian Army. Hard times—and each one makes its own harsh demands, forcing difficult decisions.
“What are they busy with over there—these so-called subjects of Russia? Why don’t they share the fate of their country, why don’t they stay close to it in such a time? Side by side with the Russian people—side by side with you and with me?”—says the Emperor, and then, looking at the Dowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna, he concludes firmly:
— War is on, and all Russians must be here, in Russia…”