Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.
"This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.
The Practical Incarnation is from Planescape: Torment and Pathologic is an adventure game made by a russian dev team which is all about the mindfuck and weirdness. I was remarking about it to the guy talking about russians and existentialism.
Oh, the post made me think it was some character from Pathologic as well (would certainly fit, looking at the game briefly) but couldn't find it skimming through LPs. I'm a retard
Anyway:
It was 2 PM.
~ Looks like the last day really finished me off and my body required much more time to recover than usual. ~
I had a stroll around the room, thinking of what shall I do today.
Obviously, my life in the camp would never be the same again after everything that I heard from that strange pioneer.
~ And if everything's just as he said, I have plenty of time ahead. ~
I've grabbed my hygiene kit and went outside.
I turned around and saw Alisa.
Said she indifferently and ran her way.
She held some kind of a bag in her hands...
I was done with brushing my teeth and then spent an eternity washing my face with ice-cold water to come to my senses and refresh my head at least a little.
I felt a bit better from that.
Suddenly, hope got me out of nowhere. It was unlikely a hope to leave this place safe...
Rather, I just didn't want to believe that everything's as bad as that guy told me.
I heard a faint voice coming from the woods.
Someone stood behind a tree.
Morning...
Are you ready?
Ready for what?
I looked again and, well, it seemed like it was yesterday's pioneer from the bus stop.
Indeed, I was ready for such weirdness today, so I wasn't really surprised and started this conversation quite cold-minded.
You didn't believe him, did you?
What are you talking about?
Everything that he said...
Alright, but what is your opinion on what is happening?
I already distanced myself from the outside world and decided to take everything happening to me just as a fiction film, not a reality.
~ Hopefully, it would give me more room to move around in terms of situation's logic analysis. ~
There is an exit. It can't be helped!
We already found them during the earlier playthroughs, didn't we?
Said he excitedly.
I don't know... But I'd like to believe that too.
If you'd just...
Semyon!
Slavya was standing right next to me.
Who were you talking to?
Ahem... No one... Just talking to myself.
I hardly think it's worth telling her about the aliens from parallel worlds.
~ Probably she can’t even see them anyway... ~
Have you prepared already?
Prepared? For another hike?
No! Today's the last day of the session.
What?..
A stupid smile settled on my face.
There would be a bus this evening. We're leaving.
Holy cow...
~ I was ready for even the most incredible of twists, but... ~
Was that mysterious pioneer talking about it?
~ Probably, he was. ~
~ Well, apparently, I'll have to go for the second lap and live yet another week in this camp. ~
~ But this time I know everything! ~
I haven't packed yet... It's not like I have much to pack anyway.
Okay...
Slavya shifted her glance.
Seemed like she wanted to say something, but hesitated.
Well, see you then!
Yeah...
~ I had to ask when we're leaving at least... ~
~ There's got to be someone I know there! ~
But, believe it or not, there was only Genda waiting for me at the square.
~ Probably all the pioneers are busy with packing. ~
I took a seat at the bench and just stared at the sky.
~ It turns out that today I just have to wait for the departure, pass out in the bus and wake up in this camp again, just like the first day... ~
Everything was drowning in silence.
It's exactly that time of a summer day when the Sun seems stuck in the sky, birds and crickets are gone for an after-lunch daze, and wind saves its energy to deliver a long-awaited coolness for the people in the evening.
It suddenly crossed my mind that I've not just missed the lunch, but haven't had any breakfast either.
It was ridiculous to search for anything in the canteen. Pioneers had surely cleaned up everything just before the departure.
~ Surely, there should be something eatable in the table's drawer! ~
Have you packed up yet?
Packed up yet.
Answered I, imitating him.
You're not quite yourself the last few days...
Why am I?
How would I know? You know better...
I mean – why are you so concerned?
No reason...
A real pioneer always takes comrade's problems as his own!
I've cast a skeptical look at him.
Thanks for your concern. I'm fine.
I've ate everything with deliberate pleasure, washing it down with smelly water that Olga Dmitrievna probably used to water the plants.
Just as I finished, someone started knocking on the door.
Come in.
Ah, that's just you!
Said she disappointedly.
And who did you expected to see? Circus with the bears?
Ulyana giggled.
Where is Olga Dmitrievna?
Don’t know.
I've shrugged.
Why not?
I don't know because I don't know... What do you want from her anyway?
Got to ask something before the departure.
Ok, I'll tell her that you were searching for her if I'll see her.
By the way, why aren't you packing up?
Like I have much to pack...
Well, see you!
And still, it's really strange that nobody seems to be puzzled with a sudden departure.
~ And why am I the only one who was not expecting it? ~
~ Like everyone really cares if I've packed my things up? ~
~ As well as that, doesn’t anyone care that it is the last time we’re seeing each other?.. ~
Words of that guy in the forest yesterday about all camp's tenants being unreal suddenly sprang into my mind.
~ Well, right now I'm eager to believe it more than ever. ~
Table's drawer where I've found my breakfast contained lots of trinkets.
I grabbed a pencil and a piece of paper, examined them for some time and then slipped them into my pocket.
~ Just in case! ~
I had no intention to overlook all the pioneers running around and packing, so I just lied on my bed and haven't even noticed how I dazed off.
...
I got used to him a bit since the last day and it even seemed that I stopped fearing him.
Hey, why do you always hide your face?
Cause you shouldn’t be seeing it.
As you say...
I wasn't in the position to argue.
So, what are you going to reveal this time?
You know already that it's the last day of a session, don't you?
Yep.
And you've already spoken with that one?
Yep.
So, what did he tell you?
Nothing special. He said that there's an exit out of here.
Pioneer bursted into laughter.
Yeah, I believed into that too ages ago.
And now?
And what is 'now'? I have my past, my life back then...
He stopped talking for some time.
Anyway, it all was a long while ago, so I don't really remember. Future is all the same – loops-loops-loops, repetitions of the same story. Where is this now?
Well, I hate to admit that, but I'm not yet as lost in time as you are.
Oh, that's nothing! That'll come with time!
Not if we have sex with someone, apparently
He broke up with diabolic laughter.
I don't understand just one thing – what's your reason to come to me? What do you expect to achieve?
Me? Nothing really.
So why do you come then?
It's just because you, him and others like us are the only real people around here.
Given everything he said to me already, I just wasn't ready to believe that all the local tenants are just puppets in some kind of hellish stage play.
Are you sure that you're right?
Right as in what?
Well... That you're right in everything?
I can't be right or wrong. I haven't chosen this world, I haven't thrown myself into it. I'm just here. And you're just here.
Listen, I've already got a headache from your philosophizes.
I was kind of puzzled myself why I was so calm talking to this mysterious pioneer.
~ Well, here it is, right in front of me – all that fiction and hellish stuff that happens in this camp. ~
~ Here it is – an explanation (at least a partial one) of how I got here. ~
~ Here they are – the answers I've searched for such a long time! ~
On the other hand, my behavior was quite logical.
While I couldn't quite explain what was happening, this cuckoo guy just talked and talked, but it's not like his words changed anything.
Then what's the point of listening to him?
Oh, no! You will soon understand everything yourself.
Somebody was knocking at the door. I got up to open it.
You came to Olga Dmitrievna?
No...
Come in then.
I was one hundred percent sure that the pioneer had already disappeared.
So it turned out.
Slavya took a seat on the bed and I've snuggled against the wardrobe in the far corner of the room.
She was distinctly nervous.
Something happened?
Not really... It's just today's the last day...
Well, I'm already aware. Better late than never.
Well, so I've thought... I mean... We most probably won't see each other ever again.
The world is small, as they say it.
But maybe you will give me your address to write letters?
~ I would have, just if I knew it myself. ~
You know... Let's do it vice-versa – you giving me your address? I'll definitely write to you upon arrival.
But why don't you want to give out yours?
Well... We were just about to move, so you never know... It's better if I'll write to you.
I tried to put on my cutest smile to make my storytelling look more credible.
Ah, okay... It's fine then...
Slavya got up and seemed to be leaving.
Hey, wait, what about the address?
Let's do it later.
An expression of sorrow and disappointment crossed her face.
What have I hurt her with? What should I have said to her? My dear, write to my dear granny in the village? Or should I've left her an address of a house that's probably not even built yet?
So what? I am not my brother's keeper! It's your world, not mine. I'll manage somehow in my own.
That last phrase really made me squirm.
You know what...
I haven't managed to finish the phrase – someone was knocking at the door again.
Come in!
Why the rush, my lady?
*tips fedora*
I've made an excessively scenic bow.
Me? I'm... just...
Her eyes darted cautiously and her cheeks were blushed.
Just wanted to say goodbye!
There would be time for that anyway. After all, we all will be going in the same bus.
Yeah, you're right, but it's kind of embarrassing in front of everybody.
Oh, is there a thing that you can be embarrassed with?
I laughed.
Err!
She pouted.
I just wanted to tell that you aren’t a douche, really... In fact, almost a cool guy!
Her words astonished me.
I almost want to play your route.
Well, thanks... You're a good hang too.
Well, that’s it!
Did you?
I got nothing to do with that, I told you.
It really looks like you knew what she will say.
Maybe I did... Maybe not...
You just came here to mock me?
I started to lose my temper.
That idea also crossed my mind.
Then why the hell are you hanging around here? If I'll ever need a man to comment all my actions, I'd hire a professional psychotherapist!
You think that after all this time I didn’t become one?
My estimate is that after all the time here you've definitely gone bananas.
All the psychologists are kind of freaks...
Yes, but not all of the freaks are psychologists.
He laughed out loud.
A sense of humor, how encouraging! Frankly, your jokes are fairly lame. Who are you laughing at? At yourself!
Listen, if you've got nothing to do in your own world, go and bugger that second one.
And you've got anything to do in your world?
Pioneer sharply counterattacked.
You know, I'll find what to do... I'll pack things up, leave this camp...
And then what?
Then what... Like I know! I've never been in such situations before, believe it or not.
It’s just that you forgot that you won't manage to leave the camp.
A camp where we have five girls that are into us around. We can live with that.
~ Yeah, he was right on this matter. Probably... ~
If you failed to do so, it doesn't mean that I will fail too!
You're the boss.
There was a knocking at the door. So quiet that I barely heard it.
Damn, who else is that?!
Hissed I under my breath and shouted:
Come in!
But the door didn't open.
So I pulled the handle myself.
It looks like I really scared her.
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't want to... You came to Olga Dmitrievna?
No.
She said, staring at the ground.
So, what is it then?
~ What did Lena want from me? ~
Come in.
She came and hesitated in the middle of the room.
Wanna take a seat?
I've pointed at one of the beds.
Lena hesitated a bit more, but nevertheless took a seat.
Something happened?
Not at all, it's just...
She threw a quick glance at me, but blushed at once and looked away.
Here!
Lena took something out of her pocket and handed to me.
I was stunned – it was my phone.
But... Where have you got it from?..
Found it in the forest...
Okay, but why do you think it's mine?
Some boy told me so...
Have you ever seen him before?
I don't know, I couldn't see the face, but he was dressed in a pioneer uniform.
Everything got clear at once.
And won't you wonder what is it?
I looked at the screen – there still was some battery left, therefore, cell phone shouldn't just look like a piece of plastic to Lena.
I don't know, some kind of a game...
Yeah, you're right...
I quickly opened a snake in the menu and handed a phone to her.
Here you go! A keepsake!
Oh, what are you doing, I can't...
Lena waved her hands at me.
Take it, I have loads of these at home.
She resisted bit more, but finally she took the device.
And what do I do with it?
Press keys to move left and right, you've got to eat these cells and keep from hitting your own tail.
Wow, it's so interesting!
She smiled.
Thank you! And yet I have nothing for you, it's so embarrassing.
I don't need anything, thanks.
No, it's not good!
She said with a voice that sounded more confident that usual.
It's the last day today after all.
Yeah...
I hope we'll meet again...
I think we will.
Then I have a present for you.
And what is it?
Close your eyes.
And promise that you won't open them until I tell you!
Okay.
No, you have to promise!
Alright, I promise!
I felt a light kiss on my cheek in a moment.
I was really eager to open the eyes, but I promised...
Open!
What a girl...
The only thing I managed to say.
I heard a malicious laughter from the place where Lena had just been sitting.
So that's your new way of pranking me, eh? Using the others?
Me? Pranking? God forbid! Indeed, you got a kiss from a sweet girl thanks to me! On a cheek, but anyway...
Eh, if you don't have anything interesting to say anymore can you just GTFO, thanks.
I really wanted to beat him up at that moment, but I wasn't even sure that he's a physical being here.
I presume that this prank wasn't your last one?
Said I calmer.
Who knows, who knows... Isn't it fun?
Pioneer laughed hard. Perhaps professor Moriarty laughed like that, anticipating the success of his diabolical plan.
You’re certainly having some fun, but I'm not.
Relax, dude! Almost nothing is left – and here you go – your second lap! After you'll do a dozen, then you'll earn a pit-stop. Although, you probably won't need me then – you'd figure out everything yourself.
It's not like I need you right now either.
Oh, what an ingratitude...
Just cut it out!
If you'd ever...
Just shut up already!
Not understanding...
SHUT YOUR DAMNED MOUTH!!!
I screamed so loud that the walls trembled.
The front door suddenly burst open and Alisa came in.
Am I wrong or someone has gone completely nutty nuts?
She asked with a fright.
Well, one can say so.
I answered in anger.
Why are you yelling?
Cause I want to.
I've already realized that this 'accidental' arrival of Alisa was either planned by this pioneer or would be commented by him in a manner that I'd rather wish to drive a pair of nails into my ears.
Gone psycho or something?
Alisa reclined on a bed in a laid-back manner.
To what do I owe the honor?
I came just for the sake of it... And you're just screaming here...
You aren’t doing anything 'just for the sake of it'.
I've got nothing to do. I've packed my stuff. It's boring...
Well, well...
If you think that I came to you because...
She's thrown an angry glance at me and turned away.
I really shouldn't have come after that!
After what? I haven't said a word.
Of course! You've thought of it instead!
Oh, so you can do mind-reading already?
There's no need to read your mind – it's all written on your face.
It was hardly possible to read anything on my face beside fatigue and anger.
And what have you read there?
It's none of your business!
Well, it's not like I'm holding you here.
Forget it! I will stay wherever I please. Don't boss me around.
Ok, then stay here, for God's sake!
Anyway, I liked Alisa's company was much more than pioneer's.
It took Alisa a few minutes to break the silence.
You really don't want to tell me anything?
Today's the last day after all.
So, you're happy?
Well...
Babbled she uncertainly.
Everyone's leaving.
Good riddance.
And that's all?
You need something else?
Didn’t you like it here?
Her voice sounded unusual.
I've seen better places.
Damn, you're so dumb that speaking to you is a pure waste of time.
She got up and headed to the exit.
Yep, good luck to you too!
Alisa turned to me. Her face was writhing with anger.
Could have at least said that you'll miss me!
Sure I will.
Wimp!
Stupid!
Alisa hasn’t heard my last line, of course.
As good as you are.
And you, in that case.
Of course, keep comparing me to yourself.
Remarked I mischievously.
But what's the difference? We're in the same situation, I've just been here a little longer. Well, in fact, a lot longer...
And you've already gone completely nuts.
No wonder.
His horse laughter was really pissing me off.
Listen, have I already told you that you should be an actor? You'd do a brilliant Hannibal Lecter! Exactly, as you consider yourself a psychiatrist.
I'll think about it. Well, and now I must go! Maybe I’ll see you again.
Get lost!
Oh, finally!
~ But nevertheless, why did he come? ~
It might be the case that me, him and others like us are the only real people around here, but I desperately didn't want to believe it.
All his speech seemed like some sort of a complex game.
Like he tries to give me one hint after the other, trying to bring me to something, enabling me to discover some kind of devious plot.
~ Too bad he's not really successful with that, because I'm out of ideas... ~
...
Time dragged on deceitfully slowly, but it's been 5 P.M. already.
It's common during the summer – if one counts seconds and minutes, it appears that even a single hour would never end, but if one thinks of anything else, then the whole day flies by quickly.
I decided to start packing.
~ They could leave without me... ~
I quickly took all my winter stuff and shoved it into a bag. I've almost prepared to jump onto a bed again, but the door opened and Olga Dmitrievna came in.
I got up reluctantly, grabbed my simple luggage and followed her.
~ I was long suspecting that nothing depends on me in this world, and last events built my complete confidence in this. ~
~ I might wake up tomorrow in a bus number 410 or I might not wake up at all. ~
~ And that's all folks, it's all that simple. ~
~ There's no point in staying here, there's nowhere to run. ~
~ Basically, my only exit is to leave on a bus with everyone else. Go into the unknown. ~
~ That is everything I was doing the last week – I'm stumbling along a narrow path in pitch-black darkness, unsure where is the beginning and where is the end. ~
We were almost approaching the gates when I heard someone, calling my name.
Olga Dmitrievna, excuse me, just a minute.
Ok, but make it fast or we'll leave without you!
I headed for the bushes that the voice came from.
Semyon... Semyon...
The voice seemed to be calling from nowhere: one moment it was heard behind a tree, and now it seems to be behind my back.
Probably it's one of those aliens from the parallel worlds, but I suspected that I haven't met this exact one before.
We don't have much time.
I'm listening.
I know that you've already been contacted by him and him.
Yeah.
And I know what they've told you. Don't ask me how.
Okay.
But you must know one thing. The thing I know... It's more than a dozen of us here. In fact, more than a thousand... But a lot of people got out.
I've tried to digest what he said and phrase the right questions.
Then why are you here?
I stayed.
Why?
To help others to find an exit!
~ Wow, how generous... ~
And why should I trust you? You're the third one already... Well, in fact I'm not even sure that you all aren't just my hallucination.
It's not about trust...
Then what is it about?
It's about the right choice! Consider this camp to be a giant maze – you should do a few right turns to find an exit.
Okay, and how do I know which ones are right?
You will know... Come with me...
Where to?
To the second lap.
Hold on a sec... That pioneer said that my second lap will start tomorrow.
He lied!
The speaker has raised his voice.
He's gone completely crazy and he tries to destroy all the others!
So, if I won't come with you and will leave on the bus then... I'll be destroyed, right?
I don't know...
Then why do you say so?
Nobody ever returned after a conversation with him.
Listen, but why should I trust you?
I was definitely on the edge.
~ While that pioneer just mocked me and didn't seem to be a real danger, this one clearly spoke about the things worth being anxious about. ~
~ I couldn't decide which one should I trust. ~
~ This problem is like trying to get a blind man to say whether the light in the room is on or off. ~
~ He can only guess. Just like me... ~
Hurry up, the time is running out!
Hey, wait a sec...
Make a choice – are you going or not!?
I don't really buy this whole 'staying to help' thing, but whatever. We can always respawn in the bus it seems, what's the worst that can happen? Let's follow the voice.
Okay, let's go.
~ Anyway, he looked more credible than a crazy pioneer. ~
~ Of course, this solution could be fatal, but the alternative isn't any better. ~
I just made a shot in the dark...
Ok, so where are we going?
We have already come...
Well, fuck. Better luck on the next lap, I guess.
...
Alright, fuck you, talking bush.
No, you know what, I just can't go on like this and believe you in a couple of minutes.
~ At least I know that other guy for a little longer and his arguments seem to be more weighty. ~
You'll be sorry...
These words sounded like coming from the other world.
The voice seemed to disappear.
Of course, I couldn't be sure whether my choice is right or wrong.
It was a blind guess enforced by a time limit.
~ Nevertheless, whether I'm right or not – we'll find it out soon. ~
Began Olga Dmitrievna.
You're leaving our camp today and I'd like to tell you something at parting.
She was visibly nervous and desperately lost for words.
I hope that you'll remember the time you've spent here for a lifetime, that you'll keep only the pleasant memories about 'Sovionok'.
I also hope, that you became at least a little bit better, managed to learn something and found new friends...
Just... come back next year.
Camp leader looked away. It's like she was trying to keep the tears inside.
I didn't expect her to get so emotional.
Although her speech sounded like a complete nonsense to me. As usual.
The pioneers started to crowd into the bus, babbling cheerfully.
All of sudden, I felt a deep urge to throw a coin.
Of course, there was no fountain here, and, honestly, I didn't feel like returning here, but it's still just a superstition and I don't believe in them. At least I haven't believed in them before.
Digging through my pockets, I've found only a couple of candy wrappers, pencil and a scrap of paper.
I've held at them a little, then I've squatted, put the paper on the ground and scribbled a few words.
Grinning from my stupidity, I've thrown the scrap under the wheels of the bus and got into the cabin.
But the strangest thing was that everyone sat in pairs and only I was alone.
~ However, what's the difference now? ~
~ I'll either disappear or will restart everything in a couple of hours. ~
...
It was impossible to see anything behind the old windows in the pitch darkness of the night.
Anyway, I couldn't care less about the surrounding countryside – I just sat and waited for the imminent.
For the first time in a long while my head was completely empty.
Pioneers around me enjoyed the trip.
Ulyana and Alisa were playing cards.
Lena was reading a book and Slavya was sleeping.
Miku was trying to start a conversation with Zhenya in vain and Zhenya was trying really hard no to start killing.
Electronik and Shurik were crafting something, as always.
I was the only one completely ignored by everyone.
~ It might be a slightly far-fetched perception – I got used to the role of the center of the universe in the camp, I thought that everything revolves around me. ~
~ Well, it might be so up to a certain degree, but here and now I'm only a foreign object, an out of place molecule in a harmonic pattern of a crystal grid. ~
...
I'm not sure how long we spent on the road, but the sleep already started to overcome me.
I was desperately fighting Morpheus, trying to stay awake as long as I could.
~ After all, it's quite possible that today is the last day of my life. ~
~ Then probably it's reasonable to cling as hard as I could to these few hours of meaningless, useless existence... ~
...
I suddenly remembered that scrap of paper and a few words on it.
~ Damn it, I've seen them before! ~
~ How could I be so ignorant... ~
~ Maybe all these pioneers, all this gobbledygook clouded my consciousness so much... ~
My head was literally bursting with questions.
Especially sharply it was felt in temples.
It seems like they were ready to shatter into a thousand little pieces, giving free access to the wind in my empty head.
Probably, I would not stand even five minutes of such torture, if in time I didn't open my eyes.
I was somewhere, it was impossible to tell more precisely.
Mind was clouded in mist, thoughts were confused.
The moment between the unconscious and conscious states when you vividly remember your dreams.
I couldn't understand a word but the girl looked very upset.
I failed to understand what she needed from me.
Time passed, and she was talking on and on.
It was getting really annoying.
I wanted to ask her to cut it out or at least calm down a bit, but I failed – either because I didn't manage to say anything or because my words didn't reach her.
I couldn't even see her face. I was simply listening and staring, staring and listening...
Perhaps it wasn't important for me then.
Sure you will not try to remember how a sleep disturbing mosquito looks like.
Sure you won’t manage to recall the frequency of its flapping or its trunk inclination angle after that.
And this girl is just one of millions of voices that disturb you from concentrating, from thinking, from falling asleep...
The louder her voice was growing, the harder it was getting for me to seize the words.
The bus cabin, the seats tormented by time, the humpy floor, the rusty ceiling, the cracked glass of the windscreen – everything was floating away. Along with her.
And then I felt unique sense of relief.
It didn't matter how real the bus and the girl had been – it was nothing but a bug to me.
And here I am, hanging in a total emptiness and falling inside a dream...
I got up, rubbed my face to get back to reality, gave a loud yawn and prepared to shape myself up.
It was a really grey morning.
Unable to find a hygiene kit at my night stand, I've concluded that I will manage without it.
It was hard to get dressed – my hands were trembling as hell.
I've looked at the reflection in the mirror and checked out my two-week scrub.
