In 1938, by chance, Igor Petrov, a captain in the Red Army, and Senka Pepel, a thief and swindler, meet in a train compartment heading to Leningrad. When Senka's accomplices try to steal their belongings, Petrov comes to Senka's aid. However, after Senka loses consciousness, Igor takes his documents and belongings and jumps off the train to avoid impending repression. This is how their roles are reversed, and now both of them are forced to adapt to the changes in their lives.