Inspector Damien strode briskly down the stone corridors of the state police facility, the echo of his boots cutting through the oppressive silence. His mind raced as he reviewed the message delivered moments ago—a visitor of some importance had arrived, demanding his attention. It was an unusual occurrence, one that both intrigued and irritated him.
He reached the command center, where a junior officer stood waiting at attention. The officer saluted sharply, his nervous energy palpable.
"Inspector Damien," the young man began, his voice taut. "The visitor is in your office. He claims to represent interests tied directly to the Tsar himself."
Damien's brow furrowed. "And his name?"
"Gregori Vasiliev, sir," the officer replied. "An emissary from the Ministry of State Security."