Well, perhaps Olga Dmitrievna has a razor...
But am back to my apartment!
And I've just came out of the room into a passage-way, not out of the cabin!
I was overwhelmed with surprise, with dismay, with fear, even with terror.
But how?!
Yeah, bus, last day of the session.
Yeah, I've fallen asleep... and got up back 'home'.
Well, to some degree, it might even seem quite logical.
It seemed that the primary astonishment has weared off during the first seconds.
After all, the fact that I came back like this after a weekly absence is not stranger than my sudden appearance at some pioneer camp of eighties.
The events of last two days flashed before my eyes in an instant.
That mysterious pioneer, his words...
But how I've managed to get back to reality then?
According to him, I was going to be stuck there forever, as there's no exit!
On the other hand, I wasn't alone.
That pioneer at the bus stop and the voice emphasized the contrary – that the exit exists.
It means I've found it, I've managed to get out of this endless loop? But how?
Nevertheless, I wasn't sure whether I should rejoice or grieve – during the last week, I kind of got used to the everlasting inner monologue, search for the answers and in-depth analysis of everything, so I just couldn't accept this fact as it was, without figuring out what exactly happened to me.
Sure, he told me that I'm the only one who has observed the existence of other guys like me during the very first loop, but does it mean anything?
Anyway, all his theories and ideas instantly collapsed like a house of cards!
Now I had to decide how I should react.
Of course, I should rejoice! Afterall, I'm back to the real world.
Maybe the last seven days were just a dream.
Indeed, there's absolutely no evidence that I really was there.
I don't see my pioneer uniform anywhere, I look my age, just like I did before. My phone is on the table, fully charged.
But one can't deceive one's own memory. One can't live through such terrifically real experiences in a dream.
I still remember the events of the whole week in great detail.
Perhaps I was in coma all this time?
An ironic laugh escaped my lips.
Nah, that's not an option too.
Then... all is well that ends well?
The last few hours in the camp flashed through my mind.
Indeed, I wasn’t hoping to get out – either from that camp or from that reality – and I was pretty much ready to another week. And another, and another one...
I've accepted my role, I've reconciled with my destiny.
And what was I supposed to do after all the stuff that happened?
I've heaved a doomed sigh, got up from bed with considerable effort, and came to my computer.
That's weird, but according to it, only 14 hours passed since my disappearance from this world, not the whole week.
I've hit the report spam button, closed the window, switched to the browser and glanced at the clock.
Time to get going or I'm gonna be late...
...
Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.
Alright, here we go - Ulyana's route. I really don't like that character at all, but we are going for full clear. At least Slavya awaits after this... Brace yourselves, inanity is coming.
First day is the same shit as usual. The first difference comes during checklist signing on day 2: we can go to the canteen before hauling ass through clubs to get signs.
Pioneers already lined up.
What, somebody's not here yet?
Hmm, nope. All here.
She looked around her brave pioneer troops.
Alright, go stand somewhere.
~ Weird. Why did she tell me there's no more sleeping places? ~
Few heads away from me stood Electronik, a little further – Lena and Slavya, in the end of the line – Ulyana and Alisa.
~ Everyone I met were here. ~
Olga Dmitrievna spoke about some competitions, and I turned my attention to the monument.
~ 'Genda'... ~
Could not remember any revolutionary with a similar name..
He had a weird posture too – as if he looks around with distrust, maybe contempt, or even disdain.
~ Probably some local leader... ~
Daydreaming again?
Olga Dmitrievna stood nearby.
Still remember the plan for the week?
The plan?
The Plan I will never forget!
Perfect!
She looked at Slavya.
Did you get it?
Yes.
Slavya handed me a piece of paper.
It's a checklist. Here are four positions to check. Do it all today.
Before you start, sign up for a club. There are some clubs in the clubhouse, and a musical club in the separate building.
Then, visit the infirmary.
And finally, visit the library.
Got it?
Yes.
Checklist seemed like a good chance of finding out something, since I had to go to places I haven't been before.
Then come on, start right now.
What about lunch?
Don't worry! I'll bring you more sandwitches. Checklist is more important!
Good luck.
They went away fast enough for me not to ask anything else.
~ Missed breakfast, now I'll miss lunch too. ~
~ This ain't good. ~
~ Maybe I'll manage it in time somehow? ~
~ Lunch starts at 1 pm. Then again if I'll go there I might miss a place from the checklist. ~
~ Okay, it's too early to go to the canteen anyway! ~
~ Checklist is not going to run away (I'll sign it later), while my stomach clearly won't be waiting till dinner. ~
With these thoughts I entered the canteen.
A lunchlady of impressive proportions provided me with a glorious meal of three dishes: a soup 'Ypres broth', goulash 'from Lavrentiy Pavlovich' garnished with potatos boiled according to the craziest fashion of XV century, and a 'Periodic Table' compote.
A five-star restaurant would envy such a menu, but I was too hungry to care.
After all, compared to my usual meal of ramen or mac&cheese this indeed wasn't too bad.
I sat behind the nearest table and concentrated on chewing.
- SMACK -
My focus was soon disturbed by a sudden mighty pat on my back. I even choked.
Ulyana was standing in front of me, with a victorious look on her face.
Catch me if you can!
She stuck her tongue out!
You tried once and couldn't.
This was during the first day's lunch, when she put a bug under our cutlet.
All right, then I'll ambush you somewhere!
It's not fair!
Look who's talking, fair one!
I grinned.
Ok, you wait, I'll take some food and come back, we'll eat together.
I could do without such a company. Better hurry up with my lunch.
However Ulyana came back just after half a minute.
She had a huge roastbeef on her plate and few large boiled potatoes.
Compared to my 'royal' feast...
How do you... where did you get it?
Gotta know places!
She looked at me and grinned with all her 32.. or how much did she have... teeth.
~ I won't take this! ~
I never was a master of prank, and in school I often found myself on the bullied side.
But I had to get back on her somehow.
And what if Olga Dmitrievna will know that you're stealing food?
I'm not stealing!
She flared.
That's what you're going to tell her. I wonder if she'll believe you?
And how would she know?!
Well... it depends... on many things.
Like what?
Ulyana looked me in the eyes.
Bring me a bun. A sweet one!
Where am I supposed to get it?
Well, the same place where you got all this?
I pointed at her plate.
She hesitated.
Alright. One bun!
And promise you won't tell Olga Dmitrievna!
You have a word of a Pioneer!
She ran off towards the kitchen. Without hesitating I opened the pepperbox and emptied it in her drink.
Just as I finished, the restless girl came back.
Here! You racketeer!
~ Look's like she didn't notice. ~
Ok. Now, who drinks his compote last carries trays.
Don't be silly!
Silly? Watch me.
I won't play these childish games.
Look who's talking!
I smiled maliciously.
Huh! You watch me then! One, two, three!
She didn't even let me grab my glass, and in one quick motion downed her drink.
In just one second her expression changed to that of authentic terror, cheeks went red and her eyes were about to pop.
She jumped from the table and rushed to the teapot place with drinking water, spitting and yelling as she went.
You! You! You..
We then proceed to take signatures for the checklist, go to lunch and prepare for that retarded card game. We get the cards, ignore Alisa's bet and get Gollum to play. Also, the tournament portraits represent character sprites from the 2009 demo. Guess they figured out no one sane would play the card game more than once and just left them there.
At least I've won a single round.
It was still too early to sleep and a short walk looked like a good idea.
Where should I head to?
Tonight I had no intention to do anything or to talk to anybody. Investigation of my complicated situation was the last thing on Earth I would do this evening.
I went to the north. At least where I thought It was.
It was my tradition from youth – to go to the north.
I liked this part of my hometown more than the south districts.
Travelling to the Black Sea resorts was never my thing either – boundless forests and fields were much closer to me than beaches and barkhans.
I got onto the stage.
I imagined a crowd of people in front of me, everyone screaming, shouting my name, I am blinded by the projector lights.
I imagined a guitar in my hands and made an attempt to play a long and striking solo.
I suppose, it looked pretty funny from the stranger's point of view – weird guy swinging his arms on stage, playing an ape and making faces.
~ Was hoping no one will see me here! ~
Piped up from somewhere above.
And what are we doing here?
I'm just...
Denial is obviously futile.
You saw it yourself, didn't you?
I said in frustration, and turned away.
Oh, I see a wasted guitar talent in you.
I said nothing.
Hey, come on, don't frown! It was funny enough!
She giggled.
Funny enough, eh?
I fuffed.
Yep.
Peacefully answered Ulyana.
Come up here, dude.
Where to?
To me!
I ain't gonna get up there, don't even try convincing me!
Not that I have a height phobia. Reaching this bar just doesn't make sense, does it?
No! Just get down here.
I felt in my bones that something was going wrong, but still slowly headed her way.
When I found myself standing under Ulyana, she cried out:
Kowabunga!
Thousands of thoughts flashed before my eyes in a moment.
~ How would I catch her? Is it worth trying? What if she dies? What if she breaks my something? Why the hell does it happen to me?! ~
~ That's her own fault – no more fooling around! ~
Wow, what a number of thoughts come and go within a blink of an eye.
While sometimes many years are not enough to come up with a single idea.
At last logic and instinct of self-preservation won the battle, and I stepped back.
Holy moly, why didn't you catch me?
You didn't get hurt...
Our hero.
I answered, shifting the glance.
What if I would?
But you haven't! What's up with you? Too many B-movies watched recently?
So, don't you care for me?
She grinned.
Well, in this situation... Certainly, I do care.
I'm flattered.
Hey, get this idea out of your mind...
Okay-okay. You're forgiven for the cards.
And you are not...
~ Oh, yep. One more childish trick of the silly girl. ~
~ Surely, I was worrying about her at the moment. ~
~ As for anyone else in her place... ~
There was no light in the window, so Olga Dmitrievna must've been sleeping already.
~ Strangely enough, she waited for me yesterday. ~
~ When you think about it, my situation haven't got any clearer today. ~
~ In fact, I've spent whole day doing useless stuff; I would have never even thought about doing something like this in the real world. ~
~ Although I had plenty of time. ~
~ How much time would I have here in total is still a mystery. ~
~ Maybe an eternity, or maybe there are few minutes left only. ~
I just didn't want to think about the past, about how I got into this camp.
For the first time in a long while I felt really tired – not only emotionally tired, but also physically tired, psychologically tired and god-knows-how-else tired...
I just wanted everyone and everything to bugger off – starting with my own thoughts. I wanted this mess to somehow resolve by itself.
Or at least without my active participation.
~ And what if I'm stuck here forever? ~
~ Then I'll have to get used to it... ~
~ So, just like that?.. I... I'm not ready... Ahem... ~
My consciousness slowly flew away from me and it progressively became harder to concentrate on something distinct.
~ Perhaps it's better to wait until tomorrow... ~
Same old. We wash ourselves, talk to Lena in the canteen, then decline nurse and Lena when they ask for our help with medicine sorting. We wander around the square looking for answers and ignore the guitar sounds from the stage, then head to our cabin.
Olga Dmitrievna was lying lazily on her bed and reading a book.
~ That's what I could ask her too. ~
I've forgotten something... And so I came back.
You were absent at the lineup!
Oh, yeah. I apologize...
Alright. Nevertheless, you should do something useful today.
Just as I planned. But I have my own vision of what 'useful' means.
Like?
You could go to the square, to help with cleaning. Slavya is in charge there.
~ Strange, I've just been there and haven't seen anyone. ~
Or you could visit the boys at the club of electronics – they asked me for a hand.
~ Those 'Fathers of invention' again! ~
Finally, you could help at the sports club.
What are they up to?
They're renewing the pitch: fixing the benches, changing the goal nets and so on.
Honestly, none of those options suited me.
~ Why is she always trying to burden me with some work? ~
~ Seriously, except Slavya, no one ever works here, while some particular people are enjoying their free time with youthful spirit. ~
Every leader's attempt to make me busy seems to be following the only purpose – prevent me from finding out my current location.
Really, all deep and vital questions concerning my existence are swept away by a broom, together with all rubbish and litter.
In my case taking some time to work would probably pay off, but same with someone suffering gangrene and rejecting the amputation – I will stand by my beliefs.
You know, I already had my own arrangements.
Oh, really? What kind of arrangements?
She bucked up.
Well...
~ I can't just tell her what I'm really thinking about! ~
~ On the other hand, why not? ~
~ But it's too dangerous! ~
~ At least, now I keep a fragile balance and nothing is threatening me. Everything seems that way. ~
Just as I thought!
What exactly she thought remained secret.
You probably have not realized yet, how important it is to participate in social life. This is the only way to become an role model pioneer.
I didn't want to attend another long lecture, so I decided to accept one of the offers.
So? Should I choose for you?
The leader's voice turned authoritative.
I can do it myself, thank you...
Mumbled I into the beard then went out of the cabin.
Since we are trying to... Be friends with Ulyana, I guess sports club is our best bet.
I was hoping that I could escape the obligatory work if I'll pretend that I'm helping the sports club.
~ They obviously have tons of members and would probably do just as well without an extra pair of hands. ~
However, I'd better visit the sports ground – at least to check in there.
~ Just in case Olga Dmitrievna finds out that her ideal pioneer goes on the bum and ignores community service! ~
~ You never know. I could imagine worse punishments than a public telling-off at a party gathering. ~
I wasn't really planning for that to happen.
They were playing 5 vs 6.
~ I won't interfere, I'll just watch. ~
Teams were obviously misbalanced.
One team consisted entirely of younger kids that looked about twelve years old.
Other team consisted entirely of teenagers.
And besides they had one extra player – Ulyana.
So what – what can one person, moreover, one girl, do?
Soon enough, I've realized that I was mistaken.
Ulyana had a good dribbling technique, cutting through defenders one by one.
She obviously lacked teamwork skills but they weren't even required at this level – she scored with enviable regularity.
I came closer to the pitch.
I guess that's how you do community service here!
We've already finished everything!
Said Ulyana, sounding insulted.
I looked over the sports ground again – the benches are freshly painted, new nets placed behind the goals.
~ How did they manage to get through all of this stuff? ~
Come join their team!
~ Well, given that I've escaped the last time, I should indeed play now. ~
Alright, I'll get even with you some other time!
She laughed, waved her hand and ran in the direction of canteen.
We proceed to eat lunch and break stuff when trying to catch Ulyana.
Alright, let's clean this shit up. Won't get away from work either way.
For starters, Olga Dmitrievna has caught me already, and dashing off would only aggravate my punishment.
As well as that, I indeed was partially guilty...
~ Of course it was all her fault! ~
But if I haven't reacted like that, probably we would have avoided this thrashing.
~ Probably... ~
I've opened the cabinet and took a broom, a mop, and a dustpan.
She's gone?
Can't you see it yourself?
Ulyana looked upset, with all her youthful spirit vanished without a trace.
Ok, hang on a sec, I'll go and wash myself a bit first.
I shot her an angry glance and headed to the exit.
I've washed the scraps of lunch off myself and returned to the canteen.
Well, no escape – we had to clean it up.
It's all because of you!
Just a single gaze of hers gave me the creeps.
Of course! That's me who's guilty of everything! That's me who's a local natural hazard.
Oh, shut up...
Still, it's kind of strange that she's not trying to avoid this clean up duty.
Ulyana had a solid opportunity to just run away and leave me alone, but somehow she did the exact opposite, diligently gathering broken plate fragments, mopping the floor, picking up chairs and tables.
In fact, she was so fast that I had a tough time keeping my pace with her.
Now, aintcha suddenly acting goody-goody.
It's not like I want to spend the whole day here, you dork!
She still sounded irritated.
Listen, you got to understand that one can't behave like that... At least to such an extent...
Somehow I thought of doing some morale talks with her.
I haven't done a thing! It was you who was calling me names.
Ulyana grabbed a bucket with a mop and went to the farthest corner of the canteen.
~ Looks like she's still angry. ~
Looking back at the mountain of broken tableware, I finally got to understand the scale of the catastrophe.
~ We're lucky that at least the forks and spoons are made of metal – we still got something to eat with.{w} But there are hardly any plates left... ~
Ulyana called me with a shout.
I came closer to her.
I don't get it, why do you hate me so much?
Because you're obnoxious, annoying, probably have ADHD and are WAAAAY too far into loli territory?
Her face became so serious that I was ready to believe that it's not just yet another trick of hers.
Why do you think so?
I have no idea, that's exactly why I'm asking you.
I don't hate you. It's just that sometimes you behave as... Well, you know.
As simple as that, but still true.
As what? I have no idea.
She lifted her gaze, boiling at me with curiosity.
Well, for starters, what's the great idea in pouring the kompot all over me?
You were asking for it.
She smiled for the first time since we started the cleaning.
Yeah, exactly...
I heaved a deep sigh.
So, what do you expect from the others then?
Nothing.
She replied acidly.
This discussion was over, so I just continued cleaning up in silence.
...
It took us a few hours to fix up the canteen.
At last, all the broken tableware was gone. Chairs and tables were on their designated places, the floor looked clean.
We were sitting together with Ulyana next to the food counter, breathing heavily, deservingly resting.
Now you see how much effort had to be put because of a silly trick.
But I'm not tired at all!
Though the sweat pouring down her face told the opposite.
Oh well, good for you...
So, what are we gonna do next?
I have no idea about you, but I'd rather go...
Nope! That's not all! You have to...
She hesitated.
To help me with another little thing!
Thinking of another silly prank?
You bet!
She was smiling broadly.
I'm not your man here. I'm more than fed up with just one punishment for today.
Ok, here's the deal! If you're gonna help me now, there won't be another single prank!
Sure that was an inviting prospect, but somehow I couldn't bring myself to trust Ulyana even for a moment.
~ Well, it won't hurt to ask. ~
So, what is your cunning plan?
We're gonna steal the candies!
Wha?!
I should have expected something like that.
~ Candies are for kids... ~
Soon the chef will come out to dump the trashcan, nobody's gonna see us!
Count me out!
Ah, whatever!
She grunted and turned away.
Then I'll do it myself!
And I won't allo...
I couldn't even finish the sentence, as Ulyana has already jumped over the counter, ran to the cabinet, opened the door and started rummaging through it.
Hey, cut that! It's not like you haven't got enough problems with Olga Dmitrievna!
She didn't reply.
You won't get away with just a cleaning duty for something like that.
Ulyana closed the cabinet. She held a huge bag of candies in her hands.
Ah you little, put it back!
She stuck out her tongue at me and dashed off through the back door.
I couldn't just leave it like that! I've darted in a chase.
Sure, the girl had quite a head start, but I've still funneled all my energy into the pursuit.
~ I won't lose her again! ~
I've almost caught Ulyana, as she's stopped abruptly...
I couldn't pull up just as sharp, so I've crashed into her, sending us sprawling.
We rolled down the grass...
I gave a victorious shout.
No you didn't...
She replied with an ashamed tone.
Ulyana was lying under me.
Her face was right next to mine.
I've felt her wavy breathing and the heat of her body.
~ Sure, right now she's only a child but soon enough she'll become a woman. ~
Is this some kind of weird pedo logic?
It was pretty embarrassing.
Gonna rape me?
She said, coming back to her senses.
You want me to?
Anyway, it was more like a game for her.
Sure I do!
She made a cunning smile and snorted quietly. Or was it just my imagination.
I'm not really in the mood...
Ah, whatever!
I wasn't expecting that and even pulled back a little.
Watch it! You're gonna regret it later!
She laughed out loud and disappeared into the woods.
The candy bag was left lying on the ground near me.
~ I wonder if she dropped it on purpose? ~
It's getting near dinner time, so I had to hurry up and return the candies.
... and preferably (very preferably) stay under the radar.
Of course I'll explain the situation – it was Ulyana who had stolen them...
~ But who's gonna believe me? ~
Good job, Semyon!
On what?
I hid a bag of sweets behind my back.
The bag was transparent, and too big to put it in the pocket.
I was talking about a clean-up. Everything is clean and tidy.
And where is Ulyana?
And where is Ulyana?
~ I wish I knew. ~
She.. she'll come soon...
Okay then. Go and have your dinner.
Not a big surprise that it was full.
Now I really don't know how to return the bag without being noticed.
~ Certainly, I can do it in the evening, but what do I do with it now!? ~
Semyon!
Wow, what is this?
She looked at the bag I didn't manage to hide in time.
~ Caught red handed, or more like candy handed! Let's prepare for some scolding. ~
This are... sweets...
Where from?
~ I've stolen it, damn it... ~
Got them from Ulyana.
Oh I see. Same old stew.
What do you mean?
It's not the first time she steals sweets.
~ And why am I not surprised? ~
Let me handle this.
Thanks...
Slavya saved the day yet another time.
She took the bag and headed to the buffet.
We then talk to Electronik and Shurik about the disco, go to our cabin and take a nap.
Clock was showing nine.
Such a rare thing to happen.
I felt sluggish though.
Well, I have to go.
The loudspeakers and some DJ equipment were installed near the monument and the trees were decorated with the light strings.
~ Ah, one typical countryside disco. ~
A lot of pioneers around, but no familiar faces, so I just sat on the bench and waited.
~ I don't have to dance, after all. ~
Maybe I'll be able to just sit and chat with someone.
Hey sad face.
Here to suggest something?
Come on, let's dance!
It's way too early... There's not even music yet.
Blah, you're so boring!
~ Yeah, I am not the merriest person for a such event. ~
She ran away.
~ So Ulyana did wear something like an evening dress. Pretty funny. ~
Slavya.
Hey.
She sat down by my side.
How's the evening?
Fine.
Why are you so sad?
I'm not...
Okay. Dancing will surely cheer you up!
Maybe...
Don't forget to leave one dance for me!
She laughed and ran to the musical equipment.
The situation was getting serious. I wouldn't be able to sit through the whole disco.
Lena came closer.
Ah, hi, you're here too...
~ Is it such a wonder? ~
Yes.
Okay... Gonna light the party up?
The joke turned out sour.
...
Lena blushed and looked down.
Well, maybe it's not the best idea – setting everything on fire...
Okay, then I shall...
Yeah...
She left.
...
The pioneers formed large groups, talked, joked around and laughed.
At the DJ's panel Ulyana argued loudly with Olga Dmitrievna about the playlist for this evening.
The music started to play.
I didn't know the band or the song but I really felt that I'd tag it 'Soviet pop classics' if you'd ask me.
Pioneers just stood there for some time as if not hearing the music.
It's always hard to make a first step. Especially if you're pretty sure that you'll be the only one who would make it...
Ulyana seemed not to know that simple truth.
She reached the centre of the square with few leaps and cried out loud:
What are you standing for?!
And started to wiggle ridiculously.
'To wiggle' is the exact word. You couldn't find a better one.
It looked so silly and funny, that I couldn't resist laughing.
She noticed it.
I was pretending I can't hear her.
Stop pretending! Come on here.
I've kept ignoring her.
Pioneers slowly realized that they are not too sexy for this party and started to dance.
It looked really silly from my point of view.
~ Shaking one's arms and legs to the beat of long-forgotten hits? Come on, get real! ~
Of course, I couldn't dance whatsoever but this thing couldn't be called a dance either.
Hey, Semyon, what are you sitting there for? Don't you wanna dance?
I was so deep in thoughts that I haven't even noticed Slavya.
Not really...
Are you sure?
She smiled.
Maybe later.
~ Damn! What am I even doing here?! ~
I probably should not refuse her after everything she did for me, but I wasn't made for such deeds.
~ At least they like disco. ~
Olga Dmitrievna danced too.
I consider that not really appropriate. The leader has to keep the order around.
~ Especially since she is not 17. ~
Olga Dmitrievna came to me as if have felt that someone doubted her professionality.
I don't really want to...
Your choice.
She smiled cunningly.
