The author devoted almost 40 years of his life (1951-1989) to serving in the state security system, of which 15 years was one of the leaders of the 9th Directorate of the KGB of the USSR, which ensured the security of the country's top leaders. For the first time, personal observations and factual material about the work of the service, known simply as the "nine," are published. There are many legends about her. In the memories and reflections of the participant in this work, a real image of a top-class guard is created and unknown touches are given to the portraits of the leaders of the bygone era of the Soviets.