A secret society of Russian military officers with dreams of political revolution set out to overthrow the Romanovs by spreading a lie about one Tsar usurping another. But when Tsar Konstantine renounces the throne, opportunity to bring an end to the autocratic government and serfdom begins to close. To seize control of the capital, they plot to split the troops into three units. The tacticians will march on Senate Square, while a separate unit secures the city arsenal at Peter and Paul Fortress, and the rest seize Winter Palace. But only one retired officer is entrusted with the task of assassinating the Tsar. As the day approaches several leaders lose their nerve, several fail to show up, and one will betray them all. Though their mission unravels entirely, their story inspires generations of Russian revolutionaries.