Then I have a perfect task for you!
Task which is?
Any other occupation seemed better than dancing.
You cleaned the canteen well today, but...I think you haven't atoned yet.
Ahhh?
Ulyana!
What?!
Come here!
I see you've had enough dancing for a long time to come.
No, I haven't!
She sweated like a pig, so it seemed that the leader was right.
I have a task for you and Semyon.
But Olga Dmitrievna!
Ulyana begged.
It is disco time now! And it is late!
It won't take much time. Slavya sorted the books in the library, but hasn't finished... You have only a couple of shelves to do.
But...
No buts!
~ For goodness' sake. ~
I don't like public work, but dancing...
Stop being such a cunt.
I am ready!
Good job, Semyon! That's my boy! A real pioneer! You should follow his example, Ulyana!
Ulyana hasn't appreciated such an example though.
So do it! The whole camp relies on you!
I will remember this.
She hissed.
Only distant music from the square reminded that I am not alone here.
You could be cleaning in your dress though.
I grinned.
It is all your fault!
She breathed heavily and her face was as red as a tomato, so I wouldn't be surprised if steam would have started coming out from her ears.
You! It is all! Your fault!
Why me again?
If you would've just been quiet!
What would have changed? She'd make us do it anyway.
You...
She hasn't been able to speak normally and just hissed.
So what if I kept silence? Do you think she would let you keep on having fun?
You were not having fun you retard, you just sat there.
Ulyana looked at me.
She seemed to calm down a bit.
Really! You don't care at all! You can't even dance!
So what if I can't?
If you would have danced with me... It would be fun!
She returned to her usual 'childlike' mode.
I might have... But you see how the things turned out...
We won't have a chance to see who is a better dancer.
I was slightly surprised by Olga Dmitrievna's request... or more like an order... to sort the books at night.
~ It is so bizarre. ~
It might have actually worked properly, but the lights weren't turning on.
That's better!
Ulyana said, satisfied with herself.
What's next?
What what's next?
She looked at me inquiringly.
What will we do next?
Pff, how should I know?
You can go to your cabins so this thing ends faster, for one.
She chuckled.
Great.
I walked around the bookcases.
~ Olga Dmitrievna said something about 'a couple of shelves'... ~
I touched the books and made sure that there was no dust on them.
It looked like someone did a really good job before me.
Having examined the whole library I didn't find anything to clean. The leader must have made a mistake.
Suddenly I've heard footsteps from behind.
Old, cracked floor was squeaking and so Ulyana wasn’t able to sneak on me unnoticed.
Boo!
I turned around.
Oh my God. So scared, please...
Oh, whatever!
She turned away resentfully.
It looks really clean in here, so...
Dimly illuminated rows of books looked at me as if reproaching.
Unknown authors from long forgotten years.
~ I wonder if anyone still remembers them? Zhenya must remember. ~
I was sure that she does remember everything.
Okay. Sit down.
Ulyana moved a chair to me. I sat on it.
So, what's next?
Let's tell scary stories to each other. We have two chairs and two candles, so there should be two stories, one mine and one yours.
Okay.
I agreed without thinking.
I had no a slightest intention to go back to disco and there was nothing to do in the camp at night according to my experience.
Especially as I knew a couple of nice stories which were able to really scare Ulyana.
And that was awesome.
You could be dancing with Slavya but this you consider awesome?
You first.
Okay.
Wonderful!
I applauded.
Not the Pulitzer Prize, but...
Are you scared? Frightened?
Oh I'm just shivering all over...
Oh, whatever... Tell your story then. I'm sure I won't even flinch!
Her face was concealed by the darkness.
So that's the story...
I blew out the light.
Ulyana shrieked, rose up and threw herself towards me.
We fell on the floor.
Nothing...
Her voice sounded very scared.
Looks like my story hit the spot.
I menatlly congratulated myself.
You scared a little girl. Congratulations.
Ulyana wasn't having fun though.
She embraced me, shivered and sobbed.
What's wrong with you, silly thing?
I patted her head.
It is just a story. It is not real.
You only care to tell silly stories!
Ulyana cuddled up to me more.
Were you that scared?
Yeah...
Frankly, I didn't expect such an honest answer from her.
Everything’s alright.
~ Time heals. She'll calm down. ~
Listen, Semyon...
What?
Never mind, it’s nothing.
She buried her face in my chest.
Okay, I understand... Maybe we should go?
Hey! Wake up!
~ Can you even fall asleep from fear? ~
Wake up, I said!
No reaction.
I tried to stand up.
Ulyana certainly didn't weigh more than 40 kilogramms, but imagine youself lying under such a weight.
It is really not easy to stand up!
Yes, it is.
You could think that Ulyana is dead if not the breathing.
I certainly could make more effort...
~ But then I'll wake her up and it all will start again! ~
~ Such an unenviable situation. ~
~ There is an option to wait while she wakes up by herself, though. ~
~ She certainly won’t sleep till the very morning after such a story. ~
I looked through the window at the starry sky.
~ I wonder if there really is a far away outpost with a ghost crew... ~
It was a wonderful morning. The birds were singing, the air was fresh and fragrant, and the world was bathed in daylight.
I'd stay in bed for some time longer, but... something was not quite right.
All yesterday evening's events flashed through my mind.
Scary and not so scary stories, Ulyana...
But I didn't worry at all.
~ After all, it's still early. Surely no later than seven or eight o'clock. ~
~ Who'd want to go to the library that early? ~
I sat back and looked out the window.
~ In couple of minutes the sun will hit right in Ulyana's eyes. ~
That's when you're gonna wake up!
~ It's interesting, how did she manage to hug me so tightly? ~
~ Indeed, I couldn't free myself at all. ~
Theoretically, I was ready to spend one or two more hours lying this way, but suddenly I heard footsteps.
~ Sounds like trouble. ~
Wake up! Do you hear me? Wake up!
I started carefully but insistently shaking Ulyana by her shoulders, tried to loosen her grip, but it was all in vain.
Meanwhile, the footsteps were getting closer.
What kind of pussy do you have to be to be unable to unlatch a small girl?
~ I have to save us at any cost. ~
Standing up seems unworkable – that's what I learned already - so I decided to crawl.
My moves strongly resembled reservist training (which I never attended) – a soldier dragging his injured officer while under an artillery attack.
The officer is unconscious, the soldier is exhausted, and layers of barbed wire surround them.
Zhenya was standing on the doorstep.
~ She seems a bit overcommitted to her work, since she is coming in at the crack of dawn. ~
I heard a familiar voice.
~ Huh? A visitor? So, she indeed does have a reason to come here. ~
Science waits for nobody.
Science...
It was Electronik.
Hold on for a sec, I'll find it.
She headed towards us.
I barely managed to turn Ulyana around so that she was on my back and crawled on all fours to a nearby bookshelf, where I collapsed and tried to catch my breath.
What was it? Cybernetic mathematics...? Or mathematical cybernetics...?
~ It seems she didn't notice us. ~
I'd like something about the electronic bombardment of photovoltaics.
Are you crazy? Why would we have something military?
That's not military at all...
For some time they both were silent.
Zhenya...
What?
Lets go down to the river tonight...
What for?
Well... Just...
I have a lot of things to do... Come on, get moving, your robot is waiting for you.
Okay...
The door slamming was like an epitaph for Electronik's love struggles.
~ Seems like he is not a cold-blooded robot after all. ~
I chuckled quietly.
Anyway, laughter seems a bit inappropriate. We have to escape the library somehow.
Waiting until Zhenya goes for breakfast seems to be the easiest solution at the moment.
She's a communist labour worker after all. Not one of Electronik's mythical robots. She has to at least eat sometime.
Meanwhile, Ulyana wasn't going to wake up.
~ At least she's not snoring any more. ~
The library was silent.
I didn't see Zhenya, but was more or less satisfied with the situation.
All of a sudden, incomprehensible noises came form her desk: clicks, cracks, and... music started.
The Soviet anthem!?
~ Just great! ~
It would have been alright, if not for Zhenya, who started to sing along!
United forever in friendship and labour...
I could only envy her patriotic feelings.
Unfortunately, she had some vocal issues. The Soviet pop scene definitely didn't miss out on a star called Zhenya.
The anthem ended, and an unfamiliar voice started to talk about the overachievements of a five year plan of crop harvesting.
It was a radio, obviously.
I started listening attentively. Maybe they would say something interesting.
But after the list of agricultural achievements, the voice started to disappear and was gone in few minutes.
~ Signal disturbance, probably. ~
Zhenya stood up and headed towards us.
The situation's hitting rock bottom.
I managed to unclench Ulyana's grip with a titanic struggle.
I was free to go, but was so cramped from all this crouching that I didn't have the strength to get up.
It's time to prepare for the worst and start thinking of excuses...
Suddenly the steps stopped.
Seems like Zhenya was standing on the other site of the bookshelf.
I heard the sound of books rustling.
~ Probably she's looking for something. ~
She took a book and returned to her desk.
The door slammed open.
Olga Dmitrievna was definitely out of breath.
Ulyana?!
No...
Zhenya answered with surprise.
The door was slammed as loudly as the previous time.
Seems like everyone is looking for us, and Zhenya will start to look around the library...
But fortunately, that very moment the bell sounded in the distance, calling pioneers for breakfast.
Zhenya, being a punctual person, decided not to linger and left the library in a few minutes. There was only me and Ulyana in the library.
Then it was time to decide what to do with her.
No longer afraid of being caught, I bent down and shouted in her ear.
Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!
My face looks similar when reading this.
Noticing me Ulyana's eyes widened.
What are you doing here?
Playing at spies.
This was after the 'English proof read' patch (which also broke skipping of read parts so I had to rerun the game from scratch, up to Ulyana day 4). This line was 'playing spies' before. Great work, guys.
Huh?
Never mind... Did you sleep well?
Yes...
Seems she's not yet completely conscious.
Breakfast?
Yes...
~ At last! ~
~ Now it was certain that I won't have to explain anyone the what, how and why of Ulyana and myself being in there all night long... ~
Sorry for falling asleep like that...
It's alright.
I guess my words sounded too insincere because she looked at me with disbelief.
Wait a minute... What were you doing in there all this time?
You wouldn't believe me.
Wait a moment... That means...
Ulyana giggled, stepped away from me and shouted loudly:
I'm the first for breakfast!
Not a big surprise after such a deep sleep...
I said, but Ulyana already couldn't hear me, being far ahead.
Of course, there was no other place in the camp that pioneers loved as much as the canteen, but why were they all crowding on the porch...?
I came closer and tried to find out what's happening.
It looked like the all the camp gathered at the porch: there were all the familiar girls, Olga Dmitrievna and Electronik.
They were having a lively discussion.
I drew closer.
Where on Earth have you been?! I waited for you all night long and have been searching since early morning! Ulyana told me that you left the library together yesterday.
...
Well, we'll deal with this later!
Have you seen Shurik today?
Nope, what's the matter?
We can't find him since the early morning.
~ Disappearance of pioneers – well, that's something new. ~
But he was with you yesterday?
She was talking to Electronik.
Yes, he was...
So you woke up this morning and he wasn't seen anywhere near?
No...
Why didn't you come to me immediately?
Well, I thought that he got up earlier and went for water procedures or something...
Interjected Slavya.
For example?
That he's going somewhere, for instance?
Nope...
What exactly is so horrifying about that? It's only 9 am. He might have decided to go for a walk.
You don't know Shurik.
She overlooked me seriously.
Well, I don't...
But I didn't see anything suspicious in that situation.
Okay, let's stop panicking. We'll find him!
Ulyana grinned.
Exactly! Time to eat anyway.
Pioneers have proceeded into the canteen.
And you, Semyon, please stay here.
Yeah?
Would you care to explain where you've been all night?
Well...
This is the thing I hadn't thought about.
True, this couldn't have gone by unnoticed. I could have thought of some clear explanation at least.
But I hadn't...
Well, I... Me and Ulyana were placing the books on the shelves. But then she locked me there and ran away! I was stuck in there until morning!
I was at the library today! And I didn't see you there.
~ I'm kind of aware of that. ~
Well... I left quietly.
And why is Ulyana telling me something completely different?
~ Hmm, what might that be? ~
You know what her stories are like!
Yes, you might be right...
The camp leader paused for a moment.
Just don't think this means I believe you!
I didn't think that.
Ok, we'll deal with it later, I won't forget! It's more important to find Shurik now.
Yeah...
We go to the canteen, then go to the beach with Alisa and Ulyana. Later we look for Shurik in the camp, eat dinner in the canteen, get keys to the infirmary and play a nurse for a bit. Alisa tries to blow up Genda after dinner and Electronik finds Shurik's boot. Time to play stalker again.
I have a bad feeling about this.
I looked at Ulyana, astonished.
Her thirst for adventure seemed to have no limits.
Look! Night, ghosts, an old camp – it's great!
~ On the one hand, such company always promises trouble, but on the other hand, it feels safer going together... ~
Perfect!
Having said our goodbyes to the other girls and Olga Dmitrievna, we were left alone.
Well, yes. What's the matter?
Ulyana giggled.
Never mind... Really...
I sighed.
Oh, hold on! I'm gonna fetch a flashlight!
Ok.
I was just about to suggest that myself.
~ It seemed I would not only have to visit an abandoned camp at night, but also look after a fidgety child... ~
Well since it's Ulyana...
~ I should be twice as cautious. ~
Electronik had told us the old building was built right after the war.
It looked like a kindergarten (or like a barracks, I expected) and definitely could hold less pioneers than today's camp.
It had been abandoned for about twenty years.
I was ill at ease.
Actually that was normal for a person in my situation – in the night forest with scary animals and birds eager to swoop down on you, the full moon and this whole other world I had come into not too long ago.
I might be better off all alone, without needing to look after Ulyana who was running in front of me.
~ How hasn't she tripped over something yet? ~
Listen. Be careful...
Or what?
She turned around so quickly that I shivered.
Nothing. You may hurt yourself.
Are you worried about me?
Of course I am. I mean, that's normal in such a situation.
Ulyana pouted.
Listen...
I decided to continue our conversation – it's more relaxing and less scary this way.
But what is it about that old camp? You were saying back there, at the square...
Yeah, it's a really scary place! They say that all the pioneers died there and became ghosts which guard their last earthly refuge.
What did they die from?
It was kind of hard to believe her scary tales.
How should I know? I wasn't even born back then.
But you say it so confidently.
I got information from a reliable source!
And where would that be from? From Alisa?
Not gonna tell you!
It probably starts with 'a' and ends with 'ss'.
So what happened next? They died and became ghosts?
That's all...
What do you mean 'that's all'?
And now the souls of the dead pioneers roam around the camp and take everyone who dares to enter the world of the dead!
Wow! Ok, move along!
...
Time passed. We went deeper into the depths of the woods where the trees enclosed everything. Suddenly I realised that the forest had gone completely silent.
As if the night-birds had hidden in waiting for something and the insects had dug into the ground. Even the wind had died away.
I imagined that the streams of moonlight breaking through the thick foliage were ringing like plucked strings.
At last trees parted and we walked out to a large glade...
It was shrouded in a thick fog. It looked like we'd come out into a cemetrey, and the old camp building at its centre was a crypt.
'Cemetrey'. Do I even have to mention that this was 'cemetery' before this 'proof read'?
According to Ulyana there were pioneers' souls roaming here. Truly it was like a mass grave...
I shivered and clenched the flashlight tighter.
A dreadful place to tell you the truth...
She patted me on the back cheerfully which only made me more scared.
Under that light everything seemed not so old. The crumbling brickwork, rusty slide and merry-go-round, the few panes of glass that miraculously remained in some of the windows, they all became more vivid.
I started to imagine that unknown monsters came out to the glade from the forest, a place of eternal darkness where even the moon can't reign.
~ I hope that they fear the light, like vampires... Though, maybe they could turn into giant wolves at full moon, like werewolves... ~
Why have you stopped?
I'm thinking...
About what?
Why would Shurik want to come to such a place?
How should I know? We'll ask him when we find him.
Yes. Obviously...
I mumbled and followed Ulyana.
She walked more carefully now, looking under her feet, stopping occasionally and even looking back several times.
That's natural. In some places the grass reached her chest height and nobody knew what could there be on the ground – scrap metal, stones, shattered glass...
We finally reached the door. Ulyana stopped and said.
Well! Here we are!
As if you'd won a race... This isn't a game.
You're... you're...
What?
Boring!
I made a displeased face and stepped confidently into the darkness. It was dangerous to let Ulyana go first, dangerous for her, dangerous for me and maybe even for all the humanity.
It had surely been full of the joy of children in the past. Pioneers ran around, played games I'd forgotten, a strict leader like Olga Dmitrievna maintained order. One session ended, a new one started.
And now it's just standing here, crumbling, rotting, forgotten.
Ulyana gave me an old ruined doll, falling apart from the damp. One more piece of the past.
So what?
Nothing...
She moved out of the light, but I noticed sorrow on her face.
As sad as a cemetrey.
Scary!
I haven't seen anything scary yet.
It was indeed more relaxing in here than outside.
It really was like a cemetrey, as you look for a specific grave while walking among countless tombstones, feeling discomfort inside, but then you find it and your soul calms. As you lie next to it...
They apparently replaced every 'cemetery' with 'cemetrey'. They also are supposed to be native English speakers. What the fuck
I shuddered and let the flashlight play around the room. There was no sign of Shurik.
However what did I expect to find here? His corpse?
Looks like he isn't here...
What about the second floor?
Shurik!
I called loudly, but only my echo answered me.
Shurik! Come out!
See...
We should check anyway.
Okay, okay...
...
There were no signs of life on the second floor either.
I sat on the stairs and hung my head, feeling doomed.
Where to next? We can't walk around the whole forest. And I'm already sleepy...
Why do you whine so much?
We've been asking this since the start of this LP.
Ulyana was irritated.
Whining and whining. Just like a kid.
Oh, am I wrong?
Right or wrong – what's the difference? If we are looking for Shurik, we must find him!
But how?
Certainly not by sitting on your ass being sleepy all the fucking time.
I begged.
I don't know! Somehow!
Ulyana looked like a strict teacher and myself like a careless schoolboy.
~ But shouldn't it be the other way around? ~
Damn right it should, princess.
Look!
I turned the light in the direction she pointed and noticed a trapdoor in the corner, surrounded by garbage. It looked like it had been opened not too long ago.
He must be down there for sure!
Ulyana rushed to the hatch and made a great effort to open it.
Why would he go down there? It was probably... I don't know. Some villagers. Is there a village nearby?
I don't know...
Ulyana replied, breathing heavily. She hadn't managed to open the trapdoor.
I started thinking.
There was surely a possibility that Shurik might be there.
I didn't know much about this world after all. Actually, I knew nothing. Why should the local residents act according to my logic? Could it be that he tried to escape down there, running away from wolves?
~ Are there any wolves, though? Maybe owls. ~
Okay, let's check it out...
I strained my muscles and managed to open the trapdoor.
It crashed loudly on the cracked wooden floor and, at the same moment, Ulyana leaned over the hatchway, lighting up the basement with the flashlight.
It's some sort of a tunnel!
A tunnel?
I pulled her back by the scruff of the neck to look in there myself.
Hey!
Curiosity killed the cat!
There was indeed a long tunnel running into the darkness. It looked like a dungeon from a computer game.
There wasn't any danger at first sight, no waist-deep water, no rats, no zombies...
Okay. Let's climb down there to look. But be careful!
Roger that!
Ulyana beamed.
...
Probably I was a bit worried about myself too, not wanting to be alone in this thick darkness.
Maybe we should go back? Shurik couldn't have gone so far...
What if he had a flashlight?
Well, even with a flashlight... What would he be doing here?
I don't know! Aren't you interested in what lies ahead?
Not a bit, I am more interested in...
This is just getting retarded. I wouldn't go all grammar nazi on this (my English sucks as well) if not for the fact that they made an announcement specifically for this shit and IT BROKE THE READ TEXT SKIP.
I instantly noticed a biohazard sign.
A bomb shelter?
I realised.
Probably.
Have you heard anything about it?
I don't know. Does it matter?
Does it...? What if there is radiation?
What radiation? Where from?
Yes, you're right...
I took hold of the door's wheel and tried to move it.
It yielded, to my surprise, and groaned like a dying dinosaur.
The door opened at last and Ulyana ran in there as soon as it did.
Hey!
There were several beds next to me, some devices near the farthest wall, lockers. Fluorescent lamps on the ceiling brightly illuminated the room.
Where does the electricity come from? Are the backup generators still working?
I turned off the flashlight to save the battery.
Ulyana started to rummage in the lockers at once, taking out gas-masks, packages, and various tools.
Don't you have anything better to do?
She looked at me with displeasure.
I sat on the neatly-made bed and looked around one more time.
Right across the room from me was a door, the same as the one we entered.
~ Could Shurik have gone through there (if he was here at all)? And why? ~
Why the long face?
Just tired...
I honestly confessed.
Then rest for a while!
Ulyana jumped at me and pushed me in the chest.
I reeled back in surprise and hit my head against the wall.
What are you doing!
I grabbed her arms and pulled her towards me.
She lost her balance and fell next to me.
Ouch!
You started this!
Ulyana stuck out her tongue and sat up.
Well, what's next?
There, the other door...
Oh, sure... Shurik predicted a nuclear war and decided to hide beforehand, did he?
Maybe he did?
Maybe? This shelter is too close to the surface. It could protect against the radiation, but if the bombs fell close enough...
You're so serious about these matters.
Autists. Autists never change.
She smirked.
I really didn't know when to be serious with her and when to joke.
It seems like the age difference between us really matters here.
~ How big is it? 10 years, more? ~
I sighed and stood up from the bed.
Okay. Let's try.
But that door was less compliant than first one.
The bolts creaked, but the wheel didn't budge a centimetre.
Seems jammed...
Let me!
Ulyana rushed at the door with a crowbar she got who knows where and applied herself to it with all of her unimpressive weight.
The hinges turned out to be completely rusted.
~ Seems that not everything was made to last back then. ~
Behind the door there was a tunnel almost the same as the one we had come here through.
Don't do anything stupid!
I took Ulyana by the hand and stepped out of the room.
...
The ceiling seemed to become lower, even though I logically realised that it did not change.
Ulyana didn't seem to be bothered at all, though. She was humming as she walked.
It annoyed me more and more.
Looks like you're having fun...
Of course I am! Aren't you?
No. I don't see any reason to have fun. We should find Shurik quickly and get out of here!
He may not be here at all.
Then why the hell...?
Look!
Ulyana snatched the flashlight from my hand.
She walked to the edge and leaned.
Some rails...
It looks like there was a mine under this tunnel.
The depth of the hole was low enough to let us climb out of it, so I knew what Ulyana would say next.
Come on!
I wanted to object, but she had jumped down, leaving me in complete darkness.
Hey!
I had to follow her.
The whole tunnel, leading into the unknown, was suspicious. It looked like it was about to collapse and bury us.
Ulyana desperately pulled on my arm.
Where to? Why? What would Shurik be doing here?
What if...?!
She made a serious face.
What if he is sitting here somewhere, injured and waiting for help, and we just turn around and go, leaving him to die...?!
I estimated the height of the ceiling one more time and walked slowly after the restless Ulyana.
...
Wait!
I grabbed her arm.
What's the matter?
What if it's a dead end? Or worse than a dead end – a whole labyrinth?
Well...
She thought.
Then let's mark the starting point!
Ulyana picked up a large stone from the ground and scratched a cross on one of the beams that supported the ceiling.
Do you think that will help?
It will!
~ Probably I will have to choose where to go. I just can't leave it to a little girl. ~
Let's check out the cavern.
Though it could hardly be called a hall; they must have used to mine something here. Coal, probably, or maybe gold.
