┌─────────────┐
│ Continued │
└─────────────┘
I furiously pressed the keys of the calculator, then quite
I hesitated, looking at the results.
- Exactly so. Everyone is happy - including the holder of this account,
which now constitutes all these thousandths and ten-thousandths,
Yuli dollars discarded as unnecessary. Even if from de-
centy-thousandth bills subtract half of one thousandth,
The bank's profit will be fifty dollars a day!
- Exactly. But a big bank will benefit hundreds of times
greater than your result. This share will amount to how much I
I know from my own experience, my weekly income is five thousand
dollars.
- And this, this is the simplest and smallest
your computer joke? - I asked in a hushed voice.
- She is. When corporations begin to merge companies
yuters into one network, the numbers become simply implausible -mi. It's a pleasure to work at a high level. Because,
if you are careful and don't leave traces, corporations won't even
They suspect they are being scammed! They don't want to know anything about
this, and will not believe it, even if they are faced with such a fact.
that face to face. It is very difficult to identify a computer pirate
and find him guilty. This is a great hobby for this
an elderly and respectable citizen like me. It saves mine
business activity and replenishes my wealth. And I have never
was caught. Ah, yes, except once...
He sighed heavily, and there was resentment in his sigh.
- It's my fault! - I shouted. - If I hadn't tried to find
you, then you would never have brought federal searches on yourself
ek.
- No, Jim, don't feel guilty. I underestimated them
a control system more stringent than those with which I had
deal before. It was my mistake - and I had to pay for it
pay. I'm still paying the price. I don't want to say anything
what's wrong with the reliability of our current shelter, but this
packaged food is starting to get a little annoying. Or you don't
do you notice?
- My generation considers this their daily bread.
- Of course. I didn't think about that. Like a horse never
gets tired of the hay, or the quilboar will greedily pounce on
its swill until the end of time.
- Or you must be greedy until the end of your days
dig into the lobster and drink a glass of champagne in one gulp.
- Subtle and correctly noted, my boy. How long have you
do you plan to stay here? - he asked, pushing away
away with half a portion of stale crumpets.
“I would say at least two weeks,” according to his body
a shiver ran through.
- I will have a good opportunity to lose weight.
- During this time, the fever of the chase will cool down a little. But we
still have to avoid public transport, at least
for a while. However, I have prepared an escape route, which
He will very soon reliably protect us from persecution.
- I dare to ask - what will it be?
- A boat, or should I say a small boat on the Ctukc River.
I bought it not long ago on behalf of a company, it is located in
bay near Billeville.
- Great! - He rubbed his hands joyfully. - End of summer, southern
cruise, trout roasted over a fire in the evenings, chilled in
stream wine, steak in restaurants on the shore.
- And changing my gender.
He blinked in surprise, butbreathed a sigh of relief when I
explained.
- I'll put on a girl's dress when we go on deck and
we can be seen from the shore. At least until
until we sail away from here.
- It's grandiose. I'll lose some weight - there won't be any pain -
major difficulties with diet. I'll grow a mustache, then a beard, dye it
hair is black again. That's already something. So maybe
Would we rather stay here for another month instead of two weeks? I
I can extend my imprisonment in this gastronomic ghetto
until I can not eat. My figure will be brought to
order in these extra weeks, and the hair and beard have become
chickpeas are longer.
- We can stay if you can stand it.
- Then it's decided. And we can devote our time completely
continuation of your education.
I was too engrossed in our studies to notice
attention to the constant presence of the aroma of fried burgers
from pig-shaped. Besides everything else, I could still eat them.
As my comprehension of all kinds of
ways of circumventing the law in our society, the figure of the Elephant c
with the same success it gradually melted away. I wanted to leave this
establishment before, but the Elephant, having once made a decision, was unable towe hesitate.
- Once the plan is approved, it must be followed to the letter. His
should be changed only if external circumstances change
va. Man is an irrational creature, and it takes time and effort
hupobka so that he becomes different. A reasons for changing the operation
There will always be walkie-talkies. - He shuddered from the sudden thunder -
cars driving at high speed; school ended
Tia. Then he turned over another sheet of his calendar. -
A carefully planned operation is sure to work. A
If you interfere in the process, you will destroy everything. Our plan
very good. And we will stick to it.
He looked much slimmer and stronger when the day came
our outcome. He went through the crucible of gastronomic abundance
and became tempered in it. And I gained weight. We came up with a plan
actions, put away their few belongings, cleaned
all the dollars from the safe - and also destroyed all traces of our
stay here. And in the end all we had left was to
sit and silently glance at our watches. When it rang
alarm clock, signaling that someone has inserted a key into the lock
entrance door, we were already on our feet, happily smiling at each other
to a friend. I turned off the alarm clock, and the Elephant opened the freezer door -
Nick. As soon as the key turned in the front door, we closed
behind us is our door. standing andshivering from the cold in the mausoleum
McSweenes, we listened to the footsteps of the mechanic entering
the room we just left.
- Heard? - I asked. - He checks the ice supply at different times -
cherry syrup sensor. Here's cmexota.
- I would prefer not to discuss the contents of this terrible ga-
gourmet galleries. Isn't it time for us to go?
