Multiplication of entities - How hedgehogs die or Death as a life-giving principle in the ideology of necroromanticism.

                      Entity multiplication

                       Y.SKITSIN, V.SKITSIN

                       HOW HEDGHOGS DIE
               or Death as a life-giving principle
                   in the ideology of necroromanticism

        (Experience brief overview, introduction to the study)
______________________ 
The authors ask not to take this material too seriously. 

   Here and there pieces of the mosaic fell out, and the boy’s body seemed
it was pierced by cubic bullets. But he was still carefree 
and alive. 
                                     V.P.Krapivin, "The Cry of the Rooster"

   This work in no way claims to be complete.
coverage of the topic raised and only states it. A significant part
works contain original quotes from the works of V.P. Krapi-
wines (hereinafter referred to as VPK), which are largely self-sufficient. 
   We would like to immediately note that we deeply respect the Commander
(VPK) and love his works. We understand that after this 
articles every honest fan and every person who “always cares”
eleven", has the right and obligation to shoot us with a slingshot. But from-
The topic we cover requires bringing it to the masses.
   For thousands of years, humanity has been afraid of death. For thousands of years
if they sang, it was only as a deliverer from suffering. (United
The only exception is Tony's poems from Capek's play "Mother": "...But
Here comes a beautiful stranger...")And I only studied the military-industrial complex 
fear of death and, reflecting it in the consciousness of the eternally twelve-year-old
child, transformed into joyful anticipation of her, into romantic
an impulse that lasted for years, thus laying the foundations of a new trend,
and in the future, perhaps, the teachings of necroromanticism.
   The military-industrial complex did not immediately grasp the topic of death. The first character to die is
the boy Yashka from "The Other Side Where the Wind" - dies tragically and
irrevocably. However, even in this story there is a moment
resurrection (they want to name the boat after Yashka, although at the end
finally called by the name of his dream “Africa”; by the way, in the future
death often acts as a link between the character's life and
the realization of his dream). Moreover, there is a hint of the topic
MULTIPLE death - the boat "Africa" burns down.  (Further from
themes of multiple deaths, the theme of death as a natural
a state to which one can strive and which must be earned:
Thus, Dugo Lobman was punished with immortality for the attempted murder of a child).
   “If only not to death”... - Yashka managed to think..." [V. Krapi-
Vin, M., "Det.Lit", 1968, "The side where the wind is": p. 134.- Y.S., 
V.S.] But Yashka dies. But this wish comes true for many others
heroes of the military industrial complex.
   Suffice it to recall Ignatik Yar and Gelka Travushkin (“Golu-
butcher on the yellow glade"), Roma Smorodkin and Seryozhka Sidorov 
(“A plane named Seryozhka”, but we will return to them later), Valerka 
and Vasilka(“The Night of the Big Tide”), Hedgehogs (“Outpost on Yakorny
field"), the gnome Gosha ("Return of the clipper Krechet"), and many, 
many boys from the depths of the Great Crystal. Often, however, this
symbolic death (like Pebbles from “Shot from the Monitor”) -
but multiple times. The same Galien Tukk is experiencing civil
execution and exile, waiting for a shot from the cannon in which he sits, and
then execution... Sevka Glushchenko also experiences pseudo-death
- in a duel with Ivan Konstantinovich (“Tales of Sevka Glushchenko”). A
here is Stasik Skitsyn, buried alive with the participation of punks,
draws the line between symbolic and real death, and will meet
meets with a characteristic character (let’s call him “a guide to the
yes" ["Guides from here" are also called "psychopomps" (see about
this in "The Dark Half" by S. King); these are, for example, sparrows (see 
below walking Hedgehogs) or otherworldly creatures (Chiba). - Y.S., 
V.S.]) - stepfather. 
   What is important is that it was after this death that Stasik
“EVERYTHING WAS GOOD”: Yashka comes forever, evil people die terribly 
cysts... I can’t help but remember the story of how “everything was good”
sho" after the incident on the bridge over Owl Creek near A. Beers.
   A picky reader may already be ready to accuse us of incompetence.
evidence. Well then. We didn't notice right away either. And when
noticed, did not immediately believe... So, oh picky reader, whoa
enjoy Moody's book "Lifeafter death", remember everything you
know about "the other side" (including the brick labyrinths of Inferno from
movie "Hellraiser"), and be patient for a long time
quote. So:

   "Up close, the edematous brick walls did not seem squat at all -
you. And the tower became very tall. There was an arched passage with 
gates made of lattice iron. On them hung a forged medieval 
new lock. But on the left side of the gate there was a gate, also made of 
iron lattice with curls. The hedgehogs carefully shook it. The hinges were 
they screamed, the gate moved away. 
   Under the brick arches it was gloomy and uncomfortable, it even gave me goosebumps
let's run. Breathing was noisy. At the end of the passage was visible 
a gray wall made of boulders, with rusty hinges sticking out of it (probably 
for torches). [Don't remember anything? For example, the "Weeping Wall" from 
"Big Tide Nights"? - Y.S., V.S.] I didn’t want to go there, yes 
and there is no need. It was necessary to go to the tower. The hedgehogs trampled, chillingly squeezing 
legs. And I saw narrow doors to the right and left, in the brick thickness. 
Both of them were slightly open (the iron doors had even grown into the ground - 
whether)... 
   ...The stairs stretched upward - almost in complete darkness, among
tight brick walls. Hedgehogs counted forty-two steps and four 
turn when the light dawned. [And this is not the first "light at the end" 
tunnel"! - Ya.S., V.S.] Behind the arch a wide corridor opened with a window -
mi on both sides. It curved smoothly. 
   The corridor clearly led away fromtowers, but there was no other way. Not later
repent back. Hedgehogs carefully walked across the cold cast iron 
slabs Their relief pattern was imprinted on the bare feet. Under the high 
An echo whispered from the vaulted ceiling. Curved floor beams 
rose from the floor between the windows and shooters converged on the ceiling 
chatty arches... 
   ...It was all strange: on the left it was almost day, on the right it was almost night.
And this corridor is like the inside of a dragon with ribs. And complete 
desolation... [Border! - Y.S., V.S.] 
   Hedgehogs were gripped by an anxious freeze. The same thing happened when
he climbed into old dungeons with the hope of finding rarities and 
treasures. But he was not alone there, and besides, he knew exactly WHERE he was. 
   And here? Why did he come here, where is he going?
   The desire to turn back, to rush away, became as elastic as
force field. He stopped. Leave?.. [Oh, Moody, Moody! - Y.S., 
V.S.]
   And what's behind there? Lyceum, former life. Return to it, no-
what didn't I know? But... a small hope that he is even afraid of 
to think... then she will disappear completely. 
   And besides what is written on the edge of the coin! "There are no wasps on the road-
dance! Walk across the border boldly!" Well, maybe not entirely 
yes, but that's the point! 
   Hedgehogs pressed his palm against the pocket with the coin. Was the palm either
hot, or the coin itself is heated - a push of such good warmth 
went through my heart.  [In general, a coin as a key to the passage THERE is 
more from coppersCharona... - Ya.S., V.S.] And Hedgehogs walked faster. Not
the path is endless! It will lead somewhere! 
   The corridor led to a square hall with a domed ceiling. There, in you-
Sote, the ribs of the floors also converged. The windows were round, not 
large, under the upper eaves. A black chain descended on a heavy chain 
(probably made of ancient bronze) a huge chandelier without bulbs or light 
whose. It hung so low that if you jumped up, you could reach it with your hand. 
   The hedgehogs jumped - angrily, without desire. From a thicket of bronze zago-
Gulin the sparrow flew out! He ran out the broken window.  [Let's remember 
"psychopomp." And why does the military-industrial complex emphasize this simple event?
exclamation mark? - Y.S., V.S.]
   The hedgehogs squatted down. I caught my breath. Then he said to himself: “Don’t
It's a shame, huh?" But my heart still beat at random for a long time... 
   Then he calmed down. He listened... And that half-
a new desolation that filled the entire huge building. Not only that, 
and outside the windows - far around - there was not a single person. Hedgehogs 
Now I felt it and knew it for sure. Even all kinds of spirits and ghosts 
there were no niys (if we assume that they exist in the world). 
[Sic! - Y.S., V.S.]
   It cannot be said that this is a discovery of the absolute loneliness of the
doval Hedgehogs. But he almost stopped being afraid... 
   ...Hedgehogs got confused in the narrow dark passages and on the echoing wine-
commercial stairs (up, up!). And again the corridor. Now the windows are in 
side of the night. It is the nightsbecause the sky there is already green, and the blue 
shines like a lantern... 
   ...It became scary again: how will he get out of here, how will he find
way in the dark? 
   “Why do you need a way back? You just need a ROAD...” And
it rang in him again quietly and promisingly: something will happen 
ahead... [Will...- Y.S., V.S.] 
   Ahead, when the corridor turned smoothly, a sharp
yellow letter G is a slightly open door. It lit up and walked away without a sound. 
   In an empty and spacious room without windows, a matte light burned near the ceiling.
great globe-shade... 
   ...Near the wall, right on the split parquet tiles, stood a black
nal intercom. Yes, phone... 
   ...There was a great transparent silence of space. Suddenly in
Something clicked for her. 
   “Hedgehogs...” said a very close, very familiar voice (“Yeshi-
ki"!). - Eshiki, is that you? 
   He gasped. The old clock began to knock loudly. But through
the knock came again: 
   - Yeshiki, is that you, baby?
   “Yes,” he breathed out with a sob.
   - Yeshiki... Go through the door to the left, then the stairs to the third floor. There
room three hundred thirty three.  Run baby, run while it's light 
moon... [For the Moon is the Sun of the dead... - Y.S., V.S.] 
   A deafening ringing fell on him... No, it’s ringing again
earphone! Hedgehogs hung up. Darted... Door to the left... 
   Oh, how he rushed up the stairs, along the corridor, through the stripes of
cabbage soup in the windows of the moon! He tore these strips with his feet andchest, gasping for air, 
tore the distance!.. But where is at least one door? Where?! 
   This is probably not the third floor! We need to go up!.. Some steps
in the dark, the walls turn round, the floor slopes higher and higher, 
turn again... The metal of the invisible lattice hummed underfoot 
th ladder above the void. Then - r-time! - and this emptiness groaned, 
opened up in front, squeezed her chest.  [Another death-within-death - 
Y.S., V.S.]
   No, he did not fall deeply, from a height of no more than a meter. And not on
stones on elastic plastic. Jumped up. It was empty, dark, echoing. 
Only moonlight was seeping somewhere far away. 
   Where to run?
   And then Hedgehogs shouted in grief and despair:
   - Mom, where am I?! It clicked in the dark. Soft male voice
but from the speaker) said: 
   - What happened?
   - Where is the third floor?!
   - This is the third floor. [Imagine this dialogue! - Y.S.,
V.S.]
   The emptiness filled with pinkish light. Round vestibule and doors,
doors, doors... Glass veins are beating and pulsating above one 
ki-digits: 333. [Oh, shouldn’t we multiply by 2?..- Ya.S., V.S.] 
   Hedgehogs choked again, hit the
door, opened it... 
   In a white room at a black table sat Kantor, a stranger
catcher and doctor clan. 
   It became dark.
   Nothing happened..."