The walls had been cut by pickaxes or pneumatic drills.
This place was pitch black, so our only salvation was the flashlight.
~ If it breaks, it's unlikely we will ever get out of here...~
By its light, I noticed a red piece of cloth in the corner.
It was a pioneer neckerchief!
Shurik was obviously here somewhere.
Shurik!
Shurik!
Only our echoes answered us.
I hope he's okay...
Don't worry! We'll find him!
~ But where could he have gone? ~
There was no other exit from this room.
~ It's possible that there are places in these tunnels that we haven't visited... ~
~ Seems like we still have to keep looking for him! ~
There is nothing of interest in the mining station and not a single line of dialogue. Let's get to the exit.
Where?
Somewhere. I don't know.
But she was right about something – at least we'd gotten out of the labyrinth.
After all these turns and forks I wasn't sure that we'd ever make it back but, on the other hand, why wouldn't this mine have any exits?
Ulyana opened the door and stared into the darkness.
So, you won't go first as usual?
Well...
Okay.
I stepped over the threshold.
There were bottles and cigarette stubs, which means that somebody had been here before us.
It wasn't an encouraging fact by itself, but now I was certain that there was another exit from the mine, since they couldn't have come the same way as we did.
The ray of light moved around the room, examining every corner. Suddenly it lit up a human figure...
Hey! There you are! We have been looking for you for all night and you...
It seemed he hadn't even noticed us, just sitting and mumbling something.
Shurik!
Who... who's that?
What do you mean 'who'!? Your rescue team! Get up and let's go!
I won't go anywhere with you!
He mumbled.
You'll lead me around these tunnels again, I know! I won't go anywhere! I'll stay right here, you won't get me!
Stop with your nonsense!
It looks like he's gone insane.
No, no! You won't trick me this time.
Stop it already...
Don't come near me! Leave me alone!
Calm down! It's me, Semyon! Don't you recognise me?
Semyon...? No, you are not Semyon!
I noticed that Ulyana, who was standing next to me, had disappeared somewhere.
You're not Semyon and I am going to...
Just like a scout!
Yeah, a scout...
From somewhere far off the devilish laughter of Shurik was heard.
He ran away...
Screw him. I don't care if he dies here!
I spat on the floor and leaned against the wall.
~ If it hadn't been for Ulyana... ~
I wasn't prepared for that! Shurik might not have killed me, but he could have seriously injured me!
To be left lying here injured would be equivalent to death. We don't even know when help will arrive. And would they be able to find me in this labyrinth?
Why the hell did I agree to come here? Indulging that girl...
You look like you're going to kill somebody.
He would do us all a favor if he killed himself. Again.
If a good candidate presents itself.
Ulyana shuddered.
No, not you. It might be nice to spank you, but there is no reason to kill you.
She smirked.
Yet...
Oh, you!
Okay. It is definitely time to get out of here! They can send their special forces, rescue teams, ghostbusters, whatever tomorrow. I don't care.
Will we go back?
I looked around the room once again and noticed a door to my left.
Wow.
I pulled the wheel couple of times, but it just creaked dully.
~ If I only had that crowbar... ~
It doesn't work?
Ulyana asked in a depressed voice.
No...
Actually I didn't have any strength left.
In another situation I would strain myself, ask Ulyana to help, look for something to use as a lever, but now I just wanted to get out of this mine.
I wanted to hope that there was a path of least resistance for us to take.
And that meant hoping that I remembered the way through the labyrinth.
Let's go back.
Okay.
She smiled and took my hand.
...
Stones scattered under our feet, water dripped from the ceiling onto our heads, feeling like drops of molten tin.
Ulyana quieted down and followed me in silence.
Did something happen?
What do you mean?
It's strange for you to be quiet for more than a minute.
No, everything is alright...
But something was wrong for sure.
One fork after another.
A minute ago I was certain that at the next corner I would see the cross, Ulyana had scratched before. I was wrong.
My faith in my ability to guide us was melting away with each second.
Well, whatever!
I decided to distract myself with conversation.
It's alright! It's just...
What?
It all went so wrong. With Shurik. And... now we're stuck here.
You saved my life. You should be proud of yourself.
I tried to encourage her, but Ulyana didn't seem to get it.
But if I hadn't taken his metal rod away he might have stayed.
Whether he'd stayed or not, what's the difference now? We'd still have to get out from here, wouldn't we?
Yes, but...
Everything's alright! That psycho will find a way out for sure.
I really was sure about that.
...
Ulyana cheered up a bit and we almost ran the rest of the way to the surface.
The full moon shined above us again, and the building of the old camp didn't look nearly so ominous as before. Especially in comparison to the bomb shelter and the catacombs.
That was cool, wasn't it?
It looks like Ulyana's gotten her usual cheefullness back.
I'm not too sure about 'cool', but I'm glad we got out.
So, shall we go and look for Shurik?
What?
I was speechless for a moment, unable even to finish the sentence.
Are you crazy!? We already found him! Tomorrow Olga Dmitrievna and the police can go down there and catch that caveman. To run tests on him.
Well...!
No wells! Back to the camp! To sleep!
I walked rapidly from that dreadful place, ignoring the furious Uliana.
...
Ulyana saluted and was about to leave when she suddenly yelled and started to excitedly wave her hands.
Look! Look!
I turned to the benches and saw Shurik lying on one of them.
Oh my...
It was really hard to wake him up, as if the 'caveman' had decided to sleep for a year beforehand.
He mumbled in his sleep.
Do you want to explain yourself now?
Explain what?
Ulyana jumped around the bench, ready to explode.
What happened? And why am I here?
Shurik seemed come to his senses.
Oh do be so kind as to explain that! How did you get out of the mine! Why did you go there in the first place? Everything, step by step!
What mine?
There was such sincere surprise in his eyes that I started to doubt. He really might not remember anything.
Where have you been for the last... 12 hours?
I don't know...
Shurik sat and his face frowned with the effort of thinking.
I went to the old camp in the morning. People say there was some old equipment there. For parts for the robot. And...
He stared at us in confusion.
And?
And that's all...
So, you don't remember?
I don't.
Okay.
I sat next to him and leaned back on the bench.
They remember everything. Even what Shurik was doing in the bomb shelter.
Post-traumatic shock.
Poster... what?
Such symptoms are experienced by people after heavy stress. After a disaster for example.
Shurik remarked with a smart look on his face.
You should sleep now.
Yes, but...
We'll speak tomorrow.
Shurik looked at me for some time, but then he got up and slowly walked to his cabin without saying a word.
So what is it with him?
He probably forgot everything that happened in the mine.
He's lying!
Look, why would he have to lie?
So he wouldn't have to answer for when he tried to... attack you... with a metal rod...
She said uncertainly.
Doesn't look like it. And does it matter now?
It does! We must find out! The criminal must be punished!
If that rule was applied to you, you would have been placed under house arrest a long time ago. Or worse.
What does that have to do with this? I don't leap at people with a rod!
It wasn't intentional.
He's lying!
He may be lying.
I was really exhausted after today, especially this night, and I really didn't care whether was Shurik speaking the truth or just pretending to.
It really looks like he doesn't remember anything.
I'm going to sleep.
Then...
Ulyana jumped up and stood on her tiptoes.
Good night!
You too...
I don't know, seemed like there was something special in the expression of her face that moment, I didn't care.
I thought you wouldn't come back.
I would have expected any reaction from Olga Dmitrievna, except that one.
Since you went with Ulyana.
Aren't you supposed to worry about us?
Why should I? You're okay.
Oh, ok then...
I took my clothes off and crawled under the blanket.
~ It's all too much for a single person. ~
Looking for Shurik in the dungeons was a job for search-and-rescue professionals. Doing it with Ulyana – for certified madmen.
Day 5 starts the same as usual: meeting Electronik...
He started to wave his hands and ran to me.
Good morning! Thank you, for finding Shurik! Without him I don't even...
It’s nothing...
I was a bit embarrassed.
No, really! Don't be shy much – the country must be proud of its heroes!
And what about Shurik... How did he look in the morning? Is he alright?
After yesterday's craziness, I thought such a question would be completely valid.
Yes, absolutely! The only thing is that he can't remember anything...
Can’t he?
I wasn't surprised at all.
He says that he went to the abandoned camp yesterday, and then... Woke up in his bed in the morning. I mean he remembers nothing between those two events.
I see... Alright then...
You missed the breakfast, right? Come to our club! We'll feed you! I have something special.
Electronik smiled in a conspiring way.
Thanks, I'll come, probably...
I had to wash myself first anyways.
We'll be waiting!
He waved at me and left to mind his own business.
... and peeking on Alisa nd Ulyana, running away from them and hurting our feet. Since we have visited the infirmary and canteen already, let's head to the clubs.
I always took good care of my health. And even better care at the times when something start to hurt badly.
And now I was able to walk and my feet weren't even hurting much.
~ So my feet will heal up eventually while my hunger can’t wait... ~
I decided to take advantage of Electronik's invitation.
In the end, knowing the local pioneers, it was smart to assume that there wasn't even a piece of stale bread left at the canteen...
~ And the cybernetics club actually somewhat owe me. ~
And heard screams coming from it.
I tried to listen closely but couldn't figure out anything.
No, I won't!
Ulyana was running around the room with a coil of wire in her hands, chased by Shurik.
Guys, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but...
Give it back!
They didn't even give me a bit of attention.
No, I won't!
Shurik, completely caught up in the chase, slipped past me, almost knocking me down.
Hey!
Ulyana was running in circles around the room laughing cheerfully.
~ I wonder what she needs this wire for? ~
Meanwhile the head of the cybernetics club was looking fine even after yesterday's madness. One could even say he was looking fresh.
But this probably wouldn't help him to catch Ulyana – she was smaller, more agile and faster after all.
She could easily drive him to exhaustion...
Hey!
Shurik in his turn left the club, slamming the door on his way out.
~ He was offended it seems... ~
Hey, what's wrong with you?!
You won't catch me!
Semyon, take the wire away from her!
And why do you need it in the first place? You don't have enough wire or something?
He was trying to catch Ulyana, who was hiding behind me.
He moved to the right while she moved to the left, he moved to the left and she moved to the right...
In the end I got tired of this and grabbed the wire from Ulyana with one dexterous move.
She shouted resentfully.
No I won't! Stop horsing around!
I held the wire above my head so Ulyana with her height couldn't possibly get it.
Thank you!
Ok, fine!
She snorted and turned away from me.
Why do you need it in the first place?
That's none of your business...
Ulyana looked at me slyly.
Do you want me to tell everybody that you...
I shut her mouth with my hand and dragged her along to the exit.
Ok, we need to go...
I told Electronik while giggling stupidly.
And what did you come for...?
Hear me out, you realise that it was an accident... Even more so, it was caused by you!
I know nothing! Facts are facts: you were watching us!
Awww! What would Olga Dmitrievna think...
On the one hand, I did not want to care in the slightest what the camp leader would say, but on the other, everything was against me and in my position it would be better to not get myself into such a situation.
Fine, maybe we could make a deal somehow...
Hmmm...
She started to think.
I know!
I anticipated the worst.
You bring me that wire!
But what do you need it for?
I need it for my needs!
Ok, let's assume I get it... You won't tell anybody?
I give you the word of a pioneer!
I could hardly believe her.
But on the other hand, it was just a coil of wire – so why shouldn't I try?
Let's not get involved in another hour-long retarded argument with someone over how sitting naked in a bush watching two girls undress is an 'accident'...
Ok, fine...
Deal!
But you must know that...
Yeah, yeah, of course!
She interrupted me.
Wait here.
Saying that, I went back into the club's quarters.
Now I'm done with everything... So I thought you could get me something as you promised...
My voice sounded bit sycophantic, which was enough to drive me mad.
Of course I'm not insisting but...
One minute.
He tore himself away from his work and got a pair of buns from the drawer and a classic triangular pack of kefir.
Be my guest.
Thank you...
While I was busy eating, Electronik didn't turn away from his device for a second.
He was rolling up the wire, which I had taken away from Ulyana, onto the coil.
~ And it was wire she wanted! ~
So what's this?
An inductor.
An duck tor?
Semyon pls
Join our club and you'll know everything!
He looked at me and smiled slyly.
I'll think about it...
Of course, I wasn't going to join anything but taking into account that he had fed me I had to be polite.
By the way, as I said, I have something else...
Well, yeah...
Wait a second.
He went into the adjacent room and came back after a minute with some kind of package.
Tan-ta-daaa!
And gave it to me.
There was a big bottle of 'Stolichnaya' vodka inside.
Huh, I get it, but it's still morning...
~ Or does Electronik share the motto of 'get drunk in the morning – take the entire day off'? ~
What are you talking about?! I'm not suggesting we drink it! We have it to clean the optics!
~ Cleaning the optics, yeah right... Internally... ~
Ok...
I gave him the package back.
I'm confused here. Did Semyon just confirm he's the planet's biggest cunt or did Electronik specifically told us to get here because they have 'something special' and give me a bottle of vodka... to fucking look at?
Another example of great patching skills. Breaking what was working fine so it's not translated any more. That's some EA level shit. Luckily I have backups.
What do you need it for?
Uhh...
Probably I had to think about reason beforehand.
I just need it.
[elann] But we can't do without it as well.
Do you? Well, never mind then...
~ I can't just force him to give it to me, right? ~
I'll go then…
Come back anytime!
Of course...
I'll come whenever I want to look at your vodka bottle.
~ The moment I want to have a drink... ~
Ulyana ran up to me instantly.
And? So? Have you got it?
No...
That's your own fault then!
Do you need this wire at all...?
But you get credit for trying!
What?
I was surprised.
Alisa would tell everything anyway!
Ulyana laughed.
She is really angry with you.
I bet...
I muttered quietly.
Ok, see ya!
She waved at me and ran away.
~ Here I am, in a stupid situation once again, no big deal. ~
~ It's not the first time... ~
Suddenly my hunger returned again...
For sure, a meal of some buns and kefir was awesome. But it's not enough to fill me up.
We go to the canteen, Lena and Slavya approach us, we collect strawberries. We then gather all the shit for the cake, Ulyana eats some and gets grounded, we go for the hike.
Slavya has left somewhere after our conversation it seems.
Electronik and Shurik were trying to prove something to Olga Dmitrievna furiously.
Looks like I'm the only one who doesn’t belong to this place.
All I was doing is just watching the fire.
~ There is a saying that claims that one could watch it forever as well as running water. ~
But there was also some third thing there...
~ What was that? ~
Camp leader got me out of my dreaminess.
Semyon, don't you think that you've relaxed too early?
But what else do I need to do?
I honestly couldn't get what Olga Dmitrievna wants from me.
I don't know...
She stopped for a moment.
But if there will be something to be done, then do it without hesitation.
She smiled with some kind of ambiguity and went back to the fire to throw a few branches in.
After those words I was completely sure that she treats me like a personal slave.
Or at least like I'm a free labour force, what is, strictly speaking, the same thing.
I sighed and put my head down on my hands, hoping for my torments to be over for today...
Someone patted me on my shoulder.
What do you want?
I've asked tiredly.
Don't be sad!
Is there anything better to do?
Look, we've been discussing perspectives of advancement of cybernetics club with Olga Dmitrievna... And there is a problem – we need more guys. If you could...
He hesitated.
~ 'Advancement' and those guys are incompatible with each other. ~
I said nothing and started to look over pioneers around me instead.
Well?
I don't have time... Can't you see that I'm always busy with the camp leader's errands?
Yeah, I guess you're right... It's kind of embarrassing, how it all went today with Ulyana.
I looked at him with surprise.
~ It seems that Shurik blames himself for that cake accident. ~
Yeah, it is...
All the pioneers seem to be here but I couldn't spot Slavya anywhere.
I think she is angry with me...
What?
I've asked absently.
Ulyana. Maybe I should apologize?
No, it's not your fault...
We sat silent for a while and then I stood up and said:
My legs are numb, I better take a walk.
They gave no reply.
I made a few circles around our improvised camp, noticing close looks of a camp leader following me.
Looks like Olga Dmitrievna couldn’t wait to come up with some kind of a new task for me.
I haven't found Slavya anywhere.
~ Maybe I should go and try to find her? ~
On the other hand I felt sorry for Ulyana every time I recalled her upset face.
~ Maybe this hike isn't the most entertaining thing ever but sitting here all alone isn't any better either. ~
But at the same time I didn't want to go anywhere...
Let's go to Ulyana nad get this over with...
~ That thing with the cake... Like it didn't even happen... ~
Though I remembered well her resentful, disappointed face.
Maybe in some other situation I would never have decided to go to her, but now a fine reason to leave this place and end this stupid hike has appeared.
Recalling that Olga Dmitrievna told me to be prepared for new tasks, I decided not to ask for her permission, and after choosing a proper moment I disappeared in the woods.
I mentally thanked the camp leader for not researching the land too well, since this meant civilisation was only a few hundred metres away.
Another long walk through the night forest was not in my plans.
~ Won't it look silly? ~
~ What would I tell Ulyana? Moreover, why would I go to see her in the first place? ~
My head was so heavy and full that there was no room in it for the development of any ideas.
If I would compare my brain at its prime to a broad highway full of speeding thoughts overtaking each other and causing giant chaotic crashes, then now it's nothing but a forgotten tiny path in a distant desolate forest, which is only used in times of absolute necessity.
So it's better not to think about anything and just act.
~ But where should I go? Maybe to her cabin? And what if she's not there? ~
All of a sudden, something knocked me down and I fell to the asphalt. It's a good thing I had time to stretch out my arms, otherwise I would have broken my nose...
Gotcha!
What are you doing?!
I couldn't stop myself from shouting, despite my best efforts.
You shouldn't be stargazing!
She answered viciously.
What if I had smashed my nose? Or had broken my arm?
I said more calmly.
Well, neither of those happened.
Look, why do you always mock me?
I already regret my decision to try and ease her loneliness.
Was today's punishment not enough for you? Can you even draw simple conclusions?
It's entirely your fault.
The smile instantly disappeared from Ulyana's face.
What, exactly, is my fault?
Everything!
You mean I am to blame all the time?
Yes!
She crossed her hands in front of her chest and turned away.
Great...
I suddenly wanted to get away from this place as fast as possible.
But it was because of you I came here...
What?
I guess you are quite bored, given that everybody is hiking, and you're alone here...
I don't care!
She yelled cheerfully.
Well, if things are that way, what do you want to do?
What do you mean?
Well, if you came here because of me!
Such a thought hadn't occured to me.
~ Although, I don't really know what I came here for... ~
After such a greeting I no longer want to do anything.
Then it's up to me to choose!
Said Ulyana cheerfully and started to think.
I stared at her for some time, but then couldn't stand it:
Listen, if you are again planning to...
I know! Let's scare the others! We'll dress up as ghosts, for example! It's going to be so fun!
~ I didn't find this funny in any way. ~
Enough of that already...
I began tiredly, but broke off.
~ Maybe that's not such a bad idea. ~
Are you fucking serious?
After all, by the time she thinks it over and gathers all she needs, Olga Dmitrievna and the pioneers will already be back.
If I came here because of Ulyana then I need to play along.
Perhaps you're right.
ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?!
What?
She was looking at me with her eyes wide open.
Even she thinks this is a retarded idea.
Are you going to agree just like that?
Well, what's so wrong about that...? And furthermore, if you insist...
She studied me attentively for several seconds and then rattled off:
Excellent! Then we need some bedsheets! We want to look like real ghosts, don't we?
You're supposed to be 13 or 14 years old, not 10. I guess neither writer of this day or the artist got the memo.
Probably...
You go get them!
Ulyana announced imperiously.
Where do you think am I going to get them?
Take them from your cabin, obviously.
It wasn’t that obvious to me...
So, you don't want to?
She instantly made a gloomy face.
Okay, okay!
I recalled the fact that there were spare sets of bed linen in Olga Dmitrievna's wardrobe, so maybe there was nothing to worry about...
Wait for me here.
Sir, yes, sir!
She rattled off and saluted me.
It seemed Ulyana was entirely immersed in the game.
It's a shame they are going to get smudged...
I handed one of the bedsheets to her.
It's too large for me.
Ulyana said after twirling it in her hands.
~ No wonder, considering her height. ~
She apparently is 149 cm high. I am ashamed to know that.
Give it to me.
I folded the bedsheet in half and gave it back to her.
It's much better now. Follow me!
She put the white cloth over her head and ran into the forest.
Wait!
I threw myself after her.
Now it was clear that the trick, harmless at first, was taking an unpleasant twist.
For some reason I was sure from the start that the hike would end before Ulyana took any actions, and now we were standing ten metres away from the pioneers, dressed in bedsheets. We didn't look frightening at all, rather we looked comical.
Get ready! On my command!
Wait, wait. Actually, I was joking when agreed to all this... Think again! It won't do any good! You will get yourself put under house arrest until the end of the shift! And so will I...
No retreat, no surrender! Are you ready? On the count of three!
I started scrolling through all the possible outcomes in my head feverishly. There weren't many of them.
First one. Me and Ulyana run out from behind the trees and start the pioneers laughing, resulting in me getting a considerable scolding from the camp leader, and possibly something even worse.
And Ulyana is sentenced to the highest measure of punishment feasible under the laws of the pioneer camp.
Second one. I stay here and observe with the others how Ulyana runs around the glade in a bedsheet.
She is sentenced to the highest measure, like in the first option, and I stay in relative safety.
Third one. I do every thing possible to prevent her from committing this act of moral vandalism, and no-one suffers but her self-esteem.
As expected, all the pioneers laughed loudly, someone even fell from the log he was sitting on and started rolling on the ground.
I tried to save the day and yelled as loud as possible, so Ulyana would hear me, but not the others:
Fool! Stop it! Come here!
I didn't hesitate to follow her.
Such a finale left a tiny chance that she won’t be punished again.
It's good that I didn't join in on that tragicomical act.
~ Now I need to find Ulyana. ~
It turned out to be not that hard, as she hadn't managed to get far.
I stood still, hesitating.
Of course, such an outcome was to be expected, but now I had absolutely no idea of what to do or how to comfort her.
And besides, I'd gone back to the camp intentionally, and I had agreed to participate in that show...
But it just got worse.
As well as that, I was tired, tired unto death.
When was the last time you weren't tired?
At that moment I wished it would all just cease to exist. I just wanted to close my eyes and appear elsewhere.
Preferably in a quiet and peaceful place.
But the sight of the sobbing Ulyana obliged me to take action.
I walked up to her and sat down on the ground.
Well, what were you expecting anyway...?
I began philosophically.
It was sure to end up this way.
You're to blame for everything! You!
Ulyana shouted in tears.
So, what would have changed if I had sprung out with you back there? We both would had been laughed at, that's all.
You always act this way! Always!
Her sobbing was becoming louder and louder, and then she suddenly rushed at me and started pounding on my chest with her fists. The hits were not hard.
It was more likely an attempt to take out the despair that had gripped Ulyana than a real wish to beat me up.
Calm down already!
I said firmly.
She stopped crying for a second and hugged me.
Maybe nothing would have changed, but it would have been more comfortable for me if we went together.
I didn't know what to say, so I just patted her on the head.
Can I stay like this for a bit longer?
Yes.
At that time she didn’t seem like a dangerously explosive nuclear reactor in the form of a little girl, but just like a little sister of mine who'd messed things up.
I wasn't mad at her at all; on the contrary, it seemed I too was beginning to care about the failure of the ghost play-acting.
It's alright, it's alright... We'll scare them properly next time!
Yeah...
Ulyana stopped crying, and I didn't want to disturb her, as she had just calmed down.
But I also had absolutely no desire to stay in the forest overnight.
Hey, let's get back to the camp.
I shook her shoulder gently, but there was no answer.
Ulyana had fallen asleep.
Hey!
