Alexander Kontorovich
Despite the successes achieved
“Despite the successes we have achieved, the operational environment remains difficult...”
A ritual mantra of air traffic control management, usually pronounced at the annual final meeting.
Please everyone sit down, gentlemen! - the owner of the office, a short, plump man, motioned those who entered to comfortable chairs. - Make yourself comfortable - and let's get started!
The plump man's name was Boris Grigorievich Kamensky, and he held the position of adviser to the president. He rarely appeared in public; even the ubiquitous media did not pay much attention to him. He was listed under “And other officials.” He did not give an interview and did not attract attention to his person in any way. It wasn’t even really clear what he was doing and what he was doing. Well, he sits in a large office on Old Square - that’s how it’s supposed to be according to his position. He himself very rarely went anywhere, and to invite someone to his place... somehow they had never heard of it at all. It was all the more surprising to receive a polite request from him to visit his office for a consultation.
And the composition of the guests... also caused some confusion. Why, for example, in one case were the chief of the Internal Affairs Directorate and the chief of police invited, and in another - only the latter? And why are some areas invited and others ignored? There were vague rumors that the leaders of some regional departments FSB - but everything was quiet there. No information came from there; the office traditionally did not share its internal secrets.
Likewise, the agenda of the meeting remained secret. It would be nice if the topic was somehow voiced - but no! Complete uncertainty! So, talk about life... But, of course, no one believed in this.
That’s why there was some tension in the air, latent - but present. They sat down, talked quietly, nodded affably to their acquaintances... and waited. Something unusual and, frankly speaking, frightening.
Is everyone settled? - Kamensky looked around at the invitees. - Do you have any wishes? Coffee, something to drink? Don’t be shy, you’re not at an operational meeting with the minister, we’re just talking...
By the way, but the minister... he doesn’t exist. Kind of weird…
You, presumably, have already asked yourself the question more than once - why were you all invited? I will not torment anyone with the unknown. As a matter of fact, I am interested in only one circumstance - the phenomenon of the so-called Imperial... Not those reports that are sent upstairs every day - but your personal opinions. What is not reported in reports to the minister.
So... Here it is - the bell! After all, many people were itching! My heart sensed that this Volin would hiccup again - and more than once!
So, gentlemen? Who will start?
Hmm, it's easy to say - who? Who? In some way - lie on the embrasure. But I’m reluctant...
No takers? Well... then, if you don't mind, let's start with the list... or - not! Here we have the head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Ivanovo Region sitting here - we’ll ask him first! Please, Mr. Major General! Don't be shy - there are no strangers here!
The plump police major general Rakhimov stood up from his seat.
Well... I'm somewhat unprepared... I mean, precisely on this issue.
But, Mr. General, you are not required to provide a complete and detailed report on all aspects of this problem! - The owner of the office threw up his hands. - Personal opinion - nothing more...
Well... if in this context... - Rakhimov shrugged. In principle, it was he who, least of all the others, had any reason to be at least somehow worried about himself. His long-standing and close friendly relations with the Minister of Internal Affairs were no secret to anyone. And with some, so to speak, “national leaders” and “businessmen” - here, too, everything was good and strong.
What can I say on this issue? It does happen, yes. There is such a phenomenon. But, gentlemen, I think that he is not the first! There were all kinds of “Robinhoods” before him, how could we live without them? But they haven’t gone anywhere - those who survived are sitting. And this one doesn’t last long...
What do you think, Ilyas Mukhamedovich, does he have the support of the population?
Eat. Someone always supports even the most complete scumbags. Money has never become superfluous to anyone, alas... And here it is no exception. We just recently hired such assistants, yes...
Yes... in general, it was not possible to take him alive, alas... According to our information, they were waiting for Volin himself - he was supposed to arrive there... Unfortunately, he did not come.
Didn't come at all?
Oh no.
Excuse me, but what about the head of the tax service in your region? As far as I know, he seems to have soon... died.
Well, yes. He shot himself... - the general reluctantly admitted.
Yes. Three shots from a pistol to the head... it happens... - Kamensky nodded. - And right in front of him he put a big list - when and who he unreasonably pinned down... and in whose interests. Is it, presumably, his conscience that tormented him so much?
The prosecutor's office made a conclusion - suicide,” the general frowned. - We have no reason to suspect that they...
Well there is no way! - the presidential adviser unexpectedly agreed with him. - But these - the Imperial's comrades-in-arms, who didn't survive - did they work off the money they received in this way? And were there many of them there?