“It’s time,” I easily opened the front door and squinted at
bright sunlight, not seen by us for so long. Now
the door of the company van while no one is outside.
- Here.
The air was fresh and pleasant, and filled with a wonderful aroma.
Although it was saturated with the smell of the kitchen, I still caught
this. I jammed the front door leading to our room.
narnyx horrors to delay the mechanic a little if he re-
must leave the premises before the allotted time. Us and
it only took about fifteen minutes. The elephant filled his hand
with my master key and opened the van door wide in front
me when I approached him. He dived into the back, but I didn’t-
Hastily started the engine. Everything was very simple. I dropped him off
not far from the bay, where he sat on a bench, basking in the
sunshine and looking after our belongings. Now there was no
nothing easier than parking a stolen van somewherenext to the liquor store. When I walk at an even pace, not run,
returned to the shore, I waved my hand towards the river.
“White boat, that one,” I touched with my other hand
whiskers, checking if they are in place. - The berth is completely automatic -
teased I'll go get the boat and bring it here.
“Our water cruise begins,” he said, and in his eyes
cheerful sparkles sparkled.
I left him in the sun and headed towards the pier to
present the robot with documents for the boat.
“Good morning,” he sang in a pleasant voice. - Do you want
pick up the passenger boat "Gentlemen of Fortune". Batteries in
replaced, from you twelve dollars. Products loaded
we...
He continued in the same vein, saying out loud all the expenses and
costs that could be read on the screen - probably
new, for those who couldn’t read - and I couldn’t do anything with it
to do. I shifted from foot to foot until he finally
finished and I couldn't put in the required number of coins.
Something gurgled in the car, and she swallowed them, giving them to me
receipt. I slowly walked up to the boat, showed the receipt and
waited until the chain lock clicked, inviting me in.
Seconds later I was already taxiing into the middle of the river, heading
boat to a lonely figure onshore. More precisely, no longer alone -
coy. A girl was sitting next to him. I made a circle, followed by another
goy. She didn't leave. The elephant sat hunched over, and
gave me no sign what to do. I made another one
circle, but the appearance of a police patrol car forced
row me to the shore. The girl stood up and waved her hand at me,
then she called out to me.
- Little Jimmy di Griz, if I'm not mistaken. How nice
surprise!
Too often recently in my life there have been appearances
to enjoy such moments. Mooring to the shore, I looked at the girl
head closer. She knew me, I must have known her too;
stunning beauty, sheer perfection. Those scarlet lips
- she! - the subject of my unbridled desires.
- Is that you, Beth? Beth Narethin?
- How nice that you recognized me!
I jumped ashore with the moorings at the ready, but she pulled out
I took them from my hands and tied them around the cabinet myself. Over my shoulder
noticed a police boat quickly sailing past us. For-
then glanced at the Elephant, who simply raised his eyes to
sky when she spoke.
- I told myself, Beth, it can't be Jimmy.
di Gnaw with a cute little mustache, jumping outfrom
this old McSweenes van. The Jimmy they were
All recent news releases are complete. A if
this is him, then why not follow him, for the sake of our elders?
Have a good school year. When I saw that you were talking
you're hanging out with this nice gentleman, I decided to wait for you
here when you return with the boat. Are you going on a trip?
vie?
- No, not a trip, just a day trip up
along the river and back. It would be nice to see you again
times.
It wouldn't be bad at all. To see her, I mean.
The subject of my childhood dreams. She left school soon
after I entered there. But it was difficult to forget her.
Four years older than me, a very mature woman. Now she
about twenty-one. She was always the leader in the class,
winner of the beauty contest - Queen of the Year. And rightfully so.
Now, having grown up, she has become even more stunning. Her voice
made its way through my memories.
- I don't think you were honest with me, Jimmy. Because
that, looking at all these bags and things, I bet you
you're going for a long time. If I were you, I'd prefer a long one
and a long cruise. This isn't a bad idea.
Did she saythe last words with some other expression
marriage? What did she need? We couldn't linger here any longer.
vat. Her intentions became clear when she jumped into
boat.
- There is always room for one more person! - fun
she shouted and walked to the seat in the stern. I picked up on-
shi belongings and whispered to the Elephant on yxo:
- She knows me. What should we do?
He sighed in response.
- What can we do? I can only say that we
Now we have a passenger. I suggest postponing this decision.
questions before we set sail. We have no choice anyway.
And he was right. I handed him our things and began to untie
tie a sea knot that she tied on a rope. Push-
hyb "Gentlemen of Fortune" with my foot and jumping into the boat, I took
behind the wheel. The elephant carried the luggage down, and I turned on the engine and
sent the boat down the river. Away from Billville, McSweenes
and the police. But not from Beth. She stretched out on the deck in front of
me, folding up her skirt so that I could admire her magnificent
long legs. That's what I did. She turned around and smiled
came to me, clearly reading my thoughts. I completely forgot that xo-
bodies to change into a woman's dress - I can imagine how many of us -
it would cause a bag now. I was starting to get angry.“Okay, Beth, let’s deal with you,” I said.
with difficulty looking at the clear waters of the river.