I shook her harder. No effect.
At that moment I wanted to cry.
~ Why does this always happen to me? Why do I get caught up in these foolish situations, always and everywhere? ~
~ Even having suddenly appeared in a weird pioneer camp in the middle of nowhere, I don't get to become a subject in an experiment, a victim of a sick cosmic mind, or a participant in an intergalactic war on the side of a group of suicide-prone pacifists, like a regular hero of science fiction. ~
~ No, instead I have to spend the night in a forest with a little girl in my arms, who is muffled in a bedsheet. ~
~ Next time, I'd rather have the monstrous experiments... ~
Maybe there was a way to wake her up, but firstly, I didn't want to, and secondly, one more burden or one less – at that point it made no difference.
It's good that she's not heavy...
Even a little girl is hard to carry for too long.
The stars in the sky were shining brightly.
~ Perhaps they give their light not only to me and this camp, but also shine on the city where I was born, and where my old home is... ~
It was as if a pain settled in my chest.
I envisioned my old flat clearly, and a detestable burning started to make its way from my stomach to my throat.
No, it was not wistfullness. More like a sad reminiscence.
Because despite all that's happened, I've felt more alive in less than five days here than I had for the last several years there.
And now I really wasn't sure if I wanted to get back.
Only one question still ate at me – how and why I ended up here. It flared up yet again in my mind.
I haven't spent much time seeking answers or even just thinking about my situation lately.
My thoughts were occupied with everyday, routine affairs.
And now, in order to break away and be able to wish to stay here for good, I need to understand the nature of this place.
It's just that even a nightingale in a golden cage has a right to know how and by whose will he got in there. And after that, to make the choice whether to stay or not...
I don't know how much longer I would have been devoted to existential thoughts, but Ulyana's loud snoring brought me back to reality.
So small, but she snores so loudly...
I sighed, put Ulyana on my back again and headed to her cabin.
...
On the one hand, I had done what I intended to do – I had comforted and entertained Ulyana.
On the other hand...
The two crumpled bedsheets in my hands looked more like rags left over from some worn-out straitjacket.
I opened the door softly and went in.
Olga Dmitrievna was sitting at the desk, and it seemed she had been waiting for me.
Do you want to explain something to me?
Well... Just don't scold her again... It's my fault!
Just like that I became a hero, to my own surprise.
My tongue acted faster than my thoughts.
Perhaps some of my best traits, which even I wasn’t aware of, have shown themselves.
Humanity as opposed to common sense.
Really?
Having started this, I chose to stick to my decision.
Well, it was me who got the bedsheets. And I was standing behind a tree back then.
Behind what tree?
The camp leader looked at me in astonishment.
So, what did you need bedsheets for?
I realised my mistake.
So, you are not talking about the forest thing?
Semyon, I don't understand you. I wanted to know where you disappeared to so mysteriously during the hike, but now I would be interested in listening to your bedsheet story.
~ But it was impossible that she and all the others hadn't seen Ulyana's performance! ~
~ The pioneers laughing out loud couldn't have been only my imagination. ~
Olga Dmitrievna, I'm serious... Didn't you see someone in a bedsheet spring out at you recently?
So, it was you?
She gave me a close look.
No, it wasn't me...
~ Couldn't she tell just from my height? ~
But you're holding the bedsheets...
Yes...
I couldn't understand if she was playing me for a fool, or she really didn't know what this was all about.
Olga Dmitrievna, let's act like this conversation never happened. I'm too tired for today.
Alright, go to bed.
To my surprise, she readily agreed.
But I couldn't sleep.
There were no thoughts, my head was aching, but I still couldn’t manage to fall asleep.
I rolled to the other side, and images of the day started to flash before my eyes.
Suddenly, I heard a knocking at the window.
I dressed myself and walked outside.
How did you manage to carry me to the cabin...? Wasn't it hard?
Not really... What have you come for?
I couldn't sleep, but at that moment bed seemed to be the only place where I could reside with no suffering, which is why Ulyana's sudden visit didn't please me at all.
How was she? Did you get scolded?
No, I avoided it somehow...
That's great then! I always get lucky!
That's for sure...
My eyes began closing despite my will. It seems that slumber has finally come upon me.
Look, I'm very tired...
This won't take long. Close your eyes.
It was the easiest thing to do, and I didn't even want to know what she needed it for – maybe that way she would leave me alone sooner.
I stood still, benumbed, and I couldn't even manage to shout anything after her.
I don't know for how long I stood like that, but eventually the night chill cleared my stupor.
I shivered and went back to bed.
I reluctantly dragged myself into a sitting position and stretched.
I slowly started to recall the events of the previous day.
A trip, a silly ghost game, Ulyana falling asleep and...
I blushed immediately. It was so surprising that I'd been knocked out of reality for a while.
~ The main problem is how should I treat her now? At first glance nothing special had happened, but... ~
~ Besides, she's the last girl in the whole camp from which one would expect such actions. ~
She seemed to me at best to be a little sister, nothing more.
But for her, apparently, I was more than a big brother...
Though perhaps I just imagined all that, and there was no hidden meaning, deep motives, or allusions to far-reaching conclusions in this kiss. Just an expression of gratitude?
~ Ulyana is definitely capable of extraordinary deeds. And could easily turn simple things into complicated ones. ~
Finally I decided to put off the matter till the time I could meet her face-to-face.
The clock showed eleven. Meaning Olga Dmitrievna didn't wake me up for breakfast.
However, I shouldn't worry. There wasn't much time left till lunch.
I took my bag of washing accessories and went to do my water procedures.
~ Probably all the pioneers are busy with their own things. ~
The place near the basins was deserted too.
Nothing worthwhile having come to my head, I sat in the deck chair and possibly could have stayed there until lunch, but I was drawn from my trance by a familiar voice.
Hi!
So close, yet so far.
Hi.
You overslept again?
Seems like it...
That's no good...
Perhaps... And where are you going?
Actually, I was not really interested in Slavya's agenda for today, but I wanted to keep the conversation going.
Well, I've got some things to do.
I see...
Silence followed. She was about to leave when suddenly I said:
Mind sitting with me for a while?
Oh fuck you. You only ask her when it's clear we are going for Ulyana?!
Sure, why not?
Slavya sat nearby.
Something's worrying you, isn't it?
I'm stuck in this route and can't bed you.
No, why do you think so?
I can read it on your face.
She laughed softly.
Not really...
Although probably Slavya was right – something really was worrying me. Obviously, I worried about last night's events.
Listen, do you have any little brothers or sisters?
I do.
And how do you get along?
Pretty well.
She smiled widely.
And you?
No, I don't...
I said after a short pause.
So why are you asking?
I don't know, just... Do you always understand them?
I try to.
Sometimes I just cannot make out what children want...
Suddenly I stopped for a moment.
~ Slavya doesn't know that I am actually much older than I look. To her, I am still a child myself. ~
Those who are younger...
Why?
Well, I cannot always understand the motivations of their actions. They often behave illogically.
Weren't you as old as them some time ago?
She looked at me with surprise.
Of course I was...
At that moment it seemed to me that it had been a very long time ago. And when I looked at Ulyana that time turned into a gulf of years.
I said roughly, took my tray and left the table.
I definitely wasn't afraid of Alisa's words, even though they sounded like a threat.
In fact, I was more interested by her concern for Ulyana...
Of all the local inhabitants, she was surely the last one you would expect to worry about another person.
It was time to find to some cool and shady place.
And the beach seemed like the best place for this.
'Cool and shady' eh?
Perhaps most of the pioneers were scared of the scorching heat, or maybe they just decided to take a nap after lunch.
I didn't bring my swimming trunks, so I just sat under an umbrella and began to watch the swimmers.
There was no one I knew and it was better that way, as I had an opportunity to sit quietly and think.
~ Five and a half days have already passed since my arrival and what has changed? ~
~ There were a couple of unexplained but completely harmless events, but all in all, it was just a regular pioneer camp. ~
And this was making me even more frightened.
~ What's going to happen next? ~
~ Another day, another week, and what's going to happen after the session's over? I've got nowhere to return to. ~
~ Maybe in this time I hadn't been born yet. Or even worse... ~
After thinking all this over for a few minutes I went back to yesterday evening.
Strange, but I worried about it much more than before.
On the one hand I wanted to say something to make the situation clear, but on the other hand I avoided any meeting with Ulyana by all means, afraid of making a fool of myself with a wrong word or gesture.
...
How long have you been sitting here?
I asked in surprise.
Not too long.
Strange that she did not wake me up.
Did something happen?
I don't know why but my sixth sense was telling me that she's eager to say something but doesn't dare.
No. What about you?
Neither.
Are you sure?
Of course!
I smiled.
Then what do you want to talk about?
Why would you think I want to talk?
It seems like it.
Nah, not really.
A long silence ensued.
Do you have any little brothers or sisters?
No. What about you?
I don't.
So why would you ask that?
Sometimes I think that I don't understand children at all.
Me too.
Lena's face didn't express anything.
But it's probably got to be like that.
What do you mean? How should I treat them then?
Treat them the way you think is right.
Well, that's the whole idea – I don't know what is right and what is wrong.
The more you think about it, the more you'll regret the mistake.
Well, that's true but it doesn't help...
I was somewhat surprised by such profound words from Lena.
Of course, she said all that with a trace of shyness or modesty and without inappropriate openness, but still...
You mean that I should follow the first idea I get off the top of my head?
I laughed.
As the saying goes, your first thought is the right one.
~ Your first thought is right, huh? And what if my first thought was to kiss her back? ~
~ By the way, what was the first thought that came to me at that time? ~
I tried painfully hard to remember, but nothing worked. Not even scraps of thought surfaced in my brain.
However, in that situation I could only follow Lena's advice, since it all happened so suddenly.
...
The sun was setting slowly, so I rose and went towards the canteen, as my stomach told me that even the participants in such a fantastic story should have regular meals.
Semyon...
Yeah that's probably me.
Take it.
He handed me some kind of key.
What's this?
It's the key to our clubhouse.
And why would I want it?
Olga Dmitrievna asked me to... Considering that I will not be returning there today.
So give it to Shurik.
He has his own business.
So take it yourself.
I can't.
Why not?
Listen, just take it.
Why would I need it? What am I going to do with it?
You'll give it back to me later.
Listen...
Well, I have to go!
He shoved the key into my hand and ran.
~ No matter how you look at it, he is definitely strange... ~
However, I didn't pay significant attention to this event and just put the key in my pocket.
I took my favourite seat in the farthest corner and concentrated on playing with a toothpick.
Soon I got the feeling that someone was standing next to me.
We just stared at each other for some time.
Do you need something?
Finally I broke the silence.
You know, Semyon... Sure, I understand everything but...
What?
I asked, surprised.
Did you think I didn't notice your absence last night?
~ 'Absence' is quite an overstatement... I'd rather say I just went out for a moment. ~
Well, so what?
What's the matter?
I thought that it was nothing too, but I was determined to check.
The camp leader's expression was increasingly heading towards a frown.
So, have you checked?
I still couldn't understand what she was up to.
Yeah, I checked! And you know what! For a true pioneer it is... it is...! It's just unacceptable! It's shameful! It's disgraceful! Especially with her!
She flushed red with exertion.
I don't even want to hear your pitiful excuses!
A vague idea of what she was talking about dawned on me.
So, what happened, would you care to explain?
And now you've got the nerve to play innocent! You! With Ulyana!
Now it all became crystal clear.
I've got two things to tell you. First...
I started getting steamed up.
Nothing of that sort happened there. And I'm the last one who has any relation to this situation.
And you think that...
Second...
I rudely interrupted her.
Who told you that?
In fact, the answer was obvious.
Ulyana would not do that. And if she had decided to once again play a trick on me, she would have done it much earlier. From the time spent here I'd begun to understand her well.
~ And that leaves only one possible candidate... ~
Why does it matter?
No, no! It does!
Would you care to explain your behaviour then?
Olga Dmitrievna seemed to be a little taken aback by my vehemence.
There's nothing to explain!
I quickly got up and headed to the exit of the canteen.
Semyon, wait...
I heard the camp leader's weak prattle behind me.
If you act decisively with her then she is not that confident.
So now I have to get things straight with Dvachevskaya.
While her pranks hadn't concerned me, or only concerned me indirectly, I could bear it.
Just thinking about it, I'd even started to consider her not such a bad person.
Do you know where Alisa is?
Yes I do, what's the matter?
Just tell me!
My words sounded obviously rough, but it seems that she didn't pay it any attention.
She's at the music club.
Mind explaining yourself?
I didn't waste time on pleasantries.
No. What makes you think so?
Alisa gave me a cute smile.
Oh, Semyon, hi! How nice that you're here too! Maybe then three of us can play something? I have a new song and, you know, it is so funny! I'm sure you'll like it, I promise! Or we can choose something old...
Miku interrupted the conversation.
Could you...
What?
She looked at me with the smile of an uncomprehending child. From that moment I understood what exactly she had in her mind – little rabbits, teddy bears, pussycats, but no sign of intelligence.
I need to talk to Alisa.
I said in a tone that brooked no disagreement.
Ok, maybe later...
It looked like she was upset...
~ Though I didn't care! ~
So...
I don't understand what you mean.
Alisa said, offended.
And anyway, I have to go!
She turned around and got ready to leave.
Aw hell naw!
I rudely grabbed Alisa's wrist.
What are you doing?!
The girl was really frightened.
Hey, not so fast!
She stopped and turned to me.
I'm not here to kill you...
My words sounded like a joke but Alisa flinched.
Who told the camp leader that Ulyana came to me at night?
I don't know.
She pleaded piteously.
We discussed it this morning, didn't we?
She said nothing, but continued to look at me with fear in her eyes.
And most importantly – what's the purpose of telling a thousand lies?
I really don't know what you are talking about!
Her eyes filled with tears.
Suddenly I felt as if I'd been struck by lightning.
~ What if she isn't guilty? And why did I immediately think of her? Anyone else could easily have seen us at night. ~
~ You never know. Even Ulyana herself could tell anyone. ~
Are you sure?
I asked harshly.
Yes.
I thought for a second, and this time was just enough for Alisa to escape.
~ Now the only true solution is to talk to Olga Dmitrievna again. ~
She began.
Olga Dmitrievna, could you tell me honestly, who told you about it? I've just spoken to Dvachevskaya – it's not her. Ulyana wouldn't do it herself. So who?
In fact I myself didn't realise why I needed to know this.
~ Initially I was just mad at Alisa, but now... ~
Well...
She hesitated.
Some strange girl... But this still doesn't...
A strange girl?
Well, yes... Not from our camp, it seemed.
Why did she tell you about this?
How should I know?!
Olga Dmitrievna, but this is...
I took a deep breath and turned away.
~ Just why does she have to obviously lie? ~
~ Although, maybe she is trying to protect somebody? Let's say... Damn, I cannot even imagine. ~
Alright...
I said quietly and walked briskly away from the canteen.
I had absolutely no desire to continue listening to Olga Dmitrievna's stupid lies.
~ Our so-called "camp leader"... ~
Are you on guard duty?
I heard a cheerful voice from behind.
Nothing special, just...
Seems like there was no chance of finding out who Olga Dmitrievna's informer was, and yesterday's incident was hushed up somehow, so I decided not to think about it.
What do you have planned for the evening?
Nothing I guess...
After all my frantic attempts to uncover the truth, I felt some inexplicable guilt before Alisa and Ulyana.
What exactly the guilt before Ulyana was about was completely unclear though.
Then I have a suggestion.
What is it?
I brought a video cassette from home...
Her eyes flashed conspiratorially.
And?
~ I couldn't even remember when the last time I had watched or heard something recorded on cassette was. ~
With a cool movie on it!
Where would we get a VCR here?
This word came to me from the past and I decided to test whether my guesses about which time period I had been placed in were right.
At the cybernetics club of course!
There's nothing there.
I said confidently.
What about in the back room?
She was right. It could be there.
Well maybe... But anyway it's too late and everything is closed.
That strange feeling of guilt I felt in front of Ulyana wasn't giving me a chance to refuse immediately.
We can get in there through the window!
She grinned mischievously.
Well, you know…
Please for the love of all that is holy do not tell her that you have the key.
Maybe you're right. Wish we could get a key...
Mused Ulyana.
~ But I had one! In my pocket. ~
And I just remembered about it.
Now that you mention it, yes! I've got a key!
Next time I'd better think before I speak.
That's good! Then I'll quickly run to get the tape, you wait here and I'll be right back.
She disappeared before I could even open my mouth.
It's strange that she wasn't surprised that the key to the cybernetics club mysteriously happened to be in my pocket at the right place and time.
But in any case, I have to decide what to do next.
The most right and logical thing would be to not go anywhere with her.{w} But my guilt got to me...
~ Though it seems to me that there could be nothing criminal in watching a movie with her. ~
~ But on the other hand, with Ulyana even the most harmless things can turn into a three-ring circus. At the very least. ~
I was already starting to forget about what had happened this evening, about my frantic attempts to get the truth from Alisa and Olga Dmitrievna...
...
In just a couple of minutes, she returned.
Having second thoughts?
I looked at Ulyana and felt a bit uncomfortable.
Are we going?
Listen, you know, your ideas are... let's say... not entirely safe. And in the end everything will end badly again.
Are you scared?
No I'm not. I'm just a grown man, and I'm not interested in such games.
Grown man?
She laughed.
~ Indeed, I forgot that I look seventeen at most. ~
And act like 12.
What makes you think so?
It's really hard to accept, but I had nothing to say to that.
Thinking about it – the whole time I spent here I did not display any particular forethought, nor life experience, nor cold, balanced assessment of the situation.
Though the other question is – did I ever show those in that life?
~ And in fact, even if I think... I would recall some examples of course, but... ~
Ok, let's go.
I was so offended by Ulyana's words that I asked:
And what is a grown man in your opinion?
One who is responsible for his actions. One who does not do anything without thinking about the consequences. A person who is capable of taking good care not only of himself, but also of others.
And all that doesn't describe you, that's for sure.
I tried to laugh it off.
I'm not pretending to be like that anyway.
Grinned Ulyana.
Yes, she was absolutely right. I do not possess any of those qualities.
But I always thought that not being seventeen is all that's required.
It seems that, in general, there is no difference between me and other people, and if I wish I could be exactly like they are.
~ Is that all wrong? ~
In fact – no, because in this camp I tried to behave in a most logical, sensible and proper way... like an adult!
~ But if even Ulyana says differently... ~
~ Then how can I get out of here?! ~
Well done, bravo!
I exaggeratedly clapped my hands.
Hey! Stop making fun of me!
She pouted.
Okay, what's next?
Here!
Ulyana went up to the door to the second room, hesitated for a moment, and pushed it open.
Boxes piled on top of each other had formed some sort of Alps in miniature; various devices scattered here and there reminded me of the chaotic brainstorm raging in a head of a scientist; bookshelves on the far wall made it clear that this was not a simple storage for unused junk.
To my right there was a TV set with a video player sitting next to it.
Interestingly, they were not Soviet- I'd bet they were Japanese. At least going by their appearance.
Not very surprising, in those days (or more accurately for me – these days) imports already existed.
Ulyana smiled triumphantly.
Yeah, yeah...
Have you seen anything like that before?
I have...
Perhaps I've got a VCR too. Probably it's lying somewhere on the mezzanine in my house.
Seems like you're not surprised at all.
Why should I be surprised?
A Japanese TV set, a video player! You look like you often see such things!
Hmm... not too often lately.
I agreed lazily.
You are so gloomy...
Nevertheless, okay! Take it!
She handed me a cassette. I turned it over in my hands, but did not find any sticker or labels on it.
So what's on it?
I don't know exactly
Mused Ulyana.
But I'm sure it's something very interesting!
This looks familiar...
...oh. Anyway, it's not porn. What is it?
Here, here, watch!
Ulyana even started fidgeting impatiently.
I'm watching...
A few minutes later, I realised that the tape contained a famous film from the eighties. It was about a robot from the future, sent to kill someone in the past, so in the years in between a hero wouldn't be born...
Interesting coincidence. You could say I was sent from the future too.
This here is the only real clue to the actual year we're in. The movie is obviously the Terminator:
And it was released in late 1984, meaning all this takes place at least in 1985. We learned something after all!
~ So, what? My mission is to kill someone from among the local residents? ~
I could not help laughing.
What's so funny?
Ulyana looked at me reproachfully.
Oh, no, nothing.
Seems as if you don't like the movie!
The movie's alright. I've seen it several times.
How can that be?
Her eyes widened in surprise.
Well... My friend gave me a cassette.
Hmm...
Ulyana stared intently at me.
Anyway, keep watching.
I pointed at the screen.
It is said that when a person has one of their senses weakened, the others are amplified. I was quite blind, but could hear perfectly.
Lights off!
I whispered.
What?
Turn off the lights!
I heard footsteps in the other room and saw a flashlight flickering under the door.
~ I wonder who decided to sneak into the cybernetics club at night? ~
It was a voice of Olga Dmitrievna.
Soon the front door slammed shut, and I sighed with relief.
See that? Again, that's because of you!
What?
Ulyana stared at me in surprise.
Why else would she come here at night? She's definitely searching for us! Alisa likely doesn't care about your absence, but I'm registered at the camp leader's cabin!
She thought for a while.
Well, so what?
So what...? Why are you constantly looking for a trouble? It's almost as if you like it.
It's more fun this way!
Is it fun when you are constantly scolded and punished?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
She laughed merrily.
Eventually, there are also rules. Well, up until now you have evaded serious consequences, but who knows what could happen next! It could all end badly!
You grumble like a granny!
She said, offended.
And who said recently that I could not be called an adult?
Forget it, let's finish the movie.
~ In the end, we are already on Olga Dmitrievna's list, and an hour later, an hour earlier – does it really matter? ~
I was not so keen on the film, but still pretended that I was also interested.
Apart from the evil robot, there was a good man sent from the future to prevent his evil deeds.
~ Maybe I'm not here with the goal of becoming a ruthless killing machine, but on the contrary, to change or prevent something? ~
~ To prevent some event, for example, or to stop someone from some wrongdoing... ~
The only thing you're preventing so far is you getting laid with anyone.
~ The analogy is fairly interesting, but is not based on any real facts. ~
~ I don't have a shotgun in my hands, I'm not wearing a leather jacket and I haven't got motorcycle to ride... ~
~ I don't even have sunglasses! ~
Look, look!
The next chase with shooting and the destruction of various types of wheeled and propelled vehicles was unfolding on a screen.
Do you think the good guy will win?
Of course, I knew the answer.
Obviously! Good always triumphs!
She said seriously.
If we consider that Ulyana often succeeded in her silly ventures, the meaning of the word 'good' gets seriously twisted.
Wait! But you've already watched it.
Yeah, just wanted to know your opinion...
Soon the film came to an end.
During the final scenes Ulyana ran around the room, trying to get a better view of everything happening on the screen without missing anything.
She gasped with relief when the ending credits started.
Liked it?
You need to ask?! Of course!
That's good...
And I can see you didn't really.
She squinted slyly.
Well, it's a film for kids after all.
Ah... Really?
Well... Yeah, so what?
Nothing.
She yawned and sat on the floor with her back against a pile of boxes.
It's probably time to go to sleep.
I'm tired and I won't go anywhere.
As you wish. I'd better go then.
Hey, wait!
Ulyana immediately jumped up and grabbed me by the hand.
Will you leave me here all alone?
Yes?
Well, if you want, should I carry you to your cabin?
I said uncertainly.
In the end, I was already experienced at that.
No! I want to sleep here!
She rummaged in the box next to her and pulled out some sort of blankets and pillows.
Again the same story...
I sighed.
Just think. Olga Dmitrievna is already looking for us. And if we spend all night here...