Not good. Dollars - a little less than five hundred. Thirteen thousand rubles and so on - some other little things.
What about weapons? How much did they have?
Uh-uh... there were machine guns, pistols, sawn-off shotguns...
Is the Benelli Super-Short assault carbine now classified as a sawn-off shotgun? - Kamensky was surprised. - Wow?! But I didn’t even know... And how many of these... hangers-on were there?
With four machine guns, two assault carbines and a dozen pistols. Mmm-yes... they got it wrong... but only the auxiliary corps has a Benelli-Short, even our special units don’t have it, right?
“Yes,” Rakhimov agreed.
Those present froze. Something went wrong... in a word, it went unusual, wrong. This has never happened before. The head of the Internal Affairs Directorate read out the ritual footcloth, emphasized his achievements, repented of his shortcomings, and received his due share of cones. Or buns - that’s what they decided in advance at the top... and everything went on as usual. But now…
And what were the losses? - The presidential adviser looked at the general again.
Well... we have three wounded and one shell-shocked. The auxiliary corps had eight people killed and five wounded.
And three - it’s very difficult ... - the owner of the office left. - Mmm-yes... wow, but we pay our fighters much more! But they fight - much less effectively! I don’t understand, now we either need to reduce our special forces and cut their salaries, or hire these! They fight for money, right? They don’t care whose side they’re on, right? What do you think, Mr. General, will they come to us?
Books enlighten the soul, elevate and strengthen a person, awaken in him the best aspirations, sharpen his mind and soften his heart.
William Thackeray, English satirist
A book is a huge force.
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, Soviet revolutionary
Without books, we can now neither live, nor fight, nor suffer, nor rejoice and win, nor confidently move towards that reasonable and beautiful future in which we unshakably believe.
Many thousands of years ago, a book in hands best representatives humanity became one of the main weapons in their struggle for truth and justice, and it was this weapon that gave these people terrible strength.
Nikolai Rubakin, Russian bibliologist, bibliographer.
A book is a working tool. But not only. It introduces people to the lives and struggles of other people, makes it possible to understand their experiences, their thoughts, their aspirations; it makes it possible to compare, understand the environment and transform it.
Stanislav Strumilin, academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences
No the best remedy to refresh the mind, like reading the ancient classics; As soon as you take one of them in your hands, even for half an hour, you immediately feel refreshed, lightened and cleansed, lifted and strengthened, as if you had refreshed yourself by bathing in a clean spring.
Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher
Anyone who was not familiar with the creations of the ancients lived without knowing beauty.
Georg Hegel, German philosopher
No failures of history and blind spaces of time are able to destroy human thought, enshrined in hundreds, thousands and millions of manuscripts and books.
Konstantin Paustovsky, Russian Soviet writer
The book is a magician. The book transformed the world. It contains the memory of the human race, it is the mouthpiece of human thought. A world without a book is a world of savages.
Nikolai Morozov, creator of modern scientific chronology
Books are a spiritual testament from one generation to another, advice from a dying old man to a young man beginning to live, an order passed on to a sentry going on vacation to a sentry taking his place.
Without books, human life is empty. The book is not only our friend, but also our constant, eternal companion.
Demyan Bedny, Russian Soviet writer, poet, publicist
A book is a powerful tool of communication, labor, and struggle. It equips a person with the experience of life and struggle of humanity, expands his horizon, gives him knowledge with the help of which he can force the forces of nature to serve him.
Nadezhda Krupskaya, Russian revolutionary, Soviet party, public and cultural figure.
Reading good books is a conversation with the most the best people past times, and, moreover, such a conversation when they tell us only their best thoughts.
René Descartes, French philosopher, mathematician, physicist and physiologist
Reading is one of the sources of thinking and mental development.
Vasily Sukhomlinsky, an outstanding Soviet teacher-innovator.
Reading for the mind is the same as physical exercise for body.
Joseph Addison, English poet and satirist
A good book is like a conversation with smart person. The reader receives from her knowledge and a generalization of reality, the ability to understand life.
Alexei Tolstoy, Russian Soviet writer and public figure
Do not forget that the most colossal weapon of multifaceted education is reading.
Alexander Herzen, Russian publicist, writer, philosopher
Without reading there is no real education, there is no and there can be no taste, no words, no multifaceted breadth of understanding; Goethe and Shakespeare are equal to a whole university. By reading a person survives centuries.
