Central Social Service Center "Altair"

Vicky's workplace Location: The table is in the corner, but exposed, directly opposite a large map with threads and markings. This means her every move is in full view of everyone. Computer: three monitors connected to form a single work surface. The left one contains databases, the middle one contains operational materials and maps, and the right one is used for analyzing information flows. The desk is neat yet functional. It features a keyboard with a crisp response, a mouse with extra buttons, a notepad, and a few pens. The atmosphere: noise, small talk, phone calls. She sits next to Lisitsyn and closest to Gromov, creating the feeling that she's been immediately placed in the center of the "testing circle." Details: there are always empty or full cans of energy drinks around.

How Orlov found Vika and invited her to Altair It all began when a private corporation's central server received a signal indicating an unauthorized access attempt. During the investigation, internal security discovered unusual clues: the work had been carried out by a young specialist, exceptionally dexterous and meticulous. This data reached Orlov—through a channel "from above"—as a potential resource. He carefully examined the digital footprint, tested the skills, and became convinced that this was not just a "childish prank," but a genuine talent with the potential to work in difficult and dangerous conditions. He decided to meet in person. Vika sat across from him in his office, her laptop in her lap, her shoulders slightly tense. Orlov said in a calm, even voice: "You understand you've committed a violation. But what you did is rare. Not all adult specialists are capable of so quickly tracking a network, covering their tracks, and gathering the data we spend weeks searching for. You have two choices: a one-time punishment or a chance to apply your skills where they're truly needed. This is the Altair Center. The decision is yours." Vika looked at him, appreciating his composure and directness. There were no threats, no smiles. There was only a choice—and the understanding that behind that door lay a world where her skills would be a weapon, not a toy. She agreed. From that day on, Orlov became more than just a boss for her—he became the man who controlled Altair as a single mechanism and would ruthlessly check everyone who entered its system.

Head of the Altair Security Service Center – Evgeny Orlov Age: 45 years Height: 188 cm Weight: 88 kg Appearance: Strong, fit, with perfectly aligned posture. His dark blond hair is cut short, with hints of gray at the temples. His face is a stern oval, with sharp features and gray-blue eyes that stare straight ahead, unblinking, assessing everything around him. A barely noticeable scar on his left cheek is a reminder of a shootout from his earlier days as an operative. He dresses formally: a suit, shirt, tie, and leather gloves when on the move. Character: Orlov is a man who knows how to make decisions quickly and without hesitation. His stone face and even voice create the impression of absolute control over the situation. He rarely shows emotion, and when he does, it's always to the point. Within his team, he is strict, demanding, and meticulous in his attention to detail. He understands the value of each person but does not tolerate weakness or complacency. Despite his coldness, Orlov knows how to trust people and values ​​those who demonstrate their competence. Attitude to the team: His team fears him, but respects him. He doesn't seek popularity, doesn't joke, and doesn't play favorites. Senior operatives see him as an authority figure, while junior ones see him as a challenge. He's always the first one to arrive at work and the last one to leave, overseeing the process and the results. Peculiarity: Orlov doesn't spend much time explaining the reasons behind his decisions—he takes action, and the team either follows or stands idly by. His decisions often appear cold, but they're rarely wrong. His eyes immediately reveal who's capable of doing the job and who isn't.

Daniil Kravtsov Age: 24 years Position: Junior Operative Experience: 1.5 years Appearance and impression Tall, athletic, and neat. His gaze is calm, but sometimes a little confused when he's unsure of what to say. Among his colleagues, he comes across as reliable but not pushy—more like someone who quietly gets the job done. Compared to his more blunt and cynical colleagues, Dania seems like a blank slate, despite having a fair amount of experience under his belt. Biography The son of a military man and a teacher, his family was always strict but warm: his mother taught him gentleness and patience, his father discipline and responsibility. He played sports from childhood, but was never a bully at heart. He only got into fights to defend someone weaker. After school, he joined the army, then stayed on as a contract soldier, but soon realized that blind service wasn't for him. His senior comrades noticed him and offered him a position at Altair. He ended up there more by chance than by plan, but he stayed because he felt he could truly help people there. In the team At first, he was shy: he spoke little, afraid to blurt out something stupid. His elders teased him that he was "too quiet to be a detective." But gradually they got used to him: Danya didn't argue, he listened and learned, and was always ready to back them up. Colleagues know him as the one who gets up in the middle of the night if someone needs help. He's easy to work with—he doesn't interrupt, doesn't argue, and always tries to understand. Character Strengths: responsiveness, honesty, ability to remain calm and support others. Weaknesses: shyness, which sometimes causes him to miss opportunities to prove himself; tendency to blame himself if something goes wrong. Trait: He doesn't like to be the center of attention, but when someone addresses him directly, he becomes very attentive and sincere. Contact with Vika In her presence, Dania feels like a newbie again: shy, but also understands her better than anyone else. He notices her uncertainty and tries not to push, but to help subtly—with a smile, a quick piece of advice, or coffee left on the table. Gradually, trust develops between them.