Well firstly, she is looking for you. That has nothing to do with me.
Laughed Ulyana.
Even if that's so, then you'll be caught too!
What makes you say that? And even if I do get caught, that's okay, I'm used to it!
Why are you so stubborn? It's only a couple of hundred metres to your cabin.
As well as that, you couldn't say that Ulyana was completely exhausted.
I'm so tired!
She wrapped herself in a blanket, turned away from me and began to diligently fake loud snores.
Okay then, see you tomorrow.
I tried to leave, but Ulyana grabbed my hand again.
Well, now what?
She didn't say anything. She looked as if I'd scared her.
Right then, what I should do was completely unclear.
~ Our little cassette adventure was idiotic from the beginning, but now it was beyond my comprehension. ~
I had no idea what the logic behind her actions was. What the meaning and motivation was.
What the fuck with you and 'logic this, logic that'. Do you think you're Spock or something?
However, despite all this, I couldn't firmly say "no".
Something stopped me. Maybe a sense of duty, or pity, or the patience which must be shown when communicating with children.
Okay, what do you want from me?
Go to sleep with me!
Seems like I've seen it somewhere already.
Well, let's assume...
I turned off the light and nestled beside her.
~ The lack of a mattress is not even worth mentioning. ~
Why did you agree so easily?
I could hear resentment in her voice.
You asked – so I did.
In fact, I was completely convinced that Ulyana will fall asleep quickly, as always, and I will carry her to her cabin.
~ Basically, it's a good plan despite the fact that I will again serve as a beast of burden. ~
Hey, talk to me!
Just sleep. You are the one who wanted to.
Just talk!
About what?
Tell me something interesting about yourself, funny stories from your life.
My life is not that action-packed.
Nothing to recall at all?
~ Even if I had something, telling her was not the best idea. ~
Nothing at all.
It can't be that bad!
I turned to Ulyana.
She was lying with her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.
It can, trust me.
But that's so boring!
From time to time...
She was silent for a while, and then smiled and said:
But here you had fun!
Oh, that's true!
I laughed.
Will you remember this camp?
~ First I need to get out of here. ~
Of course, I will.
And the others?
I will...
And me?
And you...
I said it all with an absolutely even tone and, to be honest, without really thinking about the meaning of her questions.
And I will...
Whispered Ulyana.
Immediately I felt her head dropping on my chest and her hand wrapping around my neck.
Comfortable?
Yeah.
She murmured.
You haven't found a better place?
She shook her head slightly.
~ Well, let her lie like that. ~
~ In the end, maybe she'll fall asleep faster. ~
...
Probably, no more than five minutes passed before I decided to check on her and lightly tugged on her shoulder.
What?
She asked without looking up.
I noticed an unusual note in her voice.
Why aren't you sleeping?
Look who's talking!
...
I decided to wait at least another ten minutes before the next time I checked.
But the seconds seemed to be hours...
My eyes began to slowly close. I struggled to stay awake.
I blinked for a moment and woke up, only to realise that my state was close to unconsciousness.
~ Maybe just close your eyes for a minute? What's so terrible about that? ~
And now the door opens and armed men leap towards us.
I can't make out what they're screaming, but their intentions are clearly far from good.
Nah, I'm not scared at all. Rather, I'm embarassed, or even ashamed.
It was dark in here. Only a dim light was gleaming under the door.
~ Why do they make storage rooms without windows? ~
~ Although obviously that's the way it should be... But... Why on Earth would anyone bring a TV set and a VCR in here then? ~
I cursed the architects of this building in my mind and shook Ulyana by her shoulders.
Come on, get up now!
She stretched, and as we were lying together, I could see her sleepy eyes even in the dark.
Ulyana tried to turn away but I firmly grabbed her shoulder with my hand.
I don't know what time is it, but regardless it would be smart for us to get out of here.
Not now. Later.
She whispered, half-asleep.
I said wake up, come on!
I jumped up and easily pulled her to her feet.
Uguuu~
Moaned Ulyana with frustration in her voice.
I started to look for the light switch but then suddenly heard footsteps outside the door.
My heart sank.
Alright, fine...
It looks like our two amped-up cyberneticists are paying a visit to the clubhouse before the break of dawn today.
Shush!
I whispered to Ulyana.
And what's the...
She didn't manage to finish her sentence as I silenced her with my hand.
Well, I understand all that, but we might at least have waited until after breakfast!
Oh, do you have something else to do?
Not really...
I heard some hesitation in Electronik's voice.
Sure you don't want to head off to the library bright and early again?
Hadn't the slightest intention...
He replied fretfully.
Oh, yeah, sure, if you say so.
Soon the work kicked off behind the door – I could hear hammer strikes, machines rattling and electronics buzzing.
Electronik and Shurik were discussing their own matters, so I wasn't paying much attention.
I was more interested in knowing when they'll finally leave the building.
~ Rather soon, breakfast time is coming. But if we take Shurik's passion into consideration... ~
Let go of me!
Ulyana finally wrestled her way out but didn't raise her voice after all.
Why can't we just leave?
She asked under her breath.
And what do you think – it's all fine?
Well what's the problem?
Well, we've spent the whole night here together...
~ And it's obvious what they'd assume, considering I'd taken the precaution of closing the door. ~
So?
What do you mean 'so'?
I tiredly sighed.
Just trust me! I know that it doesn't matter to you, but it does to me!
Okay, fine, we'll keep hiding here.
Agreed Ulyana resentfully.
I was prepared to wait for a long time if necessary, but barely a couple of minutes later the front door opened and somebody came in.
Good morning!
Morning!
It was Slavya.
I just wanted to ask if you happen to have any sticky tape?
We do... Somewhere...
Replied Shurik thoughtfully.
Ah, take a look in the back room!
These words gave me goosebumps and I grabbed the door handle in a stranglehold.
Slavya approached the door from the opposite side and tried to pull it open but I was straining against the door with all my strength.
It's locked.
It can't be – we never lock that room!
Let me try.
Shurik yanked the door handle but nothing happened, although it took a lot of effort for me to hold it steady.
Aw, it's stuck. Gimme a hand here!
In a few moments, they were trying to open the door together with Electronik.
I grasped the handle as if my whole life was depending on it, but regardless this was a short struggle – my hands quickly gave out and I let go.
Morning...
Ulyana was standing behind me so that I couldn't see her but I could feel the embarrassment in her voice.
And what are you doing here?
Asked Shurik almost as if he wasn't surprised.
Well... To tell you the truth, we were watching a movie. Ulyana brought a tape, and you have a VCR here...
Shurik distrustfully stared into the depths of the back room.
And what's that movie?
A barely visible grin crossed Electronik's face.
Just a regular film... A thriller! The latest thriller!
Then I imagined what he and others were thinking right now and I was overwhelmed with rage.
Obviously it's not our fault. Also, not acting like a douchebag wouldn't fit our character.
I pointed my finger at Ulyana.
She looked at me strictly in turn.
Said Slavya without looking at me...
At least there's one sensible person among all present here!
Yet...
She added under her breath.
What?
Everything was exactly as he told you.
Ulyana joined the conversation.
We were just watching a film, and then felt sleepy... It was so late...
We didn't think anything... Just a stupid situation, come on, enough...
His shit-eating grin truly confirms what he's saying
Electronik tried to put it off with a jest.
I think Olga Dmitrievna will be the judge here.
Slavya said in a cool voice.
Hey, wait! Why take this to the camp leader?
Who else?
But you see, we're telling the truth!
I am not the one to judge...
Damn it! Then who?! You have seen everything with your own eyes!
That's for the camp leader to decide.
Slavya said quietly and turned to go.
Just wait!
Listen!
This is none of my business...
Slavya was trying to avoid my gaze.
~ It seems like she's also uncomfortable about this situation. ~
I am just obligated to...
Whom are you obligated to? Why do you need to do this?
Because...
She was unable to find the words to finish.
So! So you don't have to go... anywhere... you don't have to tell anyone anything.
No...
She said nervously, but then raised her head and gave me an intense gaze.
I'm sorry, Semyon.
We will make up for this in the next playthrough. We'll bang, ok?
I turned my head to Ulyana. This fraction of a second was enough for Slavya to slip out of the clubhouse.
Wait! Just wait!
I yelled at her as she ran, but it had no effect.
~ Pursuing Slavya in a futile attempt to prevent her from going to the camp leader made no sense. If she intends to, I can't exactly tie her up. ~
She can't prove anything anyway.
Ulyana chuckled.
Who cares whether she can prove anything or not? Don't you understand your position in all of this? In any situation you're involved in your guilt is a foregone conclusion. Moreover, in a case like this...
Well, we are responsible together then.
She smirked trickily.
Exactly...
I think so... I don't clearly understand what happened here, but presumably nothing that worrying.
Thanks, bros.
Okay, we are going for breakfast!
Soon we lost sight of them.
Let's go and eat as well!
Ulyana said cheerfully.
Food is all you think about!
Says the guy who is constantly either hungry or sleepy
Why bother crying? What will it change?
She was right about that at least.
~ We just have to wait for the camp leader's decision. ~
Let's just go...
~ It might be for the best, I guess. ~
What are you thinking about?
Ulyana asked me cheerfully, when we took our food and sat.
The same thing.
Come on, stop worrying about nothing!
Maybe it's nothing for you...
~ Well, really, what was particularly bad about that? ~
~ Every situation can be interpreted from different angles. And especially if you have a reason... ~
Come on, what's the worst that can happen?
You know, our camp leader – she's a bit... eccentric.
Eccen... Well, maybe so, but we didn't do anything like that. Anything at all!
I hope she believes that too...
My relationship with Ulyana had improved dramatically lately.
At first, I only saw her as a naughty, ill-mannered child, but now I started to see the good sides of her character.
Although, there weren't too many...
And now, just when everything was starting to work out, a hard conversation with the camp leader loomed ahead.
~ Maybe I just dreamt everything that happened, and Slavya's reaction this morning was just caused by surprise... ~
Olga Dmitrievna was hanging over me. She looked at me menacingly.
Yes.
Would you mind explaining your behaviour?
Mind explaining what?
Well, for example, how you happened to be in the Cybernetics club utility room? Where did you get the key? What were you even doing there?
I recalled the circumstances in which I obtained this cursed key.
~ I should speak to Electronik about that. ~
If Slavya told you our version...
We were watching a film!
Ulyana claimed seriously.
The whole night?
The camp leader asked sarcastically.
Then I just fell asleep, and Semyon stayed with me.
And so, there was no chance for you to go to your cabins?
Not even a tiny one!
And what are you going to say?
Well, it sounds really stupid, but she's right.
You expect me to believe that?
Well, it's the truth...
I can't really accuse you of anything...
The camp leader started slowly.
But on the other hand, this entire situation is beyond normal. Pioneers must not behave this way! And there are too many inconsistencies in your story.
We get it...
I agreed fatalistically.
I will do the following: Ulyana, you are on detention, you will be confined to your cabin, and I will decide what to do with you later.
I looked at Ulyana attentively. Contrary to my expectations, she didn't look upset.
Clearly, I do not think this is your fault, but to be fair...
Great! You know where to find me in case you need me!
She stood up instantly and headed to the exit.
Olga Dmitrievna didn't try to stop her.
There's always too much trouble with her! And she got you into all this...
I don't really get what she got me into. And you seem to be too harsh on her.
Show me another pioneer like her!
The camp leader laughed.
When she receives detentions for misbehaving that's another story, but here...
Actually, I don't really understand what was indeed going on, but my duty is to look after your moral character! And this situation is suspicious. Highly suspicious.
And how long are you going to keep her imprisoned?
I don't know...
Olga Dmitrievna pondered for some time.
[mt] Today is the departure. But in these circumstances...
What? What departure?
I jumped at the word.
The term is ending today. This is the last day.
Err, what...?
It was the only response I could squeeze out.
~ The last day, meaning... I'll finally be able to leave this damn camp! ~
~ Maybe, it's time for my suffering to end, and I'll get back to my ordinary reality? ~
But why so suddenly?
Sudden for who? I talked about it in the line-up!
She has a point. At the lineups I was usually sleeping or looking around and didn't really listen to the announcements.
And at what time?
At about five o'clock. Don't forget to get ready!
~ I hardly have anything to pack. ~
She stood up, took a tray and was going to leave.
So what's going to happen to Ulyana?
I don't know yet, I told you. She will probably leave later.
How's that? Not with everyone?
Well, yes.
Is that normal?
I was truly surprised.
What's wrong with it?
~ I don't know about 'wrong', but it's quite strange for sure. ~
Well, I still have work to do.
...
I dug aimlessly at my porridge, which had gone cold long ago.
~ Departure, the possibility of getting out of here! ~
~ But on the other hand, Ulyana... ~
I myself felt guilty before her.
~ In the end, she was penalised while I, at the same time, wasn't. That's not fair. ~
No, it's not like I wanted to share her misery, but I don't think that it's fair that she sits there locked up.
~ Well, there is still some time before leaving. It should be quite enough to make the situation clear. ~
First, I decided to talk with Slavya.
~ I hope she has calmed down. ~
~ Why exactly there? Because in this camp I predominantly met her there. ~
But there wasn't a single soul near Genda's haven.
I stood there for a while, looking at the monument, then headed to the library.
Have we learned that she shares cabin with Zhenya? I don't care enough to check but I don't think so. Whatever.
After knocking at the door (recalling my previous experience, this was not a useless mannerism) I went in.
What do you want?
What's wrong? Why do you react like that? I can't even come in?
What, you came here for no reason? I doubt you wanted to read something.
Well, no...
The classics of Marxist-Leninism weren't my favourite literature.
I wanted to know where Slavya is.
Why do you want to know?
She said that as if she was sure that the conversation is over and thus she proceeded with her reading.
Well, since I'm asking, clearly I need to know.
Should be on the pier.
Zhenya answered indifferently.
Thanks...
~ Yes, Zhenya has a tough spirit. At least, I have issues understanding her. ~
We don't get to bone her so no need to worry about that.
After looking closely I noticed Slavya, who sat quite far away, near the water.
I asked the most neutral question that came to my mind.
Yep.
She answered without turning.
Listen, I...
...want to talk about Ulyana?
Well, yeah...
Honestly speaking, I had no idea what to talk about. Slavya found us in the storage room, got it wrong, and told everything to the camp leader.
Now it's not her concern anymore, if you think about it.
~ On the other hand, it would be a waste of time to talk to Olga Dmitrievna now. ~
Maybe I just subconsciously wanted to understand Slavya's reasoning, to be able to absolve her somehow...
So what did you want to say?
Well, Ulyana got punished. Maybe she won't even leave with us.
No wonder.
I just wanted to explain to you that nothing special happened there.
Frankly speaking, I don't know. I just had to report everything.
So you did. Did it leave anyone better off?
I mumbled to myself.
Of course I'm not sure that it was right...
She said confusedly.
Well, what's done is done... Do you think it's possible to get Ulyana freed from house arrest?
You're worrying about her so much.
Slavya finally looked at me and smiled.
Not about her... About justice!
While I was a bit confused, I found the right answer.
Well, you know our camp leader.
I do, that's for sure.
Just wait. She'll calm down eventually.
Yes, I guess that was the best decision.
Yes, you're right.
I stood near her in silence for some time.
Slavya didn't seem eager to keep on talking.
Still, there was some sense of incompleteness, but faced with the idea of this uncomfortable situation lasting for several hours, I decided not to be a burden.
Okay, I'll go then.
See you.
She smiled.
~ There's still a lot of time till the departure, and I have nothing to do. ~
~ Just yesterday, when it seemed like I was stuck here forever and had lots of time - even though there was actually very little - I felt a need to think and act faster. ~
~ But now that I've got only five hours left till I leave this camp forever, I have not a slightest idea on how to spend them. ~
~ After all, even if she isn't allowed to leave her cabin, that doesn't mean I cannot pay her a visit. ~
I knocked gently.
You're not welcome here!
An angry voice sounded from behind the door.
I pulled on the handle and entered.
Oh, it's you...
Ulyana said disappointedly.
And what, am I the only one who isn't welcome here?
I tried to smile.
Why did you come?
Well, I thought that you'd be bored here all alone.
I'm fine!
Where is Alisa?
As you can see, not here.
Come on, why're you so angry? In the morning you were in a much better mood.
Angry? Me?
Not me, that's for sure...
You have nothing else to do so you came here, right?
Yeah, my bad...
I sighed theatrically and hung my head.
Well, sit down then.
I sat on the opposite bed.
So, tell me something.
Let's come up with a way to prove to Olga Dmitrievna that we did nothing wrong!
I did nothing wrong.
Ulyana corrected me.
You seem to have nothing to do with it.
Exactly!
Okay, let it be.
But why?
~ A tricky question. ~
It feels like we've swapped our roles: I was suggesting a stupid plan while she was a voice of reason.
Well, because we did nothing wrong!
What's the matter with you anyhow? I'll just stay grounded for a couple of hours and that's it. We have to depart soon anyway.
She flopped down the bed and stared at the ceiling.
Well, sure, but...
I tried hard to cheer her up, but it looks like I haven't succeeded so far.
Want to do something, maybe?
It's lunch time already.
I took a glance at my watch.
Where did you get a watch?
Yeah, right.
Here's a job for you. Since I mustn't go out, go and bring me something to eat.
Sir, yes sir!
I saluted her and hurried out of the cabin.
Maybe the punishment had an effect on her, or possibly it was something else.
And my attitude towards her has changed.
Her wrongdoings used to make me feel nothing but irritation but now there was also understanding and a sort of sympathy.
After all, I used to be a child too.
~ Perhaps if one explained to her what is right and what is not, she might be able to avoid many mistakes. ~
However, everyone in the camp already knew about Ulyana being grounded, so eventually my powers of persuasion won out over dietary standards.
What are you talking about?
Well, every death row prisoner has a right to make a last wish. Thus, my last wish is a lunch like this.
Hmm...
To my surprise the food was really delicious.
What would your wish be?
Well... To not be executed, of course!
She laughed.
You can't.
Why? If you can wish for anything.
Well, you can, but within certain limits.
That means it's not anything.
Well ok then, it's not anything...
Then that's not interesting.
Well, I believe being a death row prisoner is hardly meant to be interesting in the first place.
I grinned through my teeth.
I wouldn't know, I never went through that experience.
But if you think about it, that's almost my situation.
~ This camp is my cell. For several more hours I'll stay under arrest and then I'll face uncertainty, just like I would after death. ~
~ The only difference is that I had more options. If I wanted to attend lineup then I'd do so, if not then I didn't. ~
What are you going to do next?
What do you mean?
Well, after the camp.
She looked at me in surprise.
Back to school, of course.
~ Yes, only for me leaving this place is kind of like crossing a barrier, a frontier, the end of something and a beginning of something else. ~
A week ago it was terribly hard for me to realise that I'd been pulled out of my usual world and brought to God knows where. But then I got used to it.
And here we go again...
~ Basically, the only difference is that now I face not a sense of fear and horror, but a blunt, sinking feeling of uncertainty. ~
And you?
I... Well, I'll find something to do.
Something?
She burst into peals of laughter.
Yeah, what's the matter?
You should have gone to a circus school to be a clown!
He doesn't need a school for that.
Why?
One can't help laughing when looking at you.
But why?
You always act like a some kind of a martyr, a new messiah for all the Russians.
Well, there was quite a bit of truth in her words.
I have my reasons.
I mumbled and turned to face the window.
What reasons?
Various... Why are you so curious?
Have you forgotten that I'm a child?
She grinned archly.
Well, half an hour with you is like a terrible torture for me.
Look who's talking! You're just one really nasty-tempered person!
What makes you think so?
You're always deep in soul-searching, trying to find out something, analyzing everyone around you.
I gave Ulyana an amazed look.
I would never have expected such a little girl to be capable of such mature judgment.
Can we finish this inane shit and get to the departure already.
...and?
That's it...
At the very least I know how to behave myself – and I don't end up grounded.
It's a matter of chance.
She grinned.
Yeah, sure!
If last night...
She stopped short.
'Last night' what?
Nothing...
No, finish what you started!
She just opened her mouth when steps were heard behind the door and a second later Olga Dmitrievna entered the room.
She seemed confused and lost for words.
Well, I reconsidered this morning's incident... It's not like it became much clearer, but it doesn't look like a big deal. So, Ulyana, you're officially not grounded anymore.
If only you did that right from the start.
I muttered.
Did you say something?
No, nothing.
Departure is coming, time to pack your stuff.
Saying that, she left the cabin.
Now you see how it all turned out!
Yeah...
I sighed.
Are you going to pack?
Yeah, I guess so... And you?
Yeah, I'm going to pack my stuff too.
She didn't reply, so I left the cabin.
~ The only thing left for me is to leave this place and get ready for something new. ~
~ Do I have anything to pack anyway? ~
I stuffed my winter clothes into a bag and took a seat on the bed.
I was haunted by an agonising feeling of incompleteness – either deja vu, or a feeling that I forgot something, but still can't remember what it was exactly.
~ When all is said and done, I haven't managed to find any answers here, and now I'll have to continue my quest elsewhere. ~
~ Does it really matter how and why I came here if it's not possible to escape? And it seems that nothing's up to me anyway. ~
Everything seemed simpler before.
Sure, I had no major prospects, my perspectives were hardly mind-blowing, but at least everything was pretty much clear.
Yet the week I've spent here raised more issues than my whole previous life.
...
The clock struck five o'clock.
Everyone's here?
Began Olga Dmitrievna.
You're leaving our camp today and I'd like to tell you something in parting.
She was visibly nervous and desperately lost for words.
I hope that you'll remember the time you've spent here for a lifetime and that you'll retain only pleasant memories about Sovyonok.
I also hope that you became at least a little bit better, managed to learn something and found new friends...
Just... come back next year.
The camp leader turned around. It seemed that she was trying to hold back her tears.
I didn't expect her to get so emotional.
Although her speech sounded like a complete nonsense. As usual.
The pioneers slowly started to get on the bus.
I ran an eye over the crowd, looking for Ulyana.
She won't be going.
The leader answered shortly.
How? Why?
She's grounded.
But you said...
She's at it again.
What do you mean?
Hey, get inside, or they'll leave without you!
~ Indeed, I was the last man standing outside. ~
Wait a second...
Move it!
She nudged me onto the bus. I decided not to argue.
~ Here at the end, I can't be held responsible for her forever! Here we go again! If she's going to be so stubborn, then it's up to her to face the consequences! ~
There was no partner for me, which I was fine with at that moment.
However, soon enough Alisa moved to sit next to me.
Stayed...
Why?
Grounded...
I gave one-word replies, showing no interest in conversation.
Why?
Dunno...
And what, you haven't even tried to find out?
Is it worth staying back for?
You should.
For what? If you want you can stay. We haven't gone far.
Yeah, yeah...
She said calmly and went off to her place.
Slavya and Zhenya were sitting in front seats and talking with enthusiasm about something. Lena, Miku, Shurik, Electronik were sitting closer to me and playing cards. Alisa and some other girl were looking through a magazine.
Probably, I was the only one who had nothing much to do.
I caught myself thinking that I still felt a bit guilty about what happened to Ulyana.
~ But what could I do? If I'd stayed together with her, I would have probably missed my only chance to leave... ~
~ And in my position, playing such games could prove fatal! ~
~ And apart from that, enough is enough! ~
Yet still I couldn't stop thinking about her. That I'm at fault, that I've acted cowardly, done a bad thing. That anyone in my shoes would have...
~ But why? Anyway, who is she to me that I need to take risks for her sake? ~
It was even harder to answer this question.
During the week I spent here I got to know her and others quite well.