Alexander Herzen, Russian publicist, writer, philosopher
Here you will find audiobooks by Russian, Soviet, Russian and foreign writers on various topics! We have collected for you masterpieces of literature from and. Also on the site are audiobooks with poems and poets; lovers of detective stories, action films, and audiobooks will find interesting audiobooks. We can offer women, and for women, we will periodically offer fairy tales and audiobooks from school curriculum. Children will also be interested in audiobooks about. We also have something to offer to fans: audiobooks from the “Stalker” series, “Metro 2033”..., and much more from . Who wants to tickle their nerves: go to the section
Alexander Kontorovich
Despite the successes achieved
“Despite the successes we have achieved, the operational environment remains difficult...”
A ritual mantra of air traffic control management, usually pronounced at the annual final meeting.
Please everyone sit down, gentlemen! - the owner of the office, a short, plump man, motioned those who entered to comfortable chairs. - Make yourself comfortable - and let's get started!
The plump man's name was Boris Grigorievich Kamensky, and he held the position of adviser to the president. He rarely appeared in public; even the ubiquitous media did not pay much attention to him. He was listed under “And other officials.” He did not give an interview and did not attract attention to his person in any way. It wasn’t even really clear what he was doing and what he was doing. Well, he sits in a large office on Old Square - that’s how it’s supposed to be according to his position. He himself very rarely went anywhere, and to invite someone to his place... somehow they had never heard of it at all. It was all the more surprising to receive a polite request from him to visit his office for a consultation.
And the composition of the guests... also caused some confusion. Why, for example, in one case were the chief of the Internal Affairs Directorate and the chief of police invited, and in another - only the latter? And why are some areas invited and others ignored? There were vague rumors that the heads of some regional FSB departments had previously received a similar invitation - but everything was quiet there. No information came from there; the office traditionally did not share its internal secrets.
Likewise, the agenda of the meeting remained secret. It would be nice if the topic was somehow voiced - but no! Complete uncertainty! So, talk about life... But, of course, no one believed in this.
That’s why there was some tension in the air, latent - but present. They sat down, talked quietly, nodded affably to their acquaintances... and waited. Something unusual and, frankly speaking, frightening.
Is everyone settled? - Kamensky looked around at the invitees. - Do you have any wishes? Coffee, something to drink? Don’t be shy, you’re not at an operational meeting with the minister, we’re just talking...
By the way, but the minister... he doesn’t exist. Kind of weird…
You, presumably, have already asked yourself the question more than once - why were you all invited? I will not torment anyone with the unknown. As a matter of fact, I am interested in only one circumstance - the phenomenon of the so-called Imperial... Not those reports that are sent upstairs every day - but your personal opinions. What is not reported in reports to the minister.
So... Here it is - the bell! After all, many people were itching! My heart sensed that this Volin would hiccup again - and more than once!
So, gentlemen? Who will start?
Hmm, it's easy to say - who? Who? In some way - lie on the embrasure. But I’m reluctant...
No takers? Well... then, if you don't mind, let's start with the list... or - not! Here we have the head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Ivanovo Region sitting here - we’ll ask him first! Please, Mr. Major General! Don't be shy - there are no strangers here!
The plump police major general Rakhimov stood up from his seat.
Well... I'm somewhat unprepared... I mean, precisely on this issue.
But, Mr. General, you are not required to provide a complete and detailed report on all aspects of this problem! - The owner of the office threw up his hands. - Personal opinion - nothing more...
Well... if in this context... - Rakhimov shrugged. In principle, it was he who, least of all the others, had any reason to be at least somehow worried about himself. His long-standing and close friendly relations with the Minister of Internal Affairs were no secret to anyone. And with some, so to speak, “national leaders” and “businessmen” - here, too, everything was good and strong.
What can I say on this issue? It does happen, yes. There is such a phenomenon. But, gentlemen, I think that he is not the first! There were all kinds of “Robinhoods” before him, how could we live without them? But they haven’t gone anywhere - those who survived are sitting. And this one doesn’t last long...
What do you think, Ilyas Mukhamedovich, does he have the support of the population?
Eat. Someone always supports even the most complete scumbags. Money has never become superfluous to anyone, alas... And here it is no exception. We just recently hired such assistants, yes...
Yes... in general, it was not possible to take him alive, alas... According to our information, they were waiting for Volin himself - he was supposed to arrive there... Unfortunately, he did not come.
Kontorovich Alexander
Despite the successes achieved
(Imperial-2)
"Despite the successes we have achieved,
The operational environment remains difficult..."