- It depends what you mean.
- Don't be silly. You watched the news, you said it yourself. Yes
that you know everything about me.
- Of course I know. I know that you rob banks and that you
sting from prison. This doesn't bother me at all. I have it myself
troubles of this kind. So when I saw you
and then this boat, I realized that you have some
money. Or maybe even a lot of money. It would be a shame to miss
the opportunity to travel with you. What do you think?
“No,” I tried to think about the police, and not about the legs. Here
punishment. - I actually have some money. If
I'll give you some, I'll drop you ashore...
- Money - yes, to the shore - no. I will say goodbye to HIM and
Billville. Now I'm going to see the world. And you paid
quiet my way.
She settled comfortably on the pillow, with her hands behind her head, and
smiled, enjoying the warm rays of the sun. I'm gloomy
looked ahead and thought about three or four blows that would break
or her tender neck... This is not just a joke. This problem is
Before it was somehow possible to decide, and without excessive rudeness. Motor
buzzed, we were moving forwardforward, cutting the river surface with his nose and
leaving behind white foam, and our beloved Billville;
forward to the green fields opening around the bend. Elephant
came onto the deck and sat down next to me. In her presence we
there was little to talk about. We continued on our way halfway
in silence for about another hour, until she appeared ahead
a pier, and on it a small supermarket. Beth stirred and
sat down, running her hand through her magnificent blond hair.
- You know what - I'm hungry. I bet you are...
same. Why don't we moor to the shore at this place? I
I would run to the store for food and beer. What do you think of my idea?
- Fabulous! - I agreed. She runs to the store, and we
We turn on full speed and tu-tu.
“I was ripped off like crazy,” she smiled. - They didn’t leave
and a penny to spare. If you give me some money I can
buy lunch. I think a thousand will be enough.
She said it all with the same charming innocence.
smile, and I suddenly became interested in knowing exactly which
she could get into trouble. Extortion and blackmail are not
otherwise; it was clear that she had already eaten the dog out of this. I climbed
into your wallet.
“That’s great,” she said, counting the wad of money.
with shining eyes. - I won't be long. And I KNOW that youyou will
here, Jimmy, together with his friend. Couldn't I see him?
to be published in the same news releases?
I angrily watched the delightful movements of her rear.
tsy as she walked at a steady trot towards the store.
“She deftly pressed our skins to the wall,” he said gloomily.
Elephant.
- Nailed, torn, striped. What are we going to do?
- Just what she just said. Except how to kill
yeah, we have no other choice. But I am not in favor of murder.
- Yes, me too. Although for the first time in my life I almost gave in
temptation.
- What do you know about her?
- Nothing - the last time I saw her was at school. She said
that I got into some kind of unpleasant situation, but I have no idea
I have what it could mean.
He nodded thoughtfully.
- When we get rid of her, I’ll handle it according to my termi-
nalu. If her name appears in police reports, I myself
I'll dig her grave.
- What good will this do to us?
- I don’t know, my boy. Something needs to be done. By
at least we should try our best to get out of
situations. We are like thisgreat riddance from the horrors of pork but-
training and reliably hid from our pursuers. So far it's
the creature receives money from us, we are safe. Until some time
some moment. And you can’t help but admit that she knows the business
It's tight.
I didn’t know how to respond to his words, all that remained was
sit gloomily and wait for our uninvited nacca to return
fat
After lunch we continued our voyage down the river. Ytomub-
Fresh from her morning sunbathing, Beth went down to
cabin to take a nap. The elephant wanted to replace me at the helm, and I
showed him a simple control system and explained some of the
navigation signs. There was a lot we couldn't say to each other.
But we thought about a lot. At noon the object of our painful
lost in thought, she galloped briskly across the deck.
“What a cute, cozy boat,” she praised. - Pre-
the cutest little restroom, tiny kyxohbka, and all oc-
talnoe. But only two beds. How will we all be together?
sleep?
“One at a time,” I growled; I was already tired of her voice.
give.
-You've always been such a brute, Jimmy. I think it will
It's best if I sleep downstairs. And youyou'll get by.
- We'll get by, young lady, we'll get by? What is a person like?
someone of advanced age, like me, can get along on deck,
When will the thick night fog descend on the earth? - the anger of the Elephant
there was no limit, but judging by her cheerful smile, he was up to her
light bulbs.
“I’m sure you’ll find a way out of this situation,” she said.
she. - Now, I would like to make a short stop
in the next town. I was in such a hurry to catch your ship,
that I forgot all my things. Clothes, cosmetics, you know...
those
- I think you won't need a lot of money to buy everything
this? - I asked jokingly. But she ignored my weakness
great humor.
- A thousand is enough, I hope.
“I’m going down,” said the Elephant and did not appear on deck until
until she disappeared. He brought two beers, and I was greedy.
I threw myself into the drink with all my might.
“Murder is ruled out,” he said firmly.
“Murder is ruled out,” I agreed. - But I don’t know
read that we have no right to think about it. So what are we going to do?
dem do?