   Scary, huh?.. We, we admit right away, felt scared. And we, ne-
beating each other up, they began to remember what happened next
as a boyHedgehogs (and then I didn’t want to turn off the lights at night...)
So:

   “He pushed the bike away and ran. Toward! He wanted to scream.
But instantly and mercilessly they flared up, rolled over, poured hot 
the light of the lights of a flying train. And Hedgehogs realized in anguish: everything that this 
It was an hour - just a momentary dream, the last vision before the blow. 
Behind is a tunnel, ahead is nothing. And he shrank into a black ball... 
   ...But there was no blow. The flash itself turned out to be an instant dream.
The last echo of former troubles. The hedgehog opened his eyes." 

   Another, equally, if not more, characteristic thing is “Airplane
named Seryozhka." We are forced to leave out of our field of vision 
questions about magic, about the transformation of Christianity into paganism, about
the relationship between reality and fantasy in this and other stories.
We are content only with the stated topic...
   So: the crippled boy Romka is lonely. He, dreaming of a friend and companion,
Nick, sends a paper airplane with a drawing - “evening sky,
orange sun on the horizon, and the road along which two people are walking 
boys" (they are going, mind you, into the sunset...). The airplane, as it turns out, 
starts, flies into some Deserted Spaces, after which
Romka comes to Seryozhka - a strange boy who studied at the magic school.
school, who knows how to go to “other” spaces, easily on foot
walk on the clouds, and also turn into an airplane, but persistently
and even obsessively repeating at every opportunity: “I am
just SeryozhkaSidorov, without any talents, ordinary 
boy..." 
   Ordinary, ordinary, but, in his own words, he will come
man Romkoy (and at the same time real); he teaches Romka everything that
can do it himself; he, most importantly, heals Romka (remember how he was healed
Rusk Lionheart in the story by A. Lindgren?). Moreover, for the claim-
In order to achieve this, it is necessary to go through the situation of death (or rather, approaching
her). This “healing by death” occurs twice, in the “second”, and
then in “true” reality.
   And here we come to the question of the means of crossing the living line.
know One of them has been known to mankind since the time of Charon [This is
began with the military-industrial complex since “Pilot for Special Assignments” - remember, Ze-
The old Ticket was bought for “all the money in my pockets” - in
in this case...three kopecks.- Ya.S., V.S.]: coin. In this case
In tea, this is a special, ritual, magical coin, with a motto (see.
above) - “Step across the border boldly...” On the obverse - denomination, de-
seven “spikelets”, and on the reverse there is a boyish profile. And it's not
just a profile: this is the face of the First Guardian, Yuhan the Trumpeter, in
who died in time immemorial - but at the same time he is a boy
Yukki, who walks through all times and spaces, discovering
The road (yes, the one along which you can get to... another world) is hundred-
yum boys, like a kind of childish Charon. And Yukki goes
towards his heroic death, which, of course,knows well, because he is the greatest expert on the ways of the Crystal...
   ...Other means differ from the coin talisman in that
they are really vehicles: ships, planes
and so on. Of the ships, the first was the all-terrain steamship from “Pilot for
special assignments" (Se- 
cutting, and then Romka). But the plane is more common
camouflage of an antique boat.  (Remember, by the way, the pilot’s airplane
Sashka from “I’m going to meet my brother”, flying Nil Berezkin from “Si-
his cities..." ) An intermediate means is a flying (!) clipper 
"Gyrfalcon."
   There is also a train: the same one everyone loves to Most station,
tourist slow-moving train "Pilgrim", train to Retterhalm, Va-
gon-"chicken coop"...
   Finally, the rook, as it is, appears twice: on the boat
Zoot both boys from "Children of the Blue Flamingo" to the island of Dvid, and
The Black Windsurfer is preparing to take the writer Reshilov absolutely
literally to the next world. But this episode must be documented - and
you read and understand... and sorry for the long quote, otherwise
it is impossible.