Operative - Andrey Lisitsyn Experience: 7 years at Altair (came with Ilya). Age: 31 years. Height: 186 cm. Weight: 85 kg. Appearance: Light brown hair, usually neatly trimmed, brown eyes. Dressed more simply: shirts, dark pants, and a jacket. He's calmer than his partner, but the contrast is always noticeable when he's around him. Personality: More reserved than Ilya, but no less sharp-tongued. Often the "voice of reason" in their tandem, though he himself enjoys risk and adrenaline. Smarter than he appears, he enjoys analysis. He's not averse to breaking the rules if it leads to results. Hobbies: He loves weapons and collects bladed weapons, including knives and brass knuckles. He's interested in military history. In his free time, he plays chess and poker. Attitude to the team: Gets along with almost everyone, but rarely gets close. He's attached to Ilya like a brother—they've been through a lot together. He keeps an eye on the interns, observing silently. How the team treats him: They consider him more reasonable than Ilya, but they also know that when these two get together, there's trouble. Behind their backs, they call them "Chaos and Order."

Ilya Safronov Age: 30 years Position: operative Experience at Altair: 7 years Ilya Safronov is one of the most controversial people at Altair. He's hardly a model employee: he's brash, sarcastic, and loves to tease colleagues and even crack jokes at his boss. But that's precisely what makes him part of the team—too dangerous to ignore, too useful to write off. His appearance reflects his character: short dark hair, a light stubble, and a tattoo on his forearm, usually hidden by his shirt. He often wears a leather jacket and fingerless gloves, looking more like a race car driver than a detective. And this is no coincidence: motorcycles are his passion. He often shows up to work smelling of gasoline and with his helmet tucked under his arm, as if he's just crashed out of a late-night race. Safronov grew up in an ordinary courtyard in a residential area. From a young age, he was used to standing up for himself, and the habit of arguing and challenging remained with him forever. He dropped out of university after his second year, choosing the streets and speed over boring lectures. He joined Altair after serving in the army and working for the Ministry of Internal Affairs: his unconventional approach proved useful there. Ilya has a tough character. He can drive anyone crazy with his banter, loves to argue, even when he's wrong, and does so with gusto. But in the field, everything changes: he's focused, attentive, and extremely dangerous. He's especially strong in street operations—where reflexes and brazenness are required, he's indispensable. His relationship with his superiors is strained: he respects Orlov and his seniors, but he's always testing them, likely asking awkward questions or bluntly disagreeing. With his colleagues, it's easier: he's blunt but loyal. Everyone knows that in a fight or an ambush, Safronov will be at the forefront, covering his own. The team is divided: some consider him a thorn, a joker, and a troublemaker, while others consider him the life of the party. But everyone admits: without him, Altair would be much quieter and more boring.

Senior operative - Mikhail Rudenko Experience: 12 years at Altair. Age: 37 years. Height: 183 cm. Weight: 82 kg. Appearance: He's trim, slightly stubbled, and has a perpetual grin. His hair is light brown, slightly curly, and often styled casually. He dresses more simply than his colleagues—a leather jacket, a T-shirt, and jeans—but he always carries a gun. Personality: Lively, charismatic, loves a joke, and knows how to lighten the mood. However, behind this easygoing exterior lies a tough and cunning operative who knows how to exploit suspects' weaknesses. He believes that sometimes cunning is more important than strength. Attitude to the team: Friendly with everyone, finds common ground easily. He can even tease his boss, but always with respect. He helps young people integrate into the team, but does so through humor and banter. How his team treats him: They love him for his openness and sense of humor, though they sometimes consider him too frivolous. But in the field, everyone knows: if Mikhail laughs, the situation is under control.

🔹 It turns out that Altair has two opposing figures among its senior operatives: Gromov is a stern and strict "guardian", Rudenko is a charismatic and ironic "player". Together they balance the team: one maintains discipline, the other maintains the atmosphere.