“We can’t just weigh anchor and sail away.” She's right there
will raise tofeet the police and will receive a reward. We must
take this into account and think faster than she does. Absolutely
it is clear that she dared to travel with us, obeying
sudden impulse. Given her greed, it is necessary to
should give her money. But sooner or later she will decide that
She has taken enough from us and will hand us over for a reward. U
Do we have such a thing on board as a map?
His mighty mind did a great job, I must tell you. I don't
I started asking unnecessary questions and found a map. He became
run your finger on it.
- We are here now, I think, yes, in this very place-
those And downstream, right here, is the glorious city of Vals
Hella. When will we get there?
I glanced at the scale and measured the distance with my thumb.
- We can get there by tomorrow noon, if...
Let's get going earlier.
His face suddenly broke into such a wide smile that his eyes
They turned into narrow slits.
- Brilliant, simply brilliant! This will suit us very well.
- What is it suitable for?
- To my plans. I'll keep them to myself for now until we find out
some details that still need to be carefully thought through.
When she comes back you have to agreewith me in everything
no matter what I say. That's all you have to do. And now
another question. Where will we sleep at night?
“On the river bank,” I said, nodding down. - Our friend
she pulled out of me all the money that I took with me. Therefore
you will have to replenish supplies from the cache. Then I'll go ashore
and buy a tent, sleeping bags and other supplies
for comfortable parking.
- Perfect. In the meantime, I’ll choose a place for camp and work
I am hiding my plans until you return.
I also bought several steaks along with a whole collection of
tion of fabulous wines. We needed something completely different
new from McSweenies kitchen. When the sun had already completely sunk
horizon, I tied the boat to the trees on the shore of the green
line, where we could pitch our tent. Elephant, schmuck-
Moving his lips over the meat, he announced that he would cook dinner himself.
I beat off pieces of meat and, while the Elephant was eating lunch, and Beth was...
I tinkered with my nails, laid out and prepared the beds.
The sun was burning like a huge orange on the horizon when we
greedily attacked the food. It was amazing. Nobody
uttered not a word until we were done with her. When he disappeared
the last piece, the Elephant sighed, raised his glass, otx-
sipped some wine and sighed again.- Although I prepared dinner myself, I must tell you that it was
just a holiday.
- And he finally eliminated the taste of pig meat from his mouth -
bang,” I agreed.
- I don't like wine. Some kind of disgusting thing - I was in the dark
only her silhouette is visible. Without the usual akkomnahemehta her co-
perfect bodily forms, her voice, like the words that she
pronounced, left much to be desired. However
The Elephant's thick bass voice, when he spoke again, was devoid of hostility.
childhood
- Beth - I can just call you Beth, right?
Thank you, Beth, tomorrow we arrive in the city of Vals Hella, where
I will have to go ashore and visit my bank. Our funds
thinned out a bit. You wouldn't want our money
suddenly ran out?
- No, I wouldn’t like to.
- I thought so. Would you like me to go to the bank?
and brought you a hundred thousand dollars in small bills?
She almost suffocated. Then she fumbled for the switch and
Improvised lights flashed above our tight circle.
She knitted her eyebrows, looking at the Elephant, and, it seems, for the first time
once, I lost my equanimity.
- What are you talking about?Are you trying to fool me, old man?
- Not at all, my girl. I'm just paying for our safety
ness. You are aware of certain things about which,
Let's just say it's better not to talk out loud. I think this amount is
It is quite acceptable for ma to remain silent. You are so
don't you think?
She hesitated - then suddenly burst into laughter.
- Of course, I think so too. Let me just look at
the color of these pieces of paper, and I will think about whether to allow you to continue
reap your way without me, poor thing.
- As you say, my dear, as you say.
He didn't say another word on this topic. Soon after
this we went to rest, since for all of us the day
turned out to be too troublesome. Beth sat on the boat and we
settled down in a tent. When I returned to it after
connected the siren to make sure that in the morning we
Let's find the boat in place. The elephant was already snoring with all his might. Before I
fell asleep on my own, I suddenly realized that no matter what the Elephant was planning, he would otboe-
she has one more day of freedom before she gets the idea of us-
call the police. The temptation to get such a huge amount
will ensure her silence for us. It finally dawned on me that Elephant
No doubt he planned it that way.
An hour after dawn we are alreadyplowed the river,
despite Beth's protests. She appeared later, but anger
she immediately melted when the Elephant began to describe to her that benefit
du, which she will be able to extract from the amount deposited in the bank,
without wasting capital, but spending only small days -
gi for current purchases, and bewitched her like a rabbit boa constrictor.
I had no idea about his future plans, but I
I absolutely loved every moment of his cunning game.
By noon I had dropped off the mooring lines at the Wells Hall pier. Center
city was located nearby, and the Elephant, having combed his beard and
having twirled his mustache, he looked unusually neat and businesslike.
“It won’t take long,” he said as he left. Beth
looked after him, rejoicing in advance at her happiness.
- This is really the one they call “Elephant”, they say-
she said when he left.
- Where did you get this from?
- Just don’t fill me up. I saw the footage on the memory channel -
lu, about how someone rescued him from prison. Short
a guy with a mustache. It must have been you.
- There are as many guys with mustaches in the world as you like.
