?Moscow. \\> Inside the Kremlin. Vladimir stood in his own office with a serious expression. Without blinking, he stared at the clock tower standing opposite to the tower in the pouring rain. Those two thick eyebrows drawn together tightly. It fully shows how anxious he is at the moment.

The windows of the office are open. Because of the top wind. Rain splashing on the blue canopy. Every now and then the wind blows through the window. Wet Vladimir's clothes. But this federal politician who has been flying in recent times. He didn't seem to notice the slightest chill at all, and his mind was no longer on himself. But thousands of miles away. That Far Eastern city called Khabarovsk.

behind the young politician. Ivanov, Serdyukov and others sat side by side. The expressions on everyone's faces were different. Not to mention frowning. But in the end it didn't get any better.

There is a famous old saying in China: "If you become a prince, you will defeat a thief." In the past period of time. Vladimir's members of the "St. Petersburg Gang". The first game was played against the Far East and Guo Shouyun. It was also a massive attack. If this one plan they succeed. Then there will be a comprehensive change in the current federal situation. Without Guo Shouyun. The so-called "oligarchy" of the Russian Federation has come to an end. Berezovsky and Gusinski and others are destined to not last long. At the same time. Because "killing thieves" has merit. The St. Petersburg Gang will also receive a commendable high exhibition period. to certain extent. They may even become the most powerful political force in the entire federation outside the Russian Communist Party.

But now the problem is. They didn't succeed. in this unprecedented attack. The Guo Group, led by Guo Shouyun, has withstood all kinds of blows. At the same time. In the Far East and even across the Federation. Guo Shouyun's personal reputation. Also because of this storm. And soared to a higher level. in other words. He did not become a national traitor that everyone shouted and beaten. But it has become a powerful existence with a princely temperament.

Just as there are good people in the world, there must be bad people. There must be thieves if there are policemen. Since this long-planned conspiracy plan has achieved Guo Shouyun's princely spirit. Then from another angle. The role of that loser, that thief. Someone has to step up and play. that's all. An embarrassing question arose: Who would be the "loser"? From the current situation. The Kremlin clearly does not intend to play that role; Beijing is reticent. as they always do. Apparently intending to use the time to undo the impact of this event; Washington... Americans as "the police of the world". It can only be victory. therefore. The first time Guo Shouyun returned to the Far East. Washington went to Khabarovsk. at the same time. In order to show their strong support for Guo Shouyun. Albright, known as the first female secretary of state of the United States. Made a speech specifically to the US Congress. Very blatantly criticized Moscow's "democratic regression" at this stage. This puts pressure on the Kremlin. Intended to achieve a goal of winning over the Far East at the expense of Moscow's interests.

In the face of Khabarovsk's aggressiveness, Washington's downfall, and Beijing's sidestepping. The Kremlin has begun to lose pressure. Even worse. Right at this juncture. Many opponents of the Federation also jumped out to take advantage of the fire. Either the left-wing opposition or the right-wing opposition. They were surprisingly unanimous in their attitudes. That was a further exacerbation of the federal economic crisis. It is inextricably linked to the incompetence of the government and the missteps of the Kremlin's policies. to this end. Duma deputies from two major opposition forces. The presidential election has been brought forward six times in just four days. And to replace the current Kiriyenko government's motion.

while under a lot of pressure. The Kremlin is also trying to appease the fury in the Far East in various ways. Previously. In addition to sending Korzakov to the Far East to mediate. The President's Office also issued a number of appointment letters. And in this one. Including the appointment of former Irkutsk state prosecutor Yuri. Chaiko for the decision of the Federal First Deputy Attorney General. According to the plan of the Kremlin. They hope to sell the federal judicial and prosecutorial powers at the expense. In exchange for Guo Shouyun's concession.

Who is Guo Shouyun? Even if you don't go to accuse him. Everyone in federal politics also knows he's not a good guy. Say it without hesitation. of the things he did. Just pick one or two. Enough for him to go to prison for hundreds of years. the most important is. His contempt for federal justice. It has come to an astonishing step. The dignified Federal Attorney General. Just because of the approval of several documents to review the Guo Group. It was killed by the killer he arranged. Just such a person. Now the Kremlin is going to hand over federal judicial prosecution to his men. And the purpose. Just to quell his anger. Every time I think about it. Vladimir couldn't help but feel a moment of sadness. And more ironically. Just before this appointment letter was officially issued. The President's Office has just made a public statement on the events in Chechnya: "We will never negotiate terms with the gangsters."