   "In the room, I took from my briefcase a canvas bag with a strap across
shoulder, put in it several books that he carried with him. In that 
including "Plutonium". And he left the house again. [Not just any book, but 
a book about the underworld, the world of Pluto - Y.S., V.S.]
   ...When the chimes struck half past twelve, I found myself at
that placewhere in the afternoon I said goodbye to Sashka. At the wide granite 
parapet. Here the lights rarely shone, it was deserted and quiet, 
Only from “Embrace of the Octopus” came the song: 

   And the sail, and the sail, and the sail,
   Like a ghost goes into the darkness...

   “Well, he’ll leave. It’s time...”
   I walked first along the embankment, and then confidently turned into the wrong direction.
prophetic lane. It sloped gently down to the water; it smelled of damp dog- 
com and algae. I knew that there was a yacht club on the right, a ship repair shop on the left. 
detailed workshops. The last dim windows were left behind, stretching 
Warm stone fences lined the sides. The night noises were loud 
grasshoppers.  [The grasshopper is of particular importance for the military-industrial complex. Grasshoppers 
they crackle in the last phrase “Outposts...” - Hedgehogs in paradise; yellow mon-
grasshopper birds play an important role (including the role of transporting
kov) in "The Hole Moon" - Ya.S., V.S.] From this crackling, darkness,
the bitter smell of small coastal daisies smoothly swirled 
head. But not painful, not alarming. And I knew that I would make it. 
   There was no longer a spark of light ahead, but I remembered the road. Few
I even saw it in the dark. I went out on flinty, with rare 
blades of grass, platform. To the right, the expanse of the bay breathed warm moisture, 
To the left stood a warehouse-like barn. But I knew that it was 
not a warehouse or a barn, but an old bookshop. 
   Not a single crack shone, but I resolutely knocked on the boards.
that door. And I didn't wait long. There were footsteps, the doormoved away. Got up on 
there is a man with a candle on the threshold. The light illuminated the skipper's beard and 
wrinkled forehead above the sockets of the eyes. [Yes, yes... depressions... and about the light- 
choked - a little lower... - Ya.S., V.S.]
   “Captain,” I said, “I don’t have much time.” I want to leave
some books for you. Give... - And held out the bag.  [Fees for 
travel - Ya.S., V.S.]
   “Okay,” the owner responded without surprise. And he took the bag.
   - Just one, “Plutonia”, give it to the boy. He will definitely
will run to you, I'm sure. His name is Sashka... 
   “I know,” said the shop owner. He lowered the candle lower and lower, and
I no longer saw his face. 
   - Well... that's all. And you don’t need to tell him anything.
   “I understand, Igor Petrovich,” the owner said very quietly.
I'll do everything, don't worry. Goodbye... - And he blew on the candle. 
   I began to go down the wooden stairs, wide as a terrace,
I felt that the owner was looking after him. This quietly pleased me 
Nya. It’s good when at such moments someone looks after you... 
   There was not a single light on the shore or on the water. Perhaps
the city center is hidden behind the cape, but still the bay cannot be without 
signals. And here - no lighthouse, no mast lanterns... But this is not 
surprised me. I knew that's the way it SHOULD BE. As if once upon a time 
it was like that. [And it was. - Ya.S., V.S.] 
   Continuous warm blackness lay over the land and over the sea. In it
a soft wind was blowing. And I felt, saw with my inner vision, as if inin this gentle, fearless darkness they glide near the shore without 
the noisy sails of the windsurfers, and a little further away he turned the topsails and 
topsails and the training brig sails on short tacks. Running lights, without 
audible commands... [Captain Charon's fleet. - Y.S., V.S.] 
   And I also knew that at the pier where I was about to come, there was a rocking...
Xia windsurfer with a black indistinguishable sail. 
   Typically, the windsurfer's mast and sail lie on the board while
the owner will not stand on the nimble deck and raise the canvas for 
flexible boom-wishbon. But this, my windsurfer, already has a mast 
- like on a yacht. And the deck will only shake slightly when I step 
at her. Because this is MY windsurfer, he has been waiting for me all my life. 
   I'll take hold of the plastic arc and pull up the lavsan black roof.
the sails fall, the wind will gently bend it, and I will lean back to 
balance the elastic force. The narrow hull will break away from the pier and 
glides, cutting off scallops with its round nose that glow slightly 
in the darkness. Warm splashes will hit your hands and face. And soon the soft 
in the darkness that embraces me, these waves will become stronger, the board will run 
lives from slope to slope, and I, who have never been a windsurfer, 
I will instinctively guess the secret of control and merge in this movement with 
black gentle wind and smooth rhythms of the waves... I will laugh, 
when the splashes that come towards me lick off the excess clothes, 
will make me small, dexterous, flexible. ANDhug me, ten- 
year old, they will spin you around and hide you in a soporific, non-fearful, not-for-anyone 
accessible darkness... 
   What will happen next?
   If there will be anything at all, then, perhaps, only this: the board will
Someday it will rush to the shore, and in the distance the sunset strip will light up. 
I will jump out onto the grass and, in a hurry, run up the overgrown slope. 
The thistle will grab my wet feet, but I, out of breath, 
I’ll run out onto the hill. And I’ll see a castle-like castle darkening on the left. 
pre-pressure tower, how the old Spas- 
The church is an ancient monument and the pride of our town - and 
how the lights burn in the windows of a familiar two-story house. And in mom- 
There is a light on in the window... Oh, and I went on a spree!.. Well, it’s right if 
will fly in! The main thing is that I'm almost home. Wait just a minute, I'm be- 
gu, here I am!.. [Returning to parents is also a symbol of death, 
So the plane is taking the girl Romka to them... - Ya.S., V.S.]
   The windsurfer really stood by the shore. His narrow plastic side
scraped against the wicker fenders lowered from the pier. Sail, invisible 
dissolved in the darkness, fluttering in the wind. 
   Now I, now...
   I threw my jacket, low shoes, socks, and tie onto the slabs. Under-
returned the pants. I came to the edge. I felt in advance how I would step now 
onto the wet, finely ribbed deck, as it swayed... He waited, 
when the mast leans towards me, I grab it... Well! " 