“I never would have thought at school that you would end up like this.”
- I can say the same about you. Then I admired
you from afar.
-All the boys who reached puberty did this
our school. Don't think I didn't know about it. We are nocmeuba-
hovered over you, I, together with our teacher and others...
She fell silent and looked at me angrily, and I smiled -
Xia and went downstairs to wash the dishes, which she so conscientiously
ignored. I was almost finished with this activity when I
someone shouted.
- On the ship! May I come on board?
An Elephant stood on the pier, shining in all its splendor. His
the new suit must have cost a modest fortune. A wh-
The modan he was holding must have been made of
tural skin of some animal, with which it perfectly gar-
It was decorated with gold trim. Beth's eyes turned into two
saucers. The elephant climbed on board and winked conspiratorially
us.
- Better go downstairs where I could show you what's in it
suitcases. This is not for prying eyes.
Beth walked ahead and he held the suitcase to his chest until I
closed and did not lock the door. Then he swept the papers off the table,
placed the suitcase in the middle and, with painstaking accuracy,
unzipped and opened it. Even I was shocked. There we were-
much more than a hundred thousand. The bot looked with all her eyes. For-
then she stretched out her hand and unpackeda pack of thousand dollar bills
puree
- Are they real? Are they real? - she asked.
- With mohethoro yard guarantee. I followed this myself -
while she concentrated all her attention on the money, he
turned to me. - Now, Jim, will you help me?
a small favor? Could you find some rope
or twine, I’m sure you’ll figure out what’s better
is going on. I would also like there to be complete silence,
when will you tie this girl up so she can't move?
be welcomed.
Of course, I was expecting some trick on his part. But
just not this. She was about to open her mouth in loud
screamed, but I reached out to her lovely neck and with force
pressed just behind the ears.
With some kind of primitive joy, I tore one of the blankets
into long strips and tied them with her tender wrists and
gantry ankles. I barely had time to gag her when she came...
she pulled herself together and tried to scream. But instead of a loud cry
a muffled whimper was heard.
-Can she breathe normally? - asked the Elephant.
- She's breathing fine. Just look at how fiercely the sparkle
Her eyes narrow and her magnificent breasts heave angrily. SheHe breathes just wonderfully through his nostrils. And now - I don’t explain
Can you tell me what all this means?
- On deck, if that's what you want.
He waited until the door was closed tightly behind us and began to speak.
yelled, rubbing his hands with joy.
- Our torment is over, my boy. I understood it like
I just looked at the map. My choice fell on this beautiful
city for two reasons. Bo firstly, here is the department
Galactic Credit Bank, which I did not fail to take advantage of.
to call - and quite successfully, as you have already seen. And the second
A very useful fact for us is that there is a cosmodrome in this city.
I puzzled over his words for several seconds, until
my dull brains finally did not understand their meaning. From amazement
I opened my mouth wide and could not utter a word.
- Did you mean that we... we... we are leaving the planet?
He nodded and grinned.
- Exactly so. In this small world it has come for us, let's say
so, it's a hot time. It will get even hotter when our friend
will be released. But by this time, we'll dust off the Beat
O'Haven from our boots and we will be many distances from here
light years. You once told me that you would like nonyte-
march?
- I said, of course, butisn't there any
control, inspection, police and other things?
- Exists. But customs and immigration authorities can
get around it if you know how to do it. I know. And before
to take such a step, I checked which ships are
now at the port. Sorry I didn't have a chance to warn you
you - but I was sure that your amazing reflexes would easily
will respond to this proposal. Leaving you, I have no intention of
I believed that this very day would be the beginning of our operation.
I was only going to get money to get rid of this girl.
chonki. At the same time monitoring the movement of ships. But fate
favors us. A cargo spacecraft is being loaded at the port.
ruble from Behuu - it leaves early in the morning. Great, no
Is it true?
- I think yes. But I would feel more confident if
I would know why Venia.
- Jim, there are some disappointing gaps in your education.
I thought every schoolchild knew how corrupt
Venians. They bring constant trouble and grief to Galak-
tic League. Behuu's motto is La regioj ciam samsiligas. What
translates roughly like this: “There are no hard and fast rules.” To
there is, we can say that for all occasions there are
laws, but a bribe can amend them. I wouldn'tsaid that this is a planet of criminals, it would be better to call them
dodgers.
“Well said,” I admitted. - So, what have you already organ-
called?
- Nothing yet. But I think that this opportunity is for me
will introduce himself as soon as we arrive at the port.
“Yes, of course,” I answered without any enthusiasm. It was
it is clear that this is complete improvisation, and the whole plan is sewn with white
threads. But I had no choice. - What about the girl?
- We will leave a note for the police via email, which
She nodded reluctantly, still looking at me with undisguised
hatred. I took off the bandage and pulled my fingers back just
time, her wonderful teeth clicked very close.
- I could kill you, tear you apart, stab you, like
the last beast...
“That’s enough,” I said. - I'm the person who can
do all this, and not you at all. So you better keep quiet.
She fell silent. It probably dawned on her how
She is married; now there was more fear in her eyes,
than anger. I didn’t want to terrify a defenseless girl.
vyshky - but she herself asked for such conversations. She
got ready to listen.