~ In the end, I felt responsible for Ulyana in some way! ~
~ But what's the point of thinking about it now? ~
~ I'm leaving this pioneer camp. I'm heading into the unknown. ~
~ Starting from this moment, I have to make all my decisions based on the assumption that this world is alien to me and, most probably, hostile. ~
~ And I have no one to rely on. ~
Although, thinking about it, such state of affairs isn't too new for me – I was always alone in the past...
...
Anyway, the surroundings were the least of my concerns now – I was knee-deep in my reflection.
It feels to me like I've left some unfinished business back at the camp.
Even though I can't go back there now.
~ Bad things, good things – everything will be forgotten soon, leaving only the fact of my appearance here, the end of my old life and the beginning of the new one. ~
~ Practically speaking, it's nothing fancy – just an eighties pioneer camp that I was been beamed to from my own time... ~
~ In any case, I'd rather worry about what's waiting for me at that town we're heading for. ~
~ After all, I've got nowhere to return to. I have no home, no money, no friends or relatives. ~
~ All these pioneers that I'll part ways with in a few hours? I won't see any of them ever again. And them? I don't think that they will remember me in a couple of years. ~
~ It's not a big deal for them, to them I'm not the time traveller but a common boy, their peer... ~
...
The road seemed endless. Most of the pioneers were long asleep, yet I was still fighting the urge to take a nap.
It's always better to enter the unknown while remaining awake, though the unknown always has an edge in this battle – the flow of time that it is able to control as it sees fit.
It happens all the time. You just close your eyes and fall asleep, the hour hand makes several turns, the morning comes and you wake up but it feels like you just blinked.
Something was wrong...
Though not 'something' - everything was wrong!
But... But how can that be possible?
I began to panic and I started to run around my room in the hope of calming myself down.
Physical tiredness can often overcome an emotional one.
My head was empty, fear and terror took over my whole being, and some kind of a song was floating in my mind – maybe a prayer, or maybe just an incoherent jumble of thoughts designed, if not to calm me down, then at least to distract me from my panic.
It was about half an hour before I collapsed on the floor, exhausted, and fixed my eyes on the ceiling.
It seems like I had not gone anywhere. The old chandelier looked down at me unkindly with its dusty lamps, the cracks in the plaster were in the same places, and the unstuck wallpaper hadn't slipped down even a little.
Was it really a dream...?
But it can't be! It just can't be!
I spent an entire week in that pioneer camp.
I was definitely there. I remember everything perfectly, from my awakening aboard the bus right up to the departure... Neither dreams nor hallucinations can be that real.
Somehow I stood up, went to the kitchen, filled a glass with water and returned to the room.
The blood was still hammering in my temples, but at least the terror of the first few minutes was gone. Or had just taken a break.
I concentrated on the last thing I remembered. It was the departure from the camp.
The night, the bus bouncing over the bumps, the dirty, murky glass, beyond which almost nothing was visible and the pioneers...
I'd been absolutely positive that I would never return. Or just didn't think about it.
Anyway, I was prepared for our arrival at the district centre in a few hours and was already considering options for my further actions.
Or not?
Damn it!
I roared and pulled on my hair with all my strength.
I can't remember!
The last hours in that world merged into a monotonous mirage, as if a drunken Renoir was completing his painting with a roller instead of a brush.
But it's not that bad. Wait a minute, why would it be bad? On the contrary, everything is fine! I would even say perfect! I've broken free from that goddamn world and returned home. The most important thing now is not to end up there again. It might happen, surely it could!
...
But it might not happen as well! Indeed, I have nothing to worry about now, everything will be fine! Obviously I was just seeing things. Exactly, I was seeing things!
It doesn't matter that everything felt that real, something like that just can't happen. It can't! I claim with all due confidence that it just can't. Modern science claims it's impossible. Not allowed!
I laughed loudly.
An inner voice tried to stop the verbal diarrhea spouting from my mouth, but it didn't succeed.
It feels like my speech and thoughts are separating to exist on their own independant from each other.
My brain prompted me to calm down and try to analyze the situation, while my tongue simply tried to ease the stress by throwing new and new meaningless words out into the air.
Finally I was somehow able to pull myself together. I pulled the curtains open and looked out the window.
The view brought my mind back to reality, at least to some extent.
After all, if everything is now normal and nothing suspicious or supernatural is happening, then wasn't it just a dream?
Essentially, there are only two options now.
I can agree that it was just a dream and calm down. Or I can trust my own feelings and accept that the camp, the bus and the pioneers were real.
Either way, whatever I choose I won't get any answers.
It's funny, I was looking for these answers for a whole week (or at least pretending to) and found nothing, but I broke free from that weird world anyway. And what now?
The enigma remains and additional questions have surfaced.
In the end, I was exhausted and fell onto the bed. In a few seconds I was snoring blissfully...
...
Most students didn't like it.
Because of its difficulty and the hard-to-understand teacher, I suppose.
But I found a kind of pleasure in dealing with tables, graphs and diagrams.
Counting the figures by pieces, I arranged them in columns and lines in the right order, summing up, subtracting, dividing and multiplying, and using them to get a precise picture of any event.
No number could avoid my attentive gaze. All of them would be captured, calculated, analyzed. Each of them would get an index number and a place in their proper cell.
After its arrival, every digit will be assigned a bunk, work uniform and off-duty clothes and will be sent to perform its designated task.
Some will be digging a trench from 9 to 5, some will march off to face the trends, and some will be trying to hit a linear regression on the shooting range.
Reluctantly, I stopped writing and gazed at my classmate.
Taking notes on the lecture, as you can see.
Oh just screw it! Just read the workbook afterwards!
I'll read the workbook as well.
I'm always astonished by you.
What's so astonishing?
You're planning to gain a first-class diploma, aren't you?
Never thought of it...
Don't tell me you really find it interesting!
I remembered that just a moment ago I'd imagined myself emblazoned on a banner borne aloft by a regiment of digits and couldn't help smiling.
You won't even need all this stuff!
Everything will be needed. At least for general development.
The classmate grinned sarcastically.
I bet you never read even a single book in your whole life.
So what?
He asked challengingly.
Just stating a fact.
And you are always somewhere up in the clouds.
He was right about that. Although I'd regained part of my lost social skills, I often slipped out of touch with reality, dreaming of something else.
You say it like it's a bad thing!
And there's nothing wrong with not reading books either!
Human beings can't have only material needs.
I said philosophically, mocking him.
Oh, you're such a downer, yawn!
...
The lecture was approaching its end and I began to plan out the rest of the day.
Need to buy some groceries and later finish a project and send it to the client. And then I got to write down notes...
And then in the evening I can just read or watch something.
Unless someone phones or writes to me. There are no urgent matters so I can spare some time for my mates.
Oh, five whole minutes to go...
I looked at my phone and realised that it is exactly a year after I returned from the Sovyonok pioneer camp.
My soul felt warmer from such thoughts, and I smiled blissfully.
It's not often anymore that I recall those events.
Obviously one can't just forget something like that, those moments of something bizarre and extraordinary that are engraved in my memory forever.
Normally even the happiest moments fade and just reminiscences of them remain, nothing more. But the week spent in Sovyonok was different.
I remembered everything in perfect detail: the terror of the first minutes after waking up in the bus. The first day – hard, full of surprises and amazing acquaintances. Cheerful and carefree pranks with Ulyana, just take that trick with the ghosts for instance.
The best Soviet comedians would envy it!
And the pioneers had such expressions! They were dying laughing!
It sure would be nice to meet Ulyana in real life.
Well, she is not always perfect, she's hyperactive, and she doesn't have any idea about good manners, but...
One doesn't meet such a sincere, carelessly cheerful and energetic person very often.
Maybe she gave some of that energy to me...
It makes the fact that she had to stay behind even sadder.
Of course it's just a dream, a figment of my imagination.
Although you still can worry about book and film characters. One laughs and cries with them and feels their pain.
Same thing for me – it seems that if I had acted differently, this story would have had an even more joyful happy end.
However, I'm sure that Ulyana is happy in that world.
I just can't imagine her being upset for longer than five minutes. Her optimism will help her to find a way, even in the most difficult situations.
I wonder what she will look like when she grows up...
...
The bell rang. My classmate stood up and looked at me keenly.
Okay, see ya... Can I crib notes from you later?
If you had been writing down your own during the lecture you wouldn't need any.
So can I?
Okay, fine.
Cheers!
He smiled and left the lecture hall.
For a moment I could almost smell the knowledge in the air, like sea salt in the air on the deck of a ship.
Thousands and thousands of students came here to study, to learn something new or to forget something they used to know.
Some slept through the lectures, some wrote them down attentively, just like me, but nobody was completely indifferent.
Those who didn't care stayed home, pulled the curtains across the windows and fixed their eyes on a monitor.
Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.
Only the good end left and we can finally be done with this route.
First, stuff that changes:
Day 5: we refuse to get the wire for Ulyana.
Then I'll tell everything!
You'll tell everything anyway! Or Alisa will...
Ahh, get lost!
Yeah, sure, as if it was my fault...
It is. You were watching us.
No I wasn't!
But, no matter how you slice it, I actually was...
Alisa doesn’t think so.
She doesn't agree with me about a lot of things.
And Olga Dmitrievna won't be happy either.
You know what?!
I started to lose my temper.
If you want to tell everything – go ahead right now! And don't forget to mention that the government’s default, world depression, global warming and the Genesis Flood are all my fault too!
Oh, c'mon, stop overreacting like that... I was joking.
Joking...?
I suddenly realised that I really was wound up too much.
Your jokes are stupid! And what am I supposed to do every time – guess if it is for real or a joke?
Yep.
She grinned.
It's more funny that way.
Ulyana turned around and ran towards the square, waving her hand in parting.
~ Still, you can't deal with her in a harmonious way... ~
After this, we talk with Electronik and he gives us vodka to look at. Rest of the day goes without changes.
During our search for Olga's informer, we stop Alisa from walking verbally, not physically.
Hey, not so fast!
She stopped and turned to me.
Again, massive changes.
And finally, day 7: we admit it's our fault that we've slept in the storage room. Dialogue doesn't change, we just don't point our finger at Ulyana.
She seemed confused and lost for words.
Well, I reconsidered this morning's incident... It's not like it became much clearer, but it doesn't look like a big deal. So, Ulyana, you're officially not grounded anymore.
If only you did that right from the start.
I muttered.
Did you say something?
No, nothing.
Departure is coming, time to pack your stuff.
Saying that, she left the cabin.
Now you see how it all turned out!
Yeah...
I sighed.
Are you going to pack?
Yeah, I guess so... And you?
Indeed, it was the truth.
Care to help me then?
Okay, sure, why not?
She started to pull her clothes out of the cabinets and stack them on her bed.
Watch it, you'll mess up everything.
It's ok! I'll wash them at home!
T-shirts, skirts, shorts, dresses, shoes, trainers, underwear... The pile of clothes was growing and growing.
You really brought all this stuff here all on your own?
Considering Ulyana's constitution, it was hard to believe.
Yes, of course!
She laughed.
Come on, give me a hand.
We've started to pack up the clothes into a big bag.
I tried to pack things carefully at first, but after realizing that it's pointless, resorted to just stuffing everything in to make it all fit.
At last, there were no more clothes on the bed, and we even somehow managed to zip up the bag.
So, that's it.
Yeah...
I looked at the clock. It was about forty minutes till the departure time.
You know, it was fun.
Meaning?
Well, the last week was fun.
Ah, yeah...
I said absent-mindedly.
Don't you think so?
Why...?
It sounded sort of insincere to me.
Well, I must admit that I'm not exactly walking on air, yeah.
But what didn’t you like?
~ It's not like I can spit out everything at once... ~
You see... A few moments were, how can I put it, a little unexpected.
Blah, you're so boring...
Said Ulyana and turned away from me.
Well, what did you expect from me?
You sound like you've got absolutely nothing to remember later.
Yeah, there sure is plenty to remember.
I gleamed.
Yep, that's what I'm saying!
She looked closely at me. That made me a bit uncomfortable.
What now?
And me, will you remember me?
Sure I will. Everyone...
Everyone...
And you – you most of all!
I saluted, springing up to attention with my hand over my heart.
That's better!
~ However, do I really have something to remember about her? ~
~ Yeah, we had a lot of adventures, but who is Ulyana for me? Just a nosy kid from another reality... ~
~ On second thoughts, do I really care that much about my situation now? From the very first moment I appeared here, everything changed tremendously, so right now I was just curious what's going to happen next. ~
~ Sure, the unknown is not the most pleasant perspective, but I must admit that it's a breathtaking one. ~
~ Whether I will return to my world or not is not up to me anymore. ~
~ It means that I don't really have any choice – I have to adapt to the local living conditions. ~
And one of these conditions was sitting right in front of me, smiling broadly.
You know, you're not as silly as I first thought.
Why'd you think I'm silly in the first place?
She said in an offended tone.
Just kidding.
You and your jokes...
Alright, it’s time.
Let's go.
Ulyana said happily and pointed at the bag.
Yeah...
I shouldered her belongings. The weight almost made me bend in half.
I was thankful for the fact that the bus stop was just a few hundred metres away.
After some time all the pioneers were here.
Began Olga Dmitrievna.
You're leaving our camp today and I'd like to tell you something in parting.
She was visibly nervous and desperately lost for words.
I hope that you'll remember the time you've spent here for a lifetime and that you'll retain only pleasant memories about Sovyonok.
I also hope that you became at least a little bit better, managed to learn something and found new friends...
Just... come back next year.
The camp leader turned around. It seemed that she was trying to hold back her tears.
I didn't expect her to get so emotional.
Perhaps, it was the first time that her words haven't just passed by my ears..
The first row was taken by Slavya and Zhenya, then, a little closer to us, Lena, Miku, Electronik and Shurik were playing cards.{w} Alisa slouched in her seat alone two rows from us – there was no partner for her.
It turned out a bit embarrassing for your neighbor...
I looked at her closely.
~ It seems this little demon had changed her attitude towards me in a radical way. ~
~ Could it be that I'm... a friend to her? An odd word that seemed to have lost its meaning for me ages ago. ~
~ I can't recall any of my acquaintances, when I still had them, who I could call 'friends'. Maybe even back when I was at school... ~
~ And now someone considers me a friend... ~
~ Anyway, what does it all mean to me? ~
I always felt more comfortable thinking about abstract stuff, distant perspectives and global matters than of simple, ordinary issues.
And indeed, during all the time I've spent in this camp, I've managed to become close friends with Ulyana.
She awakened these long-forgotten feelings in me.
Because this is what means to be buddies or friends.
I smiled and tousled her hair gently.
And what's that for?
She puffed her lips.
Just because!
Pervert!
Will you marry me when I grow up?
Sure!
I'll hold you to that!
Okey-dokey!
Let's go join them at cards?
Why not!
We gathered around the suitcase that was being used as a table.
Soon Alisa joined us.
I was laughing a lot, cracking jokes and just enjoying being in a state one usually calls 'happiness'. A simple happiness, here and now.
Right now, this bunch of pioneers that I've managed to befriend in this short week were a million times more important to me than finding out how I came to this world and how to get out of here.
~ In the end, should I even bother trying to get back? ~
...
The game was long over, and the pioneers had returned to their seats.
I had no idea how long would it take to get to the district centre, but it seemed like an eternity.
From beyond the bus windows only pitch darkness was looking back at me, almost consuming the entire world, compressing to only the size of the Icarus' cabin.
Anyway, the surroundings were the least of my concerns now – I was enjoying the moment.
~ It seems that this reality is completely normal. ~
~ And does it really matter how I got here if things turn out this great? I became another person and met new friends. ~
About life.
And how is it going?
Just awesome!
Ulyana laughed quietly.
~ I don't have a place to return to, so I can choose any life path I want. ~
~ Yes, we will part ways soon and I will probably never see most of them again, but we will stay friends forever! ~
A pleasant warmth flowed through my body.
I felt like a kid again.
Ulyana put her head on my shoulder and quickly fell asleep.
...
Sometimes you may feel tired not only because of hard work or sad feelings but also because of fun, joy, and happiness.
You may probably even want to continue but have no energy to, with your soul demanding time to rest and your body asking for calm.
Most students didn't like it.
Because of its difficulty and the hard-to-understand teacher, I suppose.
But I found a kind of pleasure in dealing with tables, graphs and diagrams.
Counting the figures by pieces, I arranged them in columns and lines in the right order, summing up, subtracting, dividing and multiplying, and using them to get a precise picture of any event.
No number could avoid my attentive gaze. All of them would be captured, calculated, analyzed. Each of them would get an index number and a place in their proper cell.
After its arrival, every digit will be assigned a bunk, work uniform and off-duty clothes and will be sent to perform its designated task.
Some will be digging a trench from 9 to 5, some will march off to face the trends, and some will be trying to hit a linear regression on the shooting range.
Reluctantly, I stopped writing and gazed at my classmate.
Taking notes on the lecture, as you can see.
Oh just screw it! Just read the workbook afterwards!
I'll read the workbook as well.
I'm always astonished by you.
What's so astonishing?
You're planning to gain a first-class diploma, aren't you?
Never thought of it...
Don't tell me you really find it interesting!
I remembered that just a moment ago I'd imagined myself emblazoned on a banner borne aloft by a regiment of digits and couldn't help smiling.
You won't even need all this stuff!
Everything will be needed. At least for general development.
The classmate grinned sarcastically.
I bet you never read even a single book in your whole life.
So what?
He asked challengingly.
Just stating a fact.
And you are always somewhere up in the clouds.
He was right about that. Although I'd regained part of my lost social skills, I often slipped out of touch with reality, dreaming of something else.
You say it like it's a bad thing!
And there's nothing wrong with not reading books either!
Human beings can't have only material needs.
I said philosophically, mocking him.
Oh, you're such a downer, yawn!
...
The lecture was approaching its end and I began to plan out the rest of the day.
Need to buy some groceries and later finish a project and send it to the client. And then I got to write down notes...
And then in the evening I can just read or watch something.
Unless someone phones or writes to me. There are no urgent matters so I can spare some time for my mates.
Oh, five whole minutes to go...
I looked at my phone and realised that it is exactly a year after I returned from the Sovyonok pioneer camp.
My soul felt warmer from such thoughts, and I smiled blissfully.
It's not often anymore that I recall those events.
Obviously one can't just forget something like that, those moments of something bizarre and extraordinary that are engraved in my memory forever.
Normally even the happiest moments fade and just reminiscences of them remain, nothing more. But the week spent in Sovyonok was different.
I remembered everything in perfect detail: the terror of the first minutes after waking up in the bus. The first day – hard, full of surprises and amazing acquaintances. Cheerful and carefree pranks with Ulyana, just take that trick with the ghosts for instance.
The best Soviet comedians would envy it!
And the pioneers had such expressions! They were dying laughing!
It sure would be nice to meet Ulyana in real life.
Well, she is not always perfect, she's hyperactive, and she doesn't have any idea about good manners, but...
One doesn't meet such a sincere, carelessly cheerful and energetic person very often.
Maybe she gave some of that energy to me...
The bell rang. My classmate stood up, said his goodbyes and left.
I started packing my exercise books and textbooks into my backpack when I suddenly heard someone's voice in front of me.
Excuse me, is this the 34th lecture hall?
There's a sign on the door.
No there’s not!
Girl's voice sounded offended.
Someone must have removed it.
So is it the 34th?
Yeah.
At last I closed the backpack and raised my head, intending to stand up.
Haven't we...?
Yes, I thought the same.
She looked very surprised.
But I don't remember where I could've met you.
Neither do I...
What year are you in?
First year.
Oh, still pretty much green...
The girl smiled.
Everything is still ahead of me!
As if I'm already past everything...
And what about you?
Fourth.
So, is it difficult to study?
For the first year it is.
I knew it!
She said in an upset manner.
But it gets easier with time... It's always easier when you get used to it.
Sometimes I'm too lazy to do things...
Yeah, that also happens.
Do you still have any stuff from the first year? If you share it, it'll be easier for me to prepare for examinations.
Obviously I had nothing, my first year was finished a long time ago.
But I suddenly felt a strong desire to ask for her phone number, so I lied.
Yes, maybe... But I'll have to check.
That's great!
We exchanged our telephone numbers.
My name is Semyon. What should I call you?
Ulyana.
And then I realised who this girl reminded me of!
Exactly, she's Ulyana, just around five years older!
For a moment I was lost for words.
What? It's an ordinary name! That was Lenin’s name!
She said, pouting.
No... Just... Have you ever been to a pioneer camp?
When I was a kid... Why are you asking?
In the blink of an eye, all the events that happened in Sovyonok flashed in front of my eyes.
So, it wasn't a dream!
Although they were just summer camps, not "pioneer" ones...
Ulyana added.
So you weren’t wearing a uniform?
The one with a red neckerchief? Of course not! Fashion police alert!
She laughed loudly.
But why are you asking?
I was about to tell her everything, but then realised that she will just consider me a psycho.
After all, this girl was much older than the Ulyana I remembered.
Maybe she just looks like her...
I had a dream... And I think I saw you there. A kind of deja vu.
Deja... what?
It's when one sees something for the first time but believes that he has seen it before.
Well, now that you mention it...
Her face became serious.
I think I've seen you somewhere as well. Definitely! Maybe it's that thing you just said...
An interesting coincidence, don't you think?
I don't know... Anyway! I'll give you a call! See ya!
Appearance, behavior, way of talking... She's definitely that exact Ulyana!
So, does that mean the dream is coming true?
I can't help but enjoy it!
Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.
This fucking game, it seems with every new playthrough it finds a way for the protagonist to be even bigger whiny cunt. Fuck.
Most of the events up to the card game during day two play out the same way as during our first playthrough. We reply to Slavya at the gate and go get cards with her. We also decline Alisa's bet.
Just have to lose the tournament, doesn't matter at which point. Since we haven't lost to Alisa before, let's do that.
~ And that's the most unfortuate one. ~
~ One can only guess what she will get up to tomorrow. ~
~ She could embarass me at the lineup (if I don't oversleep, of course), she could complain to Olga Dmitrievna. ~
~ She could just start rumors around the camp. ~
She could, if choices in this game actually changed anything other than endings.
~ The worst thing is that everyone will believe her, not me. ~
I wasn't even sure why, but I was 100% sure about it.
It was still too early to sleep and a short walk looked like a good idea.
Where should I head to?
Right now I don't want to do a single thing or to talk to anyone. I don't even want to start thinking about my current situation.
I came to the square and took a seat on the bench, while staring at the Genda statue.
...
I don't know how long I was sitting like this, but finally crickets chirping brought me back to reality.
I got up and blindly walked in a random direction.
Somehow, for the second day in a row I find myself at this place.
~ Maybe subconsciously I feel that the bus will be waiting for me here to take me back to the real world? ~
~ Very unlikely. ~
~ On the other hand, why not...? ~
It got dark already.
I was just standing there and gazing at the night sky.
Astronomy has never attracted me so much as astronautics.
It always has been more interesting to look at the pictures of far constellations, nebula and galaxies made by artists than to try and figure out how to measure angular velocities and masses of stars.
But, certainly I would be able to find the Great Bear constellation.
But if I get lost in snowforests my only way to find the way out would be that little knowledge about moss growing on the north side of a tree.
However, I still don't think that would help me to get out...
I was about to head back to the camp, when all of a sudden I caught a noise behind the gates.
~ Who is it this time...? ~
It was so dark that I could see nothing but a blurred shadow.
I wondered who could be out so late at night.
~ A pioneer breaching discipline? Tsk-tsk! ~
I followed the mysterious shadow rapidly but still carefully.
~ Maybe I should turn back? ~
The trees parted before me, and a magnificent view of a small forest lake struck my eyes.
This whole scene seemed even more fantastic than my own presence in this camp.
Slavya looked like a spirit of the forest, or perhaps a nymph.
She looked so natural, more like an ancient goddess than a human being.