ATC leadership ritual mantra, recited
usually at the annual wrap-up meeting.
Please everyone sit down, gentlemen! - the owner of the office, a short, plump man, motioned those who entered to comfortable chairs. - Make yourself comfortable - and let's get started!
The plump man's name was Boris Grigorievich Kamensky, and he held the position of adviser to the president. He rarely appeared in public; even the ubiquitous media did not pay much attention to him. He was listed under “And other officials.” He did not give an interview and did not attract attention to his person in any way. It wasn’t even really clear what he was doing and what he was doing. Well, he sits in a large office on Old Square - that’s how it’s supposed to be according to his position. He himself very rarely went anywhere, and to invite someone to his place... somehow they had never heard of it at all. It was all the more surprising to receive a polite request from him to visit his office for a consultation.
And the composition of the guests... also caused some confusion. Why, for example, in one case were the chief of the Internal Affairs Directorate and the chief of police invited, and in another - only the latter? And why are some areas invited and others ignored? There were vague rumors that the heads of some regional FSB departments had previously received a similar invitation - but everything was quiet there. No information came from there; the office traditionally did not share its internal secrets.
Likewise, the agenda of the meeting remained secret. It would be nice if the topic was somehow voiced - but no! Complete uncertainty! So, talk about life... But, of course, no one believed in this.
That’s why there was some tension in the air, latent - but present. They sat down, talked quietly, nodded affably to their acquaintances... and waited. Something unusual and, frankly speaking, frightening.
Is everyone settled? - Kamensky looked around at the invitees. - Do you have any wishes? Coffee, something to drink? Don’t be shy, you’re not at an operational meeting with the minister, we’re just talking...
By the way, but the minister... he doesn’t exist. Kind of weird…
You, presumably, have already asked yourself the question more than once - why were you all invited? I will not torment anyone with the unknown. As a matter of fact, I am interested in only one circumstance - the phenomenon of the so-called Imperial... Not those reports that are sent upstairs every day - but your personal opinions. What is not reported in reports to the minister.
So... Here it is - the bell! After all, many people were itching! My heart sensed that this Volin would hiccup again - and more than once!
So, gentlemen? Who will start?
Hmm, it's easy to say - who? Who? In some way - lie on the embrasure. But I’m reluctant...
No takers? Well... then, if you don't mind, let's start with the list... or - not! Here we have the head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Ivanovo Region sitting here - we’ll ask him first! Please, Mr. Major General! Don't be shy - there are no strangers here!
The plump police major general Rakhimov stood up from his seat.
Well... I'm somewhat unprepared... I mean, precisely on this issue.
But, Mr. General, you are not required to provide a complete and detailed report on all aspects of this problem! - The owner of the office threw up his hands. - Personal opinion - nothing more...
Well... if in this context... - Rakhimov shrugged. In principle, it was he who, least of all the others, had any reason to be at least somehow worried about himself. His long-standing and close friendly relations with the Minister of Internal Affairs were no secret to anyone. And with some, so to speak, “national leaders” and “businessmen” - here, too, everything was good and strong.
What can I say on this issue? It does happen, yes. There is such a phenomenon. But, gentlemen, I think that he is not the first! There were all kinds of “Robinhoods” before him, how could we live without them? But they haven’t gone anywhere - those who survived are sitting. And this one doesn’t last long...
What do you think, Ilyas Mukhamedovich, does he have the support of the population?
Eat. Someone always supports even the most complete scumbags. Money has never become superfluous to anyone, alas... And here it is no exception. We just recently hired such assistants, yes...
Yes... in general, it was not possible to take him alive, alas... According to our information, they were waiting for Volin himself - he was supposed to arrive there... Unfortunately, he did not come.
Didn't come at all?
Oh no.
Excuse me, but what about the head of the tax service in your region? As far as I know, he seems to have soon... died.
Well, yes. He shot himself... - the general reluctantly admitted.
Yes. Three shots from a pistol to the head... it happens... - Kamensky nodded. - And right in front of him he put a big list - when and who he unreasonably pinned down... and in whose interests. Is it, presumably, his conscience that tormented him so much?
The prosecutor's office made a conclusion - suicide,” the general frowned. - We have no reason to suspect that they...
Well there is no way! - the presidential adviser unexpectedly agreed with him. - But these - the Imperial's comrades-in-arms, who didn't survive - did they work off the money they received in this way? And were there many of them there?
Not good. Dollars - a little less than five hundred. Thirteen thousand rubles and so on - some other little things.