- You must be uncomfortablelie there like that. So calm down and
don’t twitch, and I’ll untie you.
She waited until I freed her hands, and almost
dug her nails into my face when I untied her ankles -
ki. I am the look of beautiful eyes. I locked the door behind me and
sat down on the bed opposite Beth.
- I want to talk to you. If I take off the bandage, I promise-
eat, don't scream? We are quite far from the city, and
no one will hear you anyway. So how?
that you asked for it yourself.
- You are a criminal, a thief. Wait, the police will get to you
tion...
- And you are a blackmailer. Maybe we can stop calling each other names
and fool around? Now listen to what happens next. We left
I'll eat you on this boat, and when we're far from here,
the police will be told where to find you. I'm sure you are
you will tell a stunning story. But they stop here -
all passenger express trains, and many high-speed highways
lei. So you'll never see us again, just like
police. - To lie a little and set off on the wrong trail -
when it won't hurt.
- I'm thirsty.
- I'll bring you something now.Of course, she immediately rushed to the door when I turned
her back to her, and again aimed at my eyes when I turned away
pushed her. I could understand her feelings - I even felt sorry for her.
After that, time passed very slowly. She didn't speak
nothing that I would like to hear - as, indeed,
mouth So hour after hour passed until the boat rocked,
when someone stepped on board. I rushed to her bed, but she
still managed to scream loudly before I made her
shut up. The door handle turned and slammed loudly.
-Who's there? - I called, bending down and getting ready to na-
fall.
“Your people, you can trust me,” answered a familiar voice. I
unlocked and opened the door with great relief.
-Can she hear me? - he asked, looking at the lying
there is an unconscious body on the bed.
- Quite. Let me tie it for greater security, and then...
let's go on deck.
He left first, and when I closed the door behind me,
a sudden flash of light illuminated the night sky and turned into
a huge burning arc directed to the very heights.
“It’s a good sign,” said the Elephant. - Real cosmic
ship. Everything is ready. Every minute is precious, so I propose
I'm going to grab ours nowbelongings and hit the road.
- On what?
- On a rented all-terrain vehicle.
- Will it be possible to follow his movement?
- I hope so. The rental point is located at the railway station
Rozhnoy station. I bought tickets for the Passenger Express, for
two of us, I think you're happy to hear this.
- I talked about express to our friend who is sitting
locked up.
- Two great minds working as one. I think I can do it
drop the tickets so that she can see them until
we're going.
We quickly went inside and just as quickly came out - and I
truly admired how skillfully he managed to drop
Elephant, easily recognizable blue express tickets. They fell
on the blanket from his pocket, while his hands were busy
you are something else. Masterful! Closing the door, I could not keep
cringe at the temptation to blow Beth a kiss. And received
in response, her angry look and a dull growl, which I,
Of course, he deserved it. However, she still had to
how many thousands of our dollars, so she had nothing to complain about
vat.
Returning the all-terrain vehicle and waiting until we were aloneon
station, we continued our way to the cosmodrome. Until now
everything happened in a terrible hurry, and only when
di loomed the brightly lit side of a real spaceship
Seriously, it finally dawned on me what I was going to do. I
I'm going to fly into space! It's one thing to watch on TV
space operas - and it’s quite another thing to dare to fly there
yes. I felt goosebumps run through my body. But-
Your life promised to be very interesting!
“Behind the partition,” ordered the Elephant. - Our man is already there.
A thin tall man in oiled space clothes
was about to get out, but returned back to the cabin when he saw
Elephant.
- Yi estas malfrva! - he grumbled angrily.
“Yere - sed me havas la momom,” answered the Elephant, and in his
a huge wad of dollars flashed in my hand, which immediately ycno-
koila his interlocutor. The money migrated to him and, after
short negotiations, the first pack was followed by
second. Having satisfied his greed, the cosmonaut led us into the office
van and we climbed up. The door slammed and we
plunged into complete darkness. What an adventure! Nevi-
The hidden aircraft flew past us, then
unfamiliar sounds of some strange blows were heard, for which
followed by a loudthe hiss of a giant snake. We're right there
stopped, our guide came out and opened the back door. I
jumped out first and found himself standing at the foot of the ladder, leading
throwing inside something that could only be a dented fuselage
huge spaceship. Next to tpanom stood boopy-
The married sentry looked at me with all his eyes. It's over
the adventure was over before it had even begun. What could I do?
bark? Run, no - I could not leave the Elephant. He stepped out from behind
my back and carefully walked towards the sentry while I interrupted
I was thinking about different options in my head. And handed him another one
a wad of money. The sentry was still counting the pieces of paper, and we were already
hastily climbed the ladder behind our guide, trying
Don’t lose your belongings along the way.
- Emirv, rapide! - the astronaut ordered, opening the door to the cabin.
you. We squeezed inside and found ourselves in complete darkness,
The door closed behind us and clicked into place.
- A safe haven! - The elephant sighed with relief, groping
along the wall with his hand and eventually finding the switch. Lit up
light. We were standing in a tiny, cramped cabin. There were two bonds in it
crappy beds and a very tiny bathroom in the back.
