1946. Madrid. More than a year has passed since the end of the war, but the international situation remains complex and uncertain. Contradictions between the USSR and its recent Western partners are deepening. Exactly at the moment when the crisis reaches its highest pitch, Churchill delivers his famous “Fulton” speech—after which there’s no longer any doubt that the Cold War has replaced World War II: communism is declared the enemy No. 1, and yesterday’s allies in an instant become enemies.
Stirlitz, who at this time is in Spain undergoing recovery from a severe wound, understands the full complexity of the situation better than anyone. Cut off from any connection with the Center, virtually without means of survival, he dreams only of one thing—how to return to his Motherland as quickly as possible.