What about weapons? How much did they have?
Uh-uh... there were machine guns, pistols, sawn-off shotguns...
Do we now have the Benelli-Super-Short assault carbine in the category of sawn-off shotguns? - Kamensky was surprised. - Wow?! I didn’t even know... And how many of these... hangers-on were there?
With four machine guns, two assault carbines and a dozen pistols. Mmm-yes... they got it wrong... but “only the auxiliary corps has Benelli-Short, even our special units don’t have it, right?
“Yes,” Rakhimov agreed.
Those present froze. Something went wrong... in a word, it went unusual, wrong. This has never happened before. The head of the Internal Affairs Directorate read out the ritual footcloth, emphasized his achievements, repented of his shortcomings, received his due share of bumps. Or buns - it’s up to the top to decide in advance... and everything went on as usual. But now...
And what were the losses? - The presidential adviser looked at the general again.
Well... we have three wounded and one shell-shocked. The auxiliary corps had eight people killed and five wounded.
And three - it’s very difficult ... - the owner of the office left. - Mmm-yes... wow, but we pay our fighters much more! But they fight - much less effectively! I don’t understand, now we either need to reduce our special forces and cut their salaries, or hire these! They fight for money, right? They don’t care whose side they’re on, right? What do you think, Mr. General, will they come to us?
They won't go.
Well... there's more to it than just money. They just help the Imperial sometimes.
Why are you fooling me here then?! Is it impossible to say this right away? Mister General! We are not at a children's party! And we don’t act out a fairy tale for youngsters!
Rakhimov took a noisy breath and turned purple.
Okay, Mister General... - the adviser waved his hand doomedly. - Take a seat... you, if my memory serves me right, fishing big specialist?
Yes! - The head of the Ivanovo Department of Internal Affairs looked at him defiantly. Everyone knew that he often fished even with the Minister of the Interior himself. And with many other, no less important and significant people.
And they even wrote a book about it?
Wrote!
Yeah... I read it, not bad, even quite... True, some journalist helped you there... probably ran for pens... it happens. Well, Mr. General, I hope that your next book will be no less interesting. And fascinating. Moreover, starting from this moment, Mr. Rakhimov will no longer be bothered by any other duties. Well, maybe you’ll have to go get your pension...
But this was completely unheard of!
Rakhimov looked at his opponent in disbelief. And he, not at all embarrassed by his interlocutor, picked up the telephone receiver of the turntable.
Hello? Yes, Mr. President, it’s me... Absolutely right. Yes. As I expected. Of course, Mr. President. Yes - General Rakhimov, head of the Ivanovo Department of Internal Affairs. Former? I completely agree with you!
Kamensky hung up the phone and looked up at the general.
That's it, Ilyas Mukhamedovich! The President, it turns out, is also already aware of everything! So... - he spread his hands regretfully.
When the door slammed behind the former general, the adviser looked again at the crowd. But - with a completely different look.
I hope, gentlemen, you all understood me well? Or does anyone else need to explain that all jokes and jokes are a thing of the past? We must work, gentlemen generals! So - who's next?
Same day.
Somewhere in Moscow.
An inconspicuous office in a government building.
And you, dear Oleg Nikolaevich, want to say that our positions in this area have been lost so seriously?
Yes, Mr Barlow. I would say they are almost completely lost.
Hmm... I admit, my friend, I somehow have a hard time believing this... Our leading analysts have more than once or twice calculated all possible scenarios for the development of events, and...
Once again we got into a puddle with our forecast! Or do you have other data unknown to me? I would be interested in getting acquainted with them...
But we took everything into account! Even the prices for vodka in a lost village! By the way, they were specially reduced, which in itself brought us significant financial damage - after all, these amounts had to be transferred to your Ministry of Finance, which was concerned about such losses...
-... where they were immediately stolen...
But, nevertheless, what the heck!
Your analysts, Mr. Barlow, have once again thrown your money away. They understand nothing about Russia, despite their scientific degrees and numerous diplomas. The people didn't drink themselves to death! And he did not become indifferent to everything, as your wise men predicted. I don’t even know why, but it’s a fact!
And this is far from the most important loss! We all, including your organizations, have spent a fantastic mountain of money in order to instill in the population the idea that all Russian army- a bunch of idiots and idiots. That a normal person should not - simply under no circumstances - look at a soldier as anything other than a loser. And what do we have in the bottom line?
Is it that bad?
It just couldn't get any worse! From somewhere again all kinds of...