A gloomy picture. The elephant smiled benevolently, looking around
around.
- We will have to stay here for two days. That's whycome on
Let's hide our things away and not stick our heads out. Otherwise
the captain will threaten to return us home, and the price of the bribe will increase
many times. I'm sure we can avoid this.
- I'm not sure I understand anything about this. Isn't it
Haven't you paid the bribe yet?
- These are only initial payments. It is impossible to bribe
share, this is your first lesson. The astronaut got his due
the one who quietly took us onto the ship and arranged it so that
At the gangway we were met by a nice sentry who would let us through
for a fee. It's a thing of the past now. Our npucytc-
what's going on on the ship is unknown to the officers - and especially the captain
thane, for whom a very substantial remuneration will be required.
tion. Let's see.
- Yes, I would like to see it. Bribery - and in itself
It's actually an exact science.
- This is true.
- It’s so good that you can speak their language.
His eyebrows arched in surprise and he leaned closer to
me.
-You didn’t understand us? - he asked.
- I didn’t study foreign languages at school.
- Foreign! - he seemed shocked. - From which one?
in the wilderness of this swine-brain planet were you supposed to appear? This
not a foreign language, my dear boy. This is Esperanto
intergalactic language, simple and clear, everyone begins to learn
speak it from a very early age and speak it not
worse than in your native language. There are big gaps in your education, but
it's very easy to fix. Even before our next landing,
After a while you will be able to speak it. And for starters, that's it
verbs in the present tense and in all persons have an ending
ah. Simplicity itself...
He fell silent when he heard someone trying to open the door
our cabin. He touched his finger to his lips and pointed to
bathroom. I dived in and turned on the light at that very moment...
cop when Elephant turned it off in the cabin. He hurriedly walked
went into the bathroom and sat down next to me. I put out the lamp and
he slammed the door the moment the door opened from the
readora.
Someone's footsteps thundered through the cabin, and herpomkoe was heard
whistling. Routine inspection, nothing suspicious was found -
revealed, in a few seconds he will leave... But then the door of the van-
The room opened and the light flashed. Officer in embroidered
in a golden uniform looked at the Elephant squeezed into the shower,
then at me, bending over the toilet, and blurred into otbpa-
the most titillating smile.“I didn’t think there would be so much work in the lower compartment.” Without-
ticket takers,” a small revolver appeared in his hand. -You-
go. You two go to the ground, and I'll call the local police
tion.
I leaned forward, placing all the weight of my body on my legs, and
tensed his muscles, preparing to attack as soon as the Elephant cy-
may distract the officer's attention. For some reason I don't really want to
I wanted to go against weapons with my bare hands - but even more so for me
I didn’t want to go back to prison. The elephant must also be from-
I personally understood this. He extended his hand, trying to hold me.
- Wait, let's not rush, James. Rest while I
I'll talk to this kind officer.
His hand slowly dropped into his pocket, the revolver followed
behind her every move. He plunged his fingers deep and fished out
from his pocket a large wad of banknotes.
“This is an advance for a small service,” he said, holding out
to her officer, who grabbed the pieces of paper with both hands. It’s not difficult for him-
but it was possible to do it now, since the revolver had also disappeared
quickly as it appeared. He began to count, and the Elephant continued
sting.
- The favor we humbly request is that
that you don't find us for two days. You will receive this
sameamount tomorrow, and the day after, when you finally contact us
show me and take me to the captain.
The money disappeared, but the revolver reappeared - his hand
didn't even flinch. It was performed so masterfully that I
thought that he could very well become a magician.
“No,” he said. - I think it would be better if I take y
you have all the money that you hid on yourself and in your bags.
I'll take them and then take them to the captain.
“It’s very unreasonable,” said the Elephant sternly. - I'll tell you
captain, exactly how much you took, and he will ease your pockets -
us, so you will have nothing left. I'll tell him also
which of the crew members was bribed, and they too will lose their
their money, and you will become the most unpopular officer on the ship -
le. Isn't that right?
“There is some truth in what you said,” thoughtfully
he said, rubbing his jaw; there was nothing in his hands again.
it was. - If the reward is increased, perhaps...
“Ten percent, no more,” said the Elephant and counted
the required amount. - See you tomorrow. Please lock the door behind you
fight.
- Of course. Have a nice flight.
When he left, I finally got off the toilet and handed it to the Elephant
hand.- Congratulations, sir. You demonstrated superbly on
example of science, the existence of which I did not even suspect.
- Thank you, my boy. This will help you master the basics. U
he never had any intention of disembarking us from the ship. He
submitted a bid. I accepted it, he upped the bet, I
agreed and the tour ended. He understood that he could not record
pocutb more because I will need a large amount for
captain. This was not said, but nevertheless it is a
zymevalo. The game went according to the rules...
His words were interrupted by the loud sound of a siren in the corridor, and over
A red light flashed at the door.
- Did something happen? - I shouted.
- What happened was what should happen. We are ready to depart
that one I suggest you lie down on your bunks, because some of these
old ruins increase the already growing force of gravity
ty when they take off. A few more minutes and we'll shake off the dust
Beat O'Haven from our feet. It would be better forever. This prison
just terrible, and the food...