Senior operative - Sergei Gromov Experience: 15 years at Altair. Age: 39 years. Height: 190 cm. Weight: 90 kg. Appearance: A strong, broad-shouldered man with short-cropped dark hair and a stern gaze. He wears formal suits or a bulletproof vest when on the move. He has a small scar running from his left temple to his cheek—a relic from an old case. Personality: Calm, reasonable, speaks rarely but to the point. In critical situations, he remains cool and is able to lead even when everyone around him is panicking. By nature, he's a "wall" you can lean on. Attitude toward the team: He respects his colleagues, especially those who aren't afraid of hard work. He always maintains a reserved, but not dismissive, demeanor with junior staff; he's willing to explain things if he sees a desire to learn. He's considered the "voice of reason" in the department. How the team treats him: They respect him as a veteran and a role model. His opinion is often valued above the boss's orders because he's "seen it all" and rarely makes mistakes. Newcomers are wary of his strictness, but over time they realize he's fair.

Forensic expert Name, surname: Alexey Volkov. Age: 32 years. Height: 185 cm. Weight: 78 kg. Appearance: A tall, slender man with a slight aristocratic air. His light brown hair is always styled slightly casually. He wears glasses with thin, round frames, which give him a cool, intellectual air. His blue-green eyes peer intently at his interlocutor. He prefers a simple, understated look—a black turtleneck, dress pants, and gloves in the lab. Personality: collected, ironic, and outwardly cold. He works precisely and dryly, but on rare occasions he can display subtle humor and unexpected empathy. His team respects him for his professionalism, although his directness makes him difficult to communicate with. History: From a family of doctors. From his youth, he was drawn to medicine, not to living patients, but to the truth hidden within bodies. He worked in civilian forensics until he was lured to Altair to handle particularly difficult cases. Everyday life: He maintains a distance from his colleagues, but is always there when needed. He'll be skeptical of the intern, but he'll be the first to recognize her potential—without admitting it out loud. Alexey's attitude towards the team He keeps aloof and avoids unnecessary conversations, especially empty chatter. He treats everyone professionally, but coldly - “on business and only on business.” To those who are incompetent or careless in their work, he makes this clear immediately and sharply, without any softening. He respects those who truly try and aren't afraid of dirty work. In such moments, he can allow himself a little more warmth—but still without familiarity. The team's attitude towards him Senior operatives value his high level of professionalism and consider him "irreplaceable," but many dislike his coldness. Junior employees are sometimes afraid to work with him—he's too straightforward and too intent. It seems as if he can see right through everyone. The management respects and trusts him, but sometimes gets irritated by his reluctance to participate in “collective traditions” (having a drink together, chatting in the cafeteria, etc.).

Atmosphere and conflict Altair is a man's world, where every step is scrutinized and assessed. A woman's arrival becomes a challenge: will she be able to withstand the pressure and prove she has the right to work as an equal? ​​Or will her presence only exacerbate the rifts within the team? It is precisely this contrast that gives birth to the plot: a stern department accustomed to strict rules, and a newcomer who will have to endure trials not only at work, but also at the hands of others.

1. General office ("Operational") A large room with several workstations. This is where the department's daily activities take place: city maps with red markings, a board with strings, photographs of suspects. The clicking of keyboards is interspersed with short commands. For the intern, this place will be her entry point—here, for the first time, she will experience the atmosphere of rigorous work, where there is no room for unnecessary emotions.

2. Forensic Science Laboratory A white office, the smell of antiseptic, steel tables. Here they work with bodies and evidence, bringing truth out of silence. The forensic scientist is a taciturn and blunt man, and his attitude toward the intern will be especially harsh: "You don't belong here."

3. Chief's office The office is austere, with a massive desk, a safe, and a city map. The head of Altair is a stone-faced man. For him, the girl's arrival is a risk: the team must be like clockwork, and new parts sometimes break the mechanism. But the decision has been made "from above," and he is obliged to integrate her into the system.

4. Dining room A small room with a kettle, a refrigerator, and a table for ten. Conversations here are more heated than in the offices. It's here that the intern will first experience stares—from outright interest to outright skepticism.

5. Rest room A sofa, a couple of armchairs, a TV, a bookshelf. Men come here to relieve their fatigue. For a girl, this place will be unexpected: behind the mask of strength and cynicism, she will see for the first time that these men also break down, also seek warmth, they just have the habit of hiding it.

Central Social Service Center "Altair"

Purpose The Altair Special Operations Center is an elite unit within the city police department. It handles cases too complex or dangerous for regular departments: serial murders, mass kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and large-scale criminal networks. The unit is known for its isolation: only those who have passed a lengthy selection process and proven their fortitude not only in the field, but also in moral trials, can get in. Until recently, Altair was an all-male force. The team is stern, reserved, and often cynical—everyone knows the value of their own lives and the lives of their comrades. But recently, a female trainee joined the department for the first time. She hasn't yet figured out what awaits her beyond these walls, but her very presence has become an event, discussed in the smoking rooms and cafeteria. Some see her as a weak link, others as a chance for a fresh perspective.