of the novel sets the stage in a military training environment, where various exercises are taking place. We meet several characters, including officers who engage in light banter and demonstrate their perceptions of duty and masculinity. A young soldier named Moukhamedjinov, who struggles with language barriers, erupts in frustration during an exercise, showcasing the tension that can arise from miscommunication. The atmosphere is further shaped by the arrival of higher-ranking officers, such as Colonel Choulgovitch, whose authoritative demeanor affects the morale of the recruits. As we are introduced to the intricacies of their daily lives, personal challenges begin to emerge through Romachov's experiences, hinting at his larger struggles with identity and belonging amidst the rigid structures of military life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)