In New Year's Eve in the apartment of major Vlasov and his wife warrant officer Natalya Kiselyova the phone rings. It is the General who calls and congratulates Vlasov on perfect objectives on professional development and general military training of Vlasov's subordinates. The General confirms that the major regains his grade as lieutenant-colonel and orders to come to Moscow immediately as he needs him for a very important mission. Vlasov leaves his wife and daughter Masha nicknamed Mukha in Siberia and goes to Moscow.