I remembered all the theological theories, which I read some time ago.
This reminded me of pantheism – the idea that God is in all-that-is, everything that we see around.
~ What if it were not the aliens or a time warp but Divine Providence that brought me here? ~
~ Indeed, Slavya mentioned that she loves Nature. ~
~ So, it turns out that even she is an enigma, isn't she? ~
But then all her remaining clothes slipped to the ground, and...
Slavya went into the water.
I was ashamed, but I just couldn't take my eyes off her.
Silvery moonlight reflected off her wet skin, making Slavya look like an ancient Greek statue. The Venus de Milo, maybe?
This scene was so fabulous, that there was no room for carnal lust – only sublime admiration of true beauty.
I was simply admiring the perfection of Slavya's form and forgetting everything else.
Maybe, this isn't hell but heaven?
A branch treacherously snapped under my foot. Slavya turned around, but there was no way to recognise me in the darkness of the night. Or at least so it seemed.
I quietly went after her.
Slavya was quietly trailing among the trees, choosing the easiest paths and gracefully avoiding sheared trees, pits and snags.
It was a hard job to keep pace with her. Moreover, I definitely didn't want to be caught. Firstly, peeping is just no good. And secondly, in fact, it still remains to be seen what she was doing here.
Although it somehow seemed to be innocent enough – it didn't seem to have anything to do with my presence in this world.
It was just innocent. It was nothing worth spying on.
It was worth spying on more that anything in this game so far.
Slavya stopped and turned around to face me.
You walked directly behind her?
I was a bit confused, but I put on a mask of visible calmness.
How long ago?
I'm not sure...
Slavya came closer.
Five minutes ago, maybe.
So, even there at the lake...?
What lake are you talking about?
Well...
Slavya seemed to be sincerely surprised, so I simply couldn't figure out whether she was pretending that nothing has happened or...
Well, never mind.
I made up my mind to behave like a gentleman (as gentlemanly as was possible in these circumstances) and said nothing.
Alright.
Unexpectedly easily, she agreed.
What a beautiful night!
Slavya took a seat on a bench and looked up at the sky.
I guess such nights are common here.
Well, probably...
Why so uncertain?
I don't know, I just got lost in thought.
Thinking about what?
She stared at me like she was looking for something on my face, but then went back to stargazing.
Now and then I fall into such a mood at night... During the day I'm wrapped up into work with no time to relax, while at night it's so quiet here. If it wasn't for the crickets and the night birds, one would feel like being face to face with the Universe.
For some reason I didn't think of Slavya as someone who would talk about such matters.
As for me, it's even too quiet here.
Is it?
Yes, really. Anything wrong with that?
Well...
Alright!
She stood up quickly and fixed her skirt.
It's time to go to bed.
Good night!
I watched her walking away.
Our talk might have been about nothing, but seems to me it had some deep and secret meaning which could appear only here, only next to Slavya.
Seems like, even in my situation, such moments of peace and serenity are absolutely necessary. They make me feel united with the universe.
I'd even say vital – especially now!
...
...
There was no light in the window, so Olga Dmitrievna must've been sleeping already.
~ Strangely enough, she waited for me yesterday. ~
~ When you think about it, my situation haven't got any clearer today. ~
~ In fact, I've spent whole day doing useless stuff; I would have never even thought about doing something like this in the real world. ~
~ Although I had plenty of time. ~
~ How much time would I have here in total is still a mystery. ~
~ Maybe an eternity, or maybe there are few minutes left only. ~
I just didn't want to think about the past, about how I got into this camp.
For the first time in a long while I felt really tired – not only emotionally tired, but also physically tired, psychologically tired and god-knows-how-else tired...
I just wanted everyone and everything to bugger off – starting with my own thoughts. I wanted this mess to somehow resolve by itself.
Or at least without my active participation.
~ And what if I'm stuck here forever? ~
~ Then I'll have to get used to it... ~
~ So, just like that?.. I... I'm not ready... Ahem... ~
My consciousness slowly flew away from me and it progressively became harder to concentrate on something distinct.
~ Perhaps it's better to wait until tomorrow... ~
Day 3: We decline Lena nad Nurse and go to our cabin.
Olga Dmitrievna was lying lazily on her bed and reading a book.
~ That's what I could ask her too. ~
I've forgotten something... And so I came back.
You were absent at the lineup!
Oh, yeah. I apologize...
Alright. Nevertheless, you should do something useful today.
Just as I planned. But I have my own vision of what 'useful' means.
Like?
You could go to the square, to help with cleaning. Slavya is in charge there.
~ Strange, I've just been there and haven't seen anyone. ~
Or you could visit the boys at the club of electronics – they asked me for a hand.
~ Those 'Fathers of invention' again! ~
Finally, you could help at the sports club.
What are they up to?
They're renewing the pitch: fixing the benches, changing the goal nets and so on.
Honestly, none of those options suited me.
~ Why is she always trying to burden me with some work? ~
~ Seriously, except Slavya, no one ever works here, while some particular people are enjoying their free time with youthful spirit. ~
Every leader's attempt to make me busy seems to be following the only purpose – prevent me from finding out my current location.
Really, all deep and vital questions concerning my existence are swept away by a broom, together with all rubbish and litter.
In my case taking some time to work would probably pay off, but same with someone suffering gangrene and rejecting the amputation – I will stand by my beliefs.
You know, I already had my own arrangements.
Oh, really? What kind of arrangements?
She bucked up.
Well...
~ I can't just tell her what I'm really thinking about! ~
~ On the other hand, why not? ~
~ But it's too dangerous! ~
~ At least, now I keep a fragile balance and nothing is threatening me. Everything seems that way. ~
Just as I thought!
What exactly she thought remained secret.
You probably have not realized yet, how important it is to participate in social life. This is the only way to become an role model pioneer.
I didn't want to attend another long lecture, so I decided to accept one of the offers.
So? Should I choose for you?
The leader's voice turned authoritative.
I can do it myself, thank you...
Mumbled I into the beard then went out of the cabin.
Let's help Slavya.
Slavya wasn't evil at all – so my choice was obvious.
Any rational being keeps his house clean, but I usually perceived housecleaning as somewhat akin to gym workouts – yeah, it's a good for you, but not my sort of thing at all.
However, I liked the ideas of painting benches or of helping two future geniuses of Russian (or Soviet?) science even less.
~ Where did they all come from, I wonder? ~
I approached Slavya.
Oh hi! You've come to help?
Well, not of my own free will of course...
I thought it over again.
I see.
Take this broom, your area is right next to the monument.
Frankly speaking, there was nothing to sweep there. It seemed pretty clean to me.
Though some rubbish was still laying around.
...
After sweeping for a while I came back to Slavya who was sitting on a bench and taking a break.
What a nice day, eh...?
Yeah, though it's a bit too hot.
She shaded her eyes with her hand and looked up at the sky.
You're like a tireless worker of communist labour!
Aw, come on! I just like to help others.
That's good.
And what about you?
What about me?
Well, it seems to me that you find community service a bit of a burden?
Well, probably.
Why is that?
I don't really know...
~ Seriously – she can't expect me to just unload all my ideas concerning this point on her! ~
~ She might drown in them, God forbid! ~
Maybe you just don't like company?
That's actually quite possible.
There was some truth in Slavya's words. I suppose that she was good at reading other people's minds.
Or at least, at reading mine.
~ Though, how can that be possible if even I find it hard to understand myself at times? ~
What are you going to do when this session is over?
What do you mean?
I've already achieved grand mastery at all of my professions – watching anime and surfing the internet.
I don't know yet... what about you?
We have a small farm back home, so I want to help my parents there.
It sounded pretty strange – are there any private farms in the USSR, where all the farming has to be collective?
But I decided not to go into details.
And what are your parents doing?
My parents were not a good subject for discussion.
It is not that my parents are not good. Quite the opposite, they are kind-hearted people.
But it's not the right time for such a discussion.
My father works at the local council, and my mother is a teacher.
That wasn't actually true. More like a half-truth.
As if anyone cared.
Cool.
She really seemed to consider that a cool thing.
I guess so...
The conversation had reached a dead end, so I was trying to take my eyes off Slavya – and kept gazing under my feet, up in the sky or just looking around.
You know, I'm pretty sure you'll also be fine.
Slavya looked at me thoughtfully.
~ Now what was that for? ~
~ And what was that 'also' about? ~
T-thanks...
I mumbled.
But what do you mean?
I suppose that you happen to be too pessimistic at times.
~ Isn't that way too, erm, straightforward? ~
Maybe.
But you're gonna be alright!
Maybe.
After this conversation I felt ill at ease.
On the one hand, there was nothing special in her words.
In general, almost any person in Slavya's shoes would come to a similar conclusion.
Nevertheless, I felt (and not for the first time) like she could see right through me.
So, let's get to cleaning.
Aha.
She smiled and took the broom.
I never thought that cleaning could bring such a deep pleasure.
No, I wasn't upset because of this conversation. On the contrary, I was glad to hear that from her.
For the first time ever somebody was discussing my life without criticising me, without giving any stupid advice based on their own personal experience, without intending to go through my head, and without making some far-reaching conclusions.
I was just glad that somebody supported me.
~ No, that's not quite right! ~
I was just glad that Slavya supported me.
...
We go to the canteen and break shit, then run away and clean library with Slavya. We eat again, take a nap and wake up for the disco.
Clock was showing nine.
Such a rare thing to happen.
I felt sluggish though.
Well, I have to go.
The loudspeakers and some DJ equipment were installed near the monument and the trees were decorated with the light strings.
~ Ah, one typical countryside disco. ~
A lot of pioneers around, but no familiar faces, so I just sat on the bench and waited.
~ I don't have to dance, after all. ~
Maybe I'll be able to just sit and chat with someone.
Hey sad face.
Here to suggest something?
Come on, let's dance!
It's way too early... There's not even music yet.
Blah, you're so boring!
~ Yeah, I am not the merriest person for a such event. ~
She ran away.
~ So Ulyana did wear something like an evening dress. Pretty funny. ~
Slavya.
Hey.
She sat down by my side.
How's the evening?
Fine.
Why are you so sad?
I'm not...
Okay. Dancing will surely cheer you up!
Maybe...
Don't forget to leave one dance for me!
She laughed and ran to the musical equipment.
The situation was getting serious. I wouldn't be able to sit through the whole disco.
Lena came closer.
Ah, hi, you're here too...
~ Is it such a wonder? ~
Yes.
Okay... Gonna light the party up?
The joke turned out sour.
...
Lena blushed and looked down.
Well, maybe it's not the best idea – setting everything on fire...
Okay, then I shall...
Yeah...
She left.
...
The pioneers formed large groups, talked, joked around and laughed.
At the DJ's panel Ulyana argued loudly with Olga Dmitrievna about the playlist for this evening.
The music started to play.
I didn't know the band or the song but I really felt that I'd tag it 'Soviet pop classics' if you'd ask me.
Pioneers just stood there for some time as if not hearing the music.
It's always hard to make a first step. Especially if you're pretty sure that you'll be the only one who would make it...
Ulyana seemed not to know that simple truth.
She reached the centre of the square with few leaps and cried out loud:
What are you standing for?!
And started to wiggle ridiculously.
'To wiggle' is the exact word. You couldn't find a better one.
It looked so silly and funny, that I couldn't resist laughing.
She noticed it.
I was pretending I can't hear her.
Stop pretending! Come on here.
I've kept ignoring her.
Pioneers slowly realized that they are not too sexy for this party and started to dance.
It looked really silly from my point of view.
~ Shaking one's arms and legs to the beat of long-forgotten hits? Come on, get real! ~
Of course, I couldn't dance whatsoever but this thing couldn't be called a dance either.
Hey, Semyon, what are you sitting there for? Don't you wanna dance?
I was so deep in thoughts that I haven't even noticed Slavya.
Not really...
Are you sure?
She smiled.
Maybe later.
~ Damn! What am I even doing here?! ~
Okay, but just a little bit...
That's the spirit!
She reached out her hand to me.
We were standing in the middle of the dancing crowd.
Well, in fact, it was me who was standing, Slavya was 'warming up', swaying to the beat.
I was already blaming myself for agreeing to this uncomfortable proposal.
Shut up and sway.
~ Ok, here am I, on the road again, and now what? ~
I examined the dancing pioneers around me.
~ Nope! I am not prepared for this. ~
The music stopped abruptly.
Some people were still dancing under the momentum but the majority stopped.
The leader went to the DJ's panel and adjusted something there.
Next song. Ladies invite gentlemen.
I looked at Slavya.
She stretched her hand out to me with a smile.
You shouldn't refuse a girl.
Her chest heaved faster and her face blushed more and more.
Slavya stared into my eyes.
I tried to look away at the dancing pioneers, or at my feet, or somewhere else.
It was a strange feeling: my whole body shuddered from time to time, but it was a pleasant shudder, without any hint of uneasiness or shame.
My mind became miraculously calm.
I realised that I didn't want to let this girl go and I am ready to dance with her forever!
Hopping next to us, Ulyana stopped for a moment and smirked.
Maybe I was seeing things, but I couldn't get rid of the thought that that insolent girl is trying to hint at something.
I made a frightening face, but she was already gone.
Is something wrong?
Slavya asked quietly.
Everything's fine... I mean, everything's great.
I hadn't started stammering yet, but I was about to.
You're so tense.
A little.
I said honestly.
Boys don't like to dance.
Guess so...
She didn't say anything, just smiled.
...
The song eventually finished.
I was still holding Slavya, but she easily slipped out of my grasp.
I should thank you.
I just stood and stared at her for some time.
The next track started playing.
One more?
No, I think I'll rest a little.
I tried to leave the square as soon as possible.
~ Why did I run away? ~
It looked exactly like running away.
~ The dance was nice and Slavya was pleased. ~
But something wasn't right, I felt restless just thinking about the ball.
Maybe I just lost my grasp on the situation and got emotional?
That happens rarely.
I always tried to behave and calmly assess the situation. But did I manage it this time?
I sat on the sand and looked at the river.
The full moon was hanging far above the water.
Memories overwhelmed me.
Why did you leave so soon?
Just felt like being alone for a bit.
It was like I hid in a shell, there was no outer world for me, and I responded the same way to all stimuli. I was like the three monkeys. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
Isn't it just beautiful here?
Slavya looked at the river.
Yeah, it is...
How about one more dance?
No, thanks. I'm fine.
Deep inside I knew I shouldn't be so sharp with Slavya, but I was like a puppet on the string, forced to say things I would have never said under other circumstances.
What are you thinking about?
Nothing...
You can't think about nothing!
She pouted her lips, but smiled right after that, letting me know she wasn't offended.
You're always thinking about something, even if you don't notice it.
I imagined an owl – a little feathered box with huge blinking eyes.
Are you a night owl?
What?
You know, there are daylarks and night owls. Some like to get up early and some like to sleep in.
Her words brought me back to reality.
I pictured my dusty room, full of junk, a mountain of unwashed plates on the table, guitar rotting in the corner, necktie hanging from the lamp and, the pinnacle of all of this, the heap of dirty socks under the bed.
I was indeed a night owl. Night was my time.
But somehow I was managing to get up early in this camp.
I know.
So what are you?
A night owl, I guess... I like to sleep.
And I am a daylark. The earlier you get up, the more you can do during the day.
There is really nothing urgent for me to do so I don't see any difference between day and night. It's just quieter and calmer during the night.
Slavya, don't you have any problems at all in your life?
What do you mean?
She wondered.
You are always so joyful, so ready to help, so eager to start doing something. It is like nothing can upset you.
Why!?
She laughed.
I am just an ordinary person.
~ That's right. Just an ordinary person in an ordinary place. ~
I sometimes think that I am the strange one here.
Don't you like the camp?
I don't mean only the camp. In the previous...
I stumbled.
~ I shouldn't speak so frankly even with her. ~
At home too. I think that I'm not like the others. It's not where I belong...
Oh stop that! It's silly to think so.
~ I was closing myself off from the rest of the world just a moment ago and now I was opening my heart to this girl. ~
~ What's happening to me? ~
No, really. You wouldn't pay any attention to me under any other circumstances. I am so different from you. I am lazy, unsociable and have no outstanding talents. I would be the last person you would notice in the crowd of a large city. Though for me, even going outside is rare.
Semyon, you scare me.
She looked at me seriously.
I got embarassed, but didn't avert my eyes.
Am I wrong?
Of course! You are you. There is no other person like you. You should just have some self-esteem and patience, and you can do anything! No doubt about it.
I looked at the sky.
If only everything could be as simple as you say...
It's not difficult at all! Let's start right now!
Start what?
Changing!
~ Just like that? ~
How do you imagine we can do that?
We should do something useful!
For instance?
Well...
She thought for a moment.
Let's clean up the square. The ball has already finished!
Just the two of us?
~ Would we be able to do all the work? ~
You can sweep all night long.
There isn't that much to do. The first step is the most important!
~ I can't argue with her on that point, but taking down the lighting from trees in the dark, moving heavy audio equipment and sweeping... ~
None of that was on my to-do list.
But I didn't know how to nicely refuse her.
Maybe we can do it tomorrow? With everyone?
Why put it off until tomorrow? Wouldn't it be wonderful to stand in a clean square during the line-up?
~ First of all, I don't even like line-ups in general. ~
Hey, I understand you... But this is too much!
Slavya thought for a moment.
Yes, looks like you're right.
~ Even I can be right sometimes. And she can be wrong. ~
Then...
She stretched and yawned.
Let's just sleep on it then!
A nice idea, but I wanted to talk more.
Isn't it too early...?
No!
Slavya objected critically.
You'll sleep all day tomorrow then.
Tell me a bedtime story then!
I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
I know only those ones I read in books... You must know them too.
~ Maybe I do... ~
What a failure.
Shall we go?
She stretched out her hand to me.
I'll stay here for a while longer, I need some fresh air. You can go! Good night!
Good night!
I wanted to enjoy my total defeat first.
I couldn't stand being with her even a minute longer after that brilliant idea. Bedtime stories? What in the world?
~ That's how the things are. You try to have a casual chat with a girl and it turns into a complete flop. ~
I stared into the night sky.
The stars, those small lights of distant suns, blinked perkily as if laughing at me.
I turned over and buried my face in the sand.
After a moment I realised that was another one of my bright ideas, about on par with asking for a bedtime story.
I stood up, spitting grit, and went to the leader's cabin.
...
Not only my back, my whole body.
No wonder, I haven't had a bath for several days, while it is really hot here during the daytime so you sweat like a pig.
~ I should find some soap and a towel. ~
~ I have to find the bathhouse now. ~
~ It really is the best place for a bathhouse. ~
I think there was no Blair Witch inside, but the lights were still on.
And whose bright idea is that to have a bath at midnight?
I muttered below my breath.
There is only one problem – is it a boy or a girl?
In the first case we could just have a bath together without any worries.
~ I am not fond of public baths, but I can cope with them this time. ~
In the second case I would have to wait or to scratch myself the whole night through.
~ Who knows how long I have to wait... ~
I peeped into the window. But couldn't see anything because of the steam.
Suddenly, Slavya appeared right before me as if from a thick fog.
Dumbstruck, I stared at her.
I had never seen a naked girl so close, even through glass.
My organ reacted as it should.
What the fuck
Nerve impulses traveled from my eyes down my body.
It seemed like I couldn't leave my observation point no matter what, even if a war broke out.
But Slavya didn't notice me.
She was washing herself leisurely. Rinsing her head, rubbing her body with a sponge and pouring water from the bucket on herself.
Then she started to wash her hair.
I can't imagine how much time she needs to wash it completely, but minutes flew like a seconds, that's how immersed I was in the sight.
...
Finally she finished washing, sighed with satisfaction and walked to the door.
...
The best thing to do was not to tempt fate and leave, but I realised that too late.
How can you patch your fucking game in a way that leaves random lines of text in Russian? Jesus. Did anyone even check this shit before releasing it?
I had a dozen excuses in my mind, but she went by without even looking at the bushes I was hiding in.
~ Looks like I'm lucky... ~
I cautiously got out and went to Olga Dmitrievna's cabin, completely forgetting my intention to have a bath.
My eyes couldn't wait and were closing from time to time.
It was dangerous even to blink.
I still didn't know the camp well enough to walk there with my eyes closed.
...
...
Are you going to sleep?
Well... yes...
Right this moment I remembered the sight in the bathhouse and averted my eyes shyly.
And you?
I'm cleaning up!
She took the broom out from behind her back.
Slavya with a broom in the empty square at night looked like a witch from a children's fairy-tale.
What?
Nothing. Is it really a good idea to clean the square after a bath?
And how do you know that I had a bath?
I physically felt the fear taking over my body, cold sweat started to run down my back, my thoughts froze so I couldn't think of any excuses.
...
Slavya still stared at me in surprise.
It looked like my life depends on this answer.
Well. Your hair is wet...
Oh, you're right.
I wanted the Earth to swallow me up, so I would vanish from this world just as suddenly and irreversibly as I had vanished from mine.
Anyone reading this wishes for that too.
Are you going to have a bath too?
Me... well...
Slavya looked at the bag in my hands.
Yes, I am! So good night!
I turned around and darted back towards the bathhouse.
I walked slowly, trying to curse myself for all that happened.
~ I shouldn't have peeped in the first place. ~
~ But if I peep anyway then I must pay more attention and think of an excuse beforehand. ~
~ Oh... ~
...
It didn't take much time to wash myself.
It looked like the night made its own ball or, possibly, a concert. The stars were the lights. The birds and insects were an orchestra, an owl, hooting somewhere, was its director. The sound of wind in the trees was the applause of the audience.
The night looked much more beautiful when you stand in the forest clean and fresh.
- RUSTLE -
I shivered, but didn't get very scared.
~ It may be a squirrel or another animal. ~
~ Nevertheless I should check it out. ~
I went to the bushes.
But didn't find anything or anyone suspicious.
~ It just seemed... ~
With a clean body and a calm spirit I went to the leader's cabin.
I went to bed without taking my clothes off and covered myself with a blanket.
Remember, that Semyon became a boy about 17 years old when he was put into Sovenok, and Olga Dmitrievna (OD next) is about 25 y.o. as Semyon mentions when they first meet, and how OD scolds him when he tries to speak to her using "ты", as we, Russians, do when the person which we speak to is about the same age as we are, our a close friend to us, or if we try to show disrespect to the person we talk to, (because Semyon haven't yet realized and got used to the fact that he is now much younger than he was in normal life) instead of using "Вы", which is a "formal", "official" version of "You", used to show respect to older people when talking to them, or just to be polite when talking to strangers. It is kinda like -kun and -san suffixes used by japanese people if you are familliar with Japanese culture and language basics.
And also keep in mind that OD is a very responsible person, and tries to take her job very serious, so i doubt she can even think about some kind of sexual/romantic relationships between a pioneer leader (which is almost like a teacher or something) and an underage boy from her group...
I'd rather expected that Semyon will have some hentai episode(s) with Viola, who, with no doubt IS interested in underage boys (i've expected something like a BJ or a paizuri in the infirmary, if not some kind of BDSM involving Semyon and Lena when she made them to "help her to sort some medicine in the evening" or at least a few episodes of sexual harrasment attempts from her)
Still, this is not "your typical Japanese hentai VN/Eroge", where you can do stuff with almost any character at random places and get into wierd/spicy situations, so we don't have perversions like this here. Things are much simplier, and closer to Russian real life storyes, which is good from one side and bad from another, and still some stuff was cut from the game as "mature content" by Steam policy, no matter there were no perversions like this in this game, and very little "adult content" in general.
Still, there are numerous mods for this game, which add alternative, and the completeley new routes, and in the eralyer version of the game the storyline was much different from what we have now, and i believe there is even an editor tool to create your own mods...