   Here's how they leave:

   "Don't touchdon't touch
                        don't touch
   My comrade.
   He has a road ahead of him
   To the high edge of the fire.
   There,
        where are the southern stars
   The snowy peaks are burning,
   Where is the wind
             to eagle's nests
   Blows away all the songs in a row.
   There in the bay
              unfurl the sail
   And the sailboat is waiting for the messenger.
   There is no peace left there
   There is no end to the worries.
   There's a path through the mountains
                    not easy
   There the enemy has taken aim,
   The silence of his machine guns
   It hits your ears
              like a child's cry...
   ...No need
              no need
                      no need
   No need to wake him up
   He has no use for memory now
   Small worries and grievances.
   Let
         before a long journey
   He'll sleep at home
                  like everyone else
   Until the plane shook
   On the starting line...
   ...But if in someone else's envelope
   Black news will come to you,
   Don't believe it
             don't believe it
                       don't believe it
   That this really is.
   To be killed -
                 this is too much.
   My friend couldn't die.
   That's it...
              And let brother
   Will write him a letter..."
   Returning to the question of “guides from here” - to where they
taken away, the heroes of the military-industrial complex often already have friends. One of them is Chiba
("Pilot"), the conductor's guide (there are also all-knowing mumblers - 
chicks, robots, brownies, yhals, etc.). What Chiba is is unclear.Otherworldly creature. A toy, very cute - but if you think about it
and imagining him next to you will make you feel uneasy. This is a game-
a werewolf, then a clown (see clowns from "Dovecote..." and "It"
S. King), then a kitten with the head of a clown or with a fish tail, then 
a little crow (don't hover over me), then a stuffed monkey (again
King), then a monitor lizard, then (brrr!) a bird skeleton. And Chiba knows more 
than a living person should. What was closed to them is revealed to him:

   "- Through the sands...
   - What?!
   “Through the Orange Sands,” he said clearly. “On the plateau that
next to the Undermountain there is a desert. Hot, with a big orange salt 
ntz... 
   I shuddered. And, hiding his fear, he said dismissively:
   - What nonsense. What kind of desert could there be in that area?
   - Maybe...
   - Why have I never heard of her there?
   - But no one heard. Because no one has been there. Nobody
climbed to the plateau. 
   -Are you crazy? Near the city...
   - Yes! Everyone thinks that others climbed and pretends that
there's nothing like that there.  [Let someone say that there is nothing “there”. 
Yes, yes... - Ya.S., V. S.] Just like that, wasteland. And they talk about it
each other, and they themselves believe. But in fact... I'm not lying, honestly 
a very honest word! Well, ask Chiba!" 

