In the second half of the 19th century, the soul of a 21st-century official inhabits the body of the governor of Tomsk. Herman Lerhe, accompanied by armed guards, goes to Altai with the purpose of so-called inspection. He is looking for a pretext to deploy troops into disputed territories. At the same time, he anxiously awaits news from the capital, since the letters he sent may bring either significant recognition—or become a threat to his career and his life.