After a demobilization Vladimir starts working in a little porcelain shop as a repairer - but soon gets involved in criminal activity - so he desperately needs help from army friends.
In the old days it was called hypochrondria, or black melancholia. Now, apparently, it's termed the Asthenic Syndrome. Whatever it is, Nikolai, a teacher of epicly indifferent pupils, has got it, and it's not much fun.
The Catalyst