   Chiba knows...
   Chip is almost Chiba's namesake, the frog from Barquentine with the name
stars" is also a werewolf, whom only the main hero is not afraid of 
Roy, old sailor Martynych,and even the Sargatsky science fiction brothers. But
The chip is still quite harmless. Although in this fairy tale there is already very
difficult ships (the barquentine itself and a toy boat), and ma-
gia, and thoughts about the death of people and ships.
   In The Night of the Big Tide, death is already present in every
page. Sometimes travesty, as in the first part, in "Distant
buglers", but already there the story of the Trumpeter-Guardian appears, 
so far this is Valerka - aka navigator Dan - and so far this story is not true
definitely hopeless, although there is something like death here too
brothers who, after falling from a fortress tower, find themselves in Naigia-
summer... that is, we wanted to say, in Staro-Podolsk.
   The bright navigator Itu Lariu Dan meets death - under-
linear or symbolic - many times. But this is only an approach to the history
ries of death as a state, - death as true life. like this
death is accepted by Hedgehogs and, apparently, Ignatik Yar (it’s appropriate here again
remember the candles; for the military-industrial complex, a candle is an indicator of life; when it's on
candle, it’s worth mentioning someone’s name and you’ll find out if he’s alive; if he’s alive,
the candle continues to burn, as was the case for both persons
chew. But the Captain with the hollow eyes, the Captain taking books to
payment of the fare, has the right to blow out the candle...)
   The history of initiation into Commanders is very interesting and indicative
("reception into the dead" according to Pelevin) the story of Cornelius Glas from "Gu- 
si-geese, ga-ga-ga." Cornelius, to be on an equal footingrights to enter the world 
children and, later, become a Commander (and these are the main “guides”
hence"), experiences a successive series of symbolic deaths,
the last of which could be real (scientists occupying
Xia "border" of the West Federation, we are not sure whether he is still alive).
   By the way, the “bezynd” legend about the Little Fish is also interesting.
ke, an orphan boy, carried away by geese to the Meadows. Firstly, underline
the difficulty of the path to another world arises - The little fisherman must
to climb the mountain, undergoing torment, strongly reminiscent of the paintings
Buddhist hell; then he brings bloody food to the “psychopomp” geese
sacrifice (feeds them with his meat); however, this moment is generally ha-
typical for fairy tales of many nations, so it can be considered
rather a tribute to tradition; the flight itself - as we see, is a typical way
transition to another world; finally, Meadows is a happy place where ma-
a lazy fisherman (and later a bezyndy from a “special school”) finds a
tel. Meeting with ancestors is the most characteristic feature of post-life
neither.
   (Distracting from the main topic, I would like to note the parallels
between "Geese" and "Blue City on Sadovaya": a temple as a refuge,
the abbot as a protector, the underground exit from the temple is the path to salvation
nia, etc.).
   Hedgehogs, if you remember, after death he moved to another, better
peace. The same thing happens to the writer Reshilov (and his companion
Sashka).
   First, Reshilov leaves the hospital (casusincuzabilis). Butt-
gives to the old church, then to the Pilgrimm train, to Podgorje,
Kan-Orru... How not to remember Nangilimu, next to Nangiyala
the afterlife... (by A. Lindgren).  Despite all this, it doesn’t leave him
feeling (first realized by the military-industrial complex in “Shot from the Monitor” and in “For-
becoming...") the secondary nature of the experienced reality. 
   In "Shot from the Monitor":

   "A little more!
   Pavlik didn't run - he flew. The bag couldn’t keep up with him and flew towards
strap at the back. The visor of an inverted cap vibrated on the back of my head, 
like the rattle of a kite. [Again the association of flight and death. 
- Y.S., V.S.]
   And at the same time, a strange feeling, unlike running, did not leave...
Pavlik loved it. It's like he's not only rushing. It's as if at the same time he 
sits on a bench on the lower deck next to the old Passenger. And looks 
sounds like the edge of a cliff with the thin silhouette of a boy floating in the sky." 

