If the enemy does not surrender, they are destroyed. Or they are forced to peace, if not a thirst for revenge and robbery, and political pragmatism and human humanity prevail among the motives of the winning side. Having gained victory in the general battle of the fleets at Cape Shantung, avoiding the bloody, devastating consequences of the Gapon turmoil, St. Petersburg unexpectedly offered Tokyo peace on conditions honorable for the defeated side. However, the generous offer of the Russians is rejected. The army elite got the decision from Emperor Mutsuhito to continue to fight. The first serious defeat on land, near Liaoyang, does not change his position. But prolonging the war is not in Russia's interests. And the king approves of two daring operations proposed by the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet. Rudnev's squadrons will attack the forts of Tokyo Bay and land the Guards Expeditionary Force to capture the capital of Japan. At the same time, thirty torpedo boats are to strike at the enemy fleet right in its main base - Sasebo.