The Kremlin may not negotiate terms with the bandits. But it also depends on the strength of the bandit: Chechnya. The total area is only 15,000 square kilometers. And the Far East. It was a vast area of ​​more than six million square kilometers; the Chechen rebels were only a few thousand from top to bottom. And they are all uniform infantry like a rabble. And the Far East. Count the Border Guard and the Pacific Fleet. It was an army of hundreds of thousands of troops including 6 naval and air forces and several special forces. Its military equipment is advanced, its military posture is orthodox, and its logistical supplies are sufficient. There is no second one to be found in the entire Russian Federation; the Chechen bandits are in a sense pauper. For Basayev. The aid of several million dollars is estimated to be a huge sum of money. But what about in the Far East? Not to mention Guo Shouyun himself. Even the real power soldiers with the rank of major general. I am afraid that the annual dark income also has this number. therefore. From this point of view. Vladimir can also understand the difficulties of the Kremlin, a small Chechen problem that cannot be solved for so many years. In case the Far East really makes trouble. Guo Shouyun became the second Basayev. How many years will it take for the Federation to pacify the Far East?

But being able to understand the Kremlin's choice is only one aspect. And on the other hand. Vladimir also did not want to be the scapegoat the Kremlin used to quell the incident. no doubt. In this conspiracy plan against Guo Shouyun. The St. Petersburg gang led by Vladimir played a big role. Either Moscow or Washington. Even the background of silence now. Although these three major forces are dominant. But none of them came forward directly. The person who really came forward as a thug. All were officials from the St. Petersburg Gang. now. The whole plan failed. The three major forces are concerned with the Far East, which is still firmly controlled by Guo Shouyun. have adopted an avoidance strategy. They want to calm things down. Once again win over Guo Shouyun. So. Not without paying the price. Find one or two people to "top the tank". Thus giving Guo Shouyun a ladder to step down. In the current situation. Who is the best scapegoat? Who will come out to support this tank so that the interests of the three major powers will not be damaged? Consider all the reasons. Answers like this are simple and straightforward for the St. Petersburg gang. This entrenched political force in St. Petersburg. Undoubtedly the best choice.

that's all. In the past two days, Vladimir has been having a headache for the role of this "lost thief". he knows. For myself. How long can a political career once full of hope last. I no longer have the right to decide.

"Rumble..." The sound of rolling thunder swept over the Kremlin again. And with this thunder. A young man who looked a few years younger than Vladimir pushed open the door and walked in. The man first glanced around the office. at the same time. He greeted Ivanov and the others with an indifferent expression. Then he said to Vladimir: "Mr. Vladimir. Mr. President asked me to inform you. Come to his office at six o'clock in the afternoon. He has something to discuss with you."

"Oh? What's the matter?" Vladimir turned around. asked with a smile.

"It seems to be related to your new appointment by the President's Office." The visitor hesitated. replied.

"Appointment? What appointment?" Vladimir's heart sank. asked casually. "Why don't I know at all?"

"Oh. This decision was made just half an hour ago," the person explained. "As far as I know. It should have something to do with Korzakov's call."

"Sure enough." Vladimir sneered. said. "It seems. The President's Office has finally completely compromised with Guo Shouyun. Humph. New appointment. I think it's not just me?" The person sighed softly. said. "Yes. Mr. Vladimir. In addition to you. There are many more appointees in the past two days. In addition to the few of you who are sitting. There is also Mr. Kiriyenko. Mr. President has just signed the His dismissal order. Mr. Chernomyrdin will take his place in three days. Re-appointed as Federal Chancellor."

"This is also Guo Shouyun's request?" Vladimir's cheeks twitched.

"Mr. Vladimir. As a private friend. I would like to advise you." The visitor did not answer his question. Instead he said. "You'd better have a mental preparation. Because according to the new appointment letter of the President's Office. You...you will go to the Far East to serve as the Chief of Staff of the Far Eastern Republic."

"...Vladimir was speechless.