   And in "Lotsman":

   "Here the page ended. And in general the record ended. On the
there was nothing on the opposite side of the sheet. That's it... 
   I carefully placed the Notebook on the floor by the chair, closed my eyes,
rushed. For some reason there was a smell of the hospital corridor - familiar and longing - 
cool. And Arthur Yakovlevich’s quiet bass sounded reproachfully 
to me: 
   - Igor Petrovich, my darling, why are you in the hall...
You need to sleep in bed. Let's go to the ward, little ones... 
   I froze, sadly and hopelessly falling into THAT, IN THE PREVIOUS
space, in humiliationand helplessness of illnesses. Oh Lord NOT 
ON-DO!.. A soft, living weight moved in my lap. 
The last hope, the last clue, as if in a dream, when a dream 
this one is melting, going out, and you are trying to hold on to it, although you understand 
already, which is useless... I grabbed the warm, fluffy body of the cat- 
tenka: 
   - Chiba, don't disappear! Don't give me away...
   “By the way,” said Arthur Yakovlevich, “I watched your latest
tests, they inspire hope. Very. If things go like this, then... 
   - Chiba!
   “Mr-mya...” he responded extremely irritably.
   I opened one eye slightly. So that I can see Chiba, but, forbid
God, I can’t see the white coat and the hospital walls. Chiba is outraged- 
but he turned his head. The head was a clown's, although the body remained 
elk cat." 

   And this is not surprising. It’s no accident that Sashka was suddenly converted
Notebook in Tails (Igor Reshilov, he is, in fact, alter ego
VPK), reports among other things: 

   "- Why make a wish! I didn't die twice, but more. First
once again at birth. They thought that I would not be alive. Do you know who I am? 
saved? Henrietta Glebovna... She said that after this I’ll be there 
to live for a hundred years, but that’s an eternity..." 

   In fact, the topic of death in the military-industrial complex is much more extensive than we
shown here. Death is true life ("Pilot"), death is the
healing (“A plane named Seryozhka”), death - creation (“Oran-
chewy portrait with specks"), death- reward not available to 
sinners (“Crow of the Rooster”) and inevitably coming to the worthy
("Dovecote..."). There is another strange aspect to the theme of death in 
"The Blue City on Sadovaya". Remember how Nilka, wanting to say, 
what he will get from his parents, he says, confusing the words, that he will get
three... exhumation (meaning execution). Nope. Papa Freud
who asserted that there are no accidental slips of the tongue would come to a
bargaining...
   A more bilious critic, such as, for example, the evil Volga boulevard
Garin Ramon Bir-Manat, would make a political accusation out of this
plus a medical history. We don’t even insist on harsh termi-
not in the title. And let the Commander not be offended: we are both
we love him very much, and no necro-romanticism will force us to call him
make military-industrial complex books bad or boring. But... but now, having read
an article that does not cover, as we said, all the material and all the technical
Well, read these books yourself. And then you yourself will feel everything
horror - and all the optimism of necro-romanticism.
   Optimism - because, as we have already noted, death is a
horn, after which you can say:

   "...AND THEN EVERYTHING WAS GOOD.

