Yuri is the son of Pavel and has followed in his father's footsteps for a career, but he does not have the blind faith of Pavel. When faced with clear injustice, Yuri hesitates to accept the state's party line, and speaks of this doubt to his father. Pavel is afraid Yuri will hurt his own chances for promotion. Yuri represents the next generation of Soviets, the ones who will question the ability of the state government to be all knowing.