Since one of my next stories will be related to the Soviet era, it is a good idea to come up with a short introduction first.

Two Russian comrades read in "Izvestia" how a new city in Siberia needs engineers. The story says the city has everything, the store shevles are stocked, the store clerks are courteous, and there are no lines. But they know that sometimes "Izvestia" is not "pravda" and it might be a trap. They agree that one of them will go and write back if the stories are true. If it's a trap, their mail will be searched, so they agree on a code. If it is all lies, the writer will write in red ink, and if true - in blue.

One day the letter arrives. It is in blue ink. It raves about the luxury goods, and the stores of plenty. "In fact", says the writer, "the only thing in short supply seems to be red ink".

P.S. "Нет правды в Вестях, и нет вестей в Правде".