   Yes, I didn't crash!
   Don't believe it if they tell you that Romka Smorodkin is twelve years old
died in the accident. Nonsense!  [Boo Vilhelm Ohlson also said the same thing, 
Prince of the Far Country... - Y.S., V.S.]
   I returned home in the morning, my mother was still sleeping. I hid it
further tornpants and also went to bed. 
   And then everything was fine. Life went day after day. Year after year.
house 
   I finished school, then art school, institute. Became
artist-designer. Even slightly famous - after 
our group received an award for the design of the main pavilion of Ra- 
Tal spaceport. 
   I married a girl, Sofya Petushkova, whom I called in childhood
whether Jay. And our daughter Nadenka was born - such a nice, cheerful 
barking. ... My mother dotes on her granddaughter. 
   By the way, my mother got married. But not for Evgeniy Lvovich, he jumped up
re left our city. Do you know who she married? For Uncle Yura! 
   Uncle Yura returned from a distant construction site and settled nearby again.
ku, started visiting and now... I don’t know if my mother has 
We have great love for him, but we got married and live happily... [Zakli- 
knowledge repeats - everything is fine... there. - Y.S., V.S.]
   As you can see, everything is fine with me, I didn’t crash at all!
   Much worse happened.
   Seryozha crashed.
   He died the same year we met. As a child.
In September. 
   Then civil wars raged here and there along the southern borders
(as if people wanted to leave more Deserted Spaces on Earth - 
wanderings). And so Seryozhka decided to help someone there. Or food 
throw it to refugees, or maybe take some kid out from under 
fire. I don’t know, he didn’t share these plans with me. He's just on-he became subdued and somehow alien when we saw on the screen “But- 
News" with southern reports. 
   And one day he disappeared. For three days I didn’t worry: there was all sorts of things to do
up to my neck: school, new acquaintances. But then I became alarmed, 
came to his house... 
   ...And a day later I heard in the "News" that it was shot down over the coast
another plane. It is unknown whose rocket, and the unknown himself. C 
incomprehensible signs. And they showed the tail unit, which fell 
lay on the coastal stones. With blue starfish on a plane 
steering... 
   During the day I held on. I went to school, sometimes even did my homework. A
At night I just burst into tears. I just tried to keep my mother from 
I heard. 
   Sometimes it even seemed that my heart could not withstand such melancholy.
   Maybe let it be? I can’t, I can’t live without Seryozhka! No need
for it to be made by plane, there is no need for fairy-tale worlds and deserted ones 
Space Let him just come sometimes. Alive... 
   And he came! Well, yes! One night, when I was completely exhausted from
burning, the grate on the balcony clanged. And the balcony door opened. And 
Seryozha - along with the cold autumn air - stepped into the room. 
In an old saggy sweater, with a pilot's helmet in his hand. Angry. 
[Here you are sleeping, and... And the scene itself resembles, firstly, the arrival
Masters to the Homeless; and, secondly, the arrival of a vampire - undead
come to the call, fly in on night wings, and enter with the cold
graves by permissionowner...- Ya.S., V.S.]
   I was stunned.
   He sat down next to her on the ottoman.
   - Enough with the dampness... You can’t even crash like us -
sinking... 
   - Is that you?! Are you dreaming or alive?
   - When I hit you on the back of the neck, you’ll know whether I’m dreaming or not... [Serezh-
ka answers, mind you, only the first part of the question. He doesn't dream-
Xia: that’s what’s scary... - Ya.S., V.S.]
   I pressed my shoulder against him.
   - Don't be angry...
   - Yeah, “don’t be angry”! You think it's easy when you're behind your ears -
dragging FROM THERE? 
   - Who are you... behind the ears?
   - He's still asking! Who else if not your honor!
   - Seryozha, you won’t leave again?
   ...
   - Seryozhka, what was there? How?
   He said somewhat deafly:
   - Romka, don’t talk about it. You dragged me back, and okay...
[Truly, there are things that are better not to know. - Y.S., V.S.]
   - But you really won’t leave for good again?
   - I won’t leave for good...
   I sniffled with happiness.
   - But we will only have to meet at night. Everything is du-
They say that I’m not there... [That’s it... - Y.S., V.S.] 
   I was ready for this too. But...
   -Where will you live?
   - I’ll go to the Sky City, I’ll get settled somehow...
   - Will we fly as before?
   - We will... Just...
   - What? - I shuddered again.
   - You will grow and grow. But now I can’t. If you break
grow, then they don’t grow... [Here’s how to make it happen 
always twelve... - Ya.S., V.S.]
   - Then I won’t either!He seemed to smile in the dark.
   - No, Romka, you won’t succeed.
   - Why?
   - Well, you... didn’t crash completely.
   - Then I... too!
   - Just dare!
   - Then... I know what! Here I will grow, and THERE I will always remain
stay the way you are now! How are you! 
   He said very seriously:
   - Well, try it. Maybe it will work...

   I did it.
   Moreover, I learned to pretend. I started pretending that I was sleeping
in bed, but in fact he was running away to the Mill Swamp, where he 
Zotkaz Chuks burned landing fires. [That is, at night, when Rom- 
while he was dead - Y.S., V.S.]
   And Seryozhka’s plane landed there.
   That's the thing: although he fell very hard, still
he knew how to turn into a winged car, as before. I'm just 
I only damaged my wing, but after that I couldn’t fly. The earring - 
please! 
   Probably in the Sky City, where he now lived, they made him
repair. Not a one-time thing, but a major one... [Again, healing through 
death - Ya.S., V.S.]
   By the way, Seryozhka made peace with the Old Man. And they cast magic together
now on a new model of combined Deserted Spaces. Sta- 
Rick even allowed Seryozhka to fly to the Sky City directly 
in the form of an airplane, although it violated some rules... 
   So, I grew up, became an adult, but at night, when meeting with Se-
cutting remained the same Romka Smorodkin. It's quite enough for both of us 
didn't suit me. And weflew further and further - to such Pros- 
space, where the booming drums of the Cosmos sounded like an alarm bell... 
   ...Sometimes I myself shudder: what if there is NOTHING of this? And Se-
no cutting? 
   To prove that all this is true, I fly away at night with Se-
cutting into the far-distant steppe, where the moon always shines and whimsical 
Lively stones - idols and monsters - turn black among the tall grass. I 
I pick meadow flowers there and return home with them.  [Sun again 
The dead, and even tombstones, idols and monsters! - Y.S., V.S.]
   Chamomiles, clovers and pink fireweed candles appearing in the house
on a frozen February morning - isn’t this proof?.. 

   ...That's all. Now you see for yourself that the rumors turned out to be false.
you. And the tears are in vain. “The fairy tale has become stronger than tears.” No one 
crashed to death. 
   Nobody. Honestly..."

                                                  September, 199