– Well, that's another topic. Thank you, we heard you," Yarovitovich interrupted him and continued on his own while the panel analyzed what they had heard. – So, colleagues, we have considered different versions of the reports, which were compiled on the basis of even more analyses. Now we have to make a decision. According to the calculations we have made, the optimal time for the operation is from December 25 to February 29 inclusive, and territorially over the Atlantic Ocean. Who has any arguments for changing the plan?

Everyone at the table was silent. After a couple of seconds, the head continued:

– So the decision has been made; may we have a bright memory in decision making.

From the edge of the table to Jarovich's left, one of his colleagues, a middle-aged woman, suddenly asked for the floor. Yarovitovich nodded silently as a sign of permission. She slowly began to speak in Japanese.

– Dear colleagues, we have assumed a great responsibility; perhaps, we will not meet at all or will meet after an indefinite period of time in another composition, so I will make a reasonable amendment taking into account the fact that we are taking such a risk. The amendment is as follows: to make a final and precise division of the territory and spheres of influence in Antarctica. After all, we still haven't determined the ecological and climatic consequences with certainty and precision. It is quite possible that this continent will remain the cleanest and will no longer be so cold.

No one made a sound. It seemed that the heartbeats of the sitting could be heard. The silence was broken by Yarovitovich:

– That's an excellent point. But let me note: if we have a way to resettle huge masses of population there or even if someone has a desire to fight for this territory, not obeying us, and to divide it contrary to our preliminary treaty, then, following the logic, in this state of affairs we should certainly have an opportunity to gather at the General Assembly and control the main forces. Accordingly, since you have indicated this subject, you are instructed to speak at the General Assembly and voice the main provisions of the international agreements on the spheres of influence in Antarctica. Speak so that no one was left in doubt that the subject was closed.

After waiting for a pause, the head summarized:

– If in the remaining time there are any proposals based solely on substantial, solid arguments, please send them verbally through our mail or openly, in a language that only we understand, through the media. The action plan is known and agreed upon by all, and we will proceed with its implementation.

The room fell into the silence familiar at times like this.

– Any other suggestions? – The Chief Magister asked.

There was no reply, it was clear that everyone was confirmed in their opinion and expressed the general solidarity of the representatives of the elected caste.

– Then let our meeting be declared concluded. May sanity protect us," Jarovitovich announced.

The attendees stood up as if on cue, and each headed for a separate exit.

After the collegium, the Zero Center was busy nominating a new Russian president. The plan was for the incumbent to resign early, hoping to win the election. But the head of a Duma party, known for his harsh and loud statements, unexpectedly wins. After his election, the first thing he did was to demand that the NATO bloc countries withdraw their armed formations from the former Soviet republics. Next – to extradite, return to Russia "all fugitives, thieves and robbers of our country". In addition to other non-business rhetoric, he threatens, if they ignore his demands, to "give them a little fireworks show," and "if that doesn't change their minds," he threatens to "wash their dirty souls with ocean water." Those to whom this was addressed maintained a cold-blooded silence, except for a few derisive remarks.