His words were drowned in a growing roar, and the beds began to vibrate.
rant. The weight that fell on me squeezed my chest. Just like
in the film, only much more exciting. It's finished! Let's fly!
What joys await us ahead?Joy is still far ahead. The mattress was quite thin
Kim, and the pressure made my back hurt. Then we several
times plunged into weightlessness, until finally it was otpery-
artificial gravity applied. Or almost regulated
on. She acted as if she stuttered a little. Also
My stomach was also acting. Hiccups attacked me so often
that over the next days I never remembered food.
But we had enough water with an iron taste. Officer
continued to receive bribes, and I continued to lie on the bed
most of the time and concentrated on studying Esperan
then to forget my torment. After two days, gravity is
it leveled out, and my appetite returned. I was looking forward to
our liberation, another small bribe - and...
some food.
- Free riders! - came the voice of the officer who opened the door
and depicting extreme surprise. Especially for the girl
who accompanied him. - Terrible, unheard of! Stand up, you
two, and behind me. Captain Garth will want to see you.
The performance looked very believable and was spoiled
but only with his hand, readily reaching out for the money,
as soon as the girl turned her back to us. It seemed that
she was extremely irritated by the whole incident, and maybe
she herself was part of the prank.We walked for a long time along the echoing co-
ridor, then climbed three flights up the metal
which steps to the bridge. The captain, seeing us, was dumbfounded.
He must have been the only person left on the ship,
who knew nothing about our presence here.
- Damn it - where did they come from?
- From one of the empty cabins in compartment C.
- But you should have checked these cabins.
- I checked, my captain, everything was written in the logbook -
but... An hour before the start. After that I was on the bridge with you.
They must have gotten there later.
-Who did you bribe? - asked Captain Garth, turning
in our direction, a graying space fox with kpotkum expressive
blindness of the eyes.
“Nobody, captain,” said the Elephant, and in his voice there was a
la sincerity. - I know these old cargo ships very well.
ok. Just before the start, the guards at the gangway leave their
post We quietly followed them onto the ship and hid in
this cabin. That's it.
- I don't believe a single word you say. Tell me who you are
bribed, otherwise you will be taken into custody and you will face big
troubles.
- Dear captain, your honest crew members will neverwould take the money! - The elephant did not pay attention to someone’s loud
snort. - I have evidence. All my humble
savings are with me and in my wallet.
“Get out,” the captain ordered everyone in the control room.
compartment - I tell everyone. I'll be on watch. I need pacnpo-
look at these two in more detail.
The officers and crew members left the premises, their faces becoming
impenetrable under his gaze. When everyone left, the captain
opened the door and turned to us.
“Well, come on, lay it out,” he ordered. The elephant held out
an incredibly huge wad of dollars, the captain quickly counted
He shook it and shook his head. - Not enough.
- Naturally, - agreed the Elephant. - This is only an advance. Gender
the final settlement will be when you drop us off at some
be suitable for the planet with accommodating customs officers -
mi.
- You are asking too much. I have no desire to
get into trouble with local authorities for
smuggling by illegal immigrants. It will be much easier
empty your pockets right now and dispose of you
at your own discretion.
This trick did not make any impression on the Elephant. He
patted himself on the pocket andshook his head.
- You can't do this. There's a check in my pocket
Lactic Credit and Exchange Bank in the amount of two hundred
thousand dollars. It is not valid until I submit
I'm writing it for the second time. You can do whatever you want with us, but
you will never force me to sign a second time! While we
Let's not stand on solid ground.
The captain shrugged his shoulders thoughtfully, then turned to the prisoner.
boram, corrected something there before turning it back again
reach out to us.
- The point is that you will have to pay for dinners, -
he said calmly. - And no one will give me fuel.
- That's right. Let's decide on the tariffs.
That was the end of the matter - but the Elephant whispered to me in yxo
warning as we walked down the corridor with him.
- There is no doubt that in our cabin they installed
listening device. And they searched all our belongings. All
our funds are with me. Stay close to me so that
there were no incidents. From this officer, for example,
would make an excellent pickpocket. And now - what do you say,
What if we have a little snack? Since we've paid, it's time to stop
break our forced fast and arrange a luxurious celebration
nicknameSomething in my stomach growled loudly, agreeing with this
proposal, and we headed to the galley. Like on a ship
there were no passengers, the fat, unshaven cook only cooked
simple food of the Venian peasants. Excellent for local residents
tels, but for others it took a little getting used to. you
Have you ever tried to hold your nose and eat at the same time?
but? I didn’t ask the cook what we were eating - I was afraid that
he'll tell me. The elephant took a deep breath and began to work
with a fork over your portion.
- The only thing I didn’t remember about Behuu is -
he said gloomily, “this is food.” After all, memory is a voter
on. And who would want to remember such a holiday?
I did not answer, because at that very moment I fell to my
cup with warm water, in order to somehow get rid of
curl from the incomprehensible taste remaining in the mouth.
“What bliss,” I finally said. - At least
At least the water here is not the same as from the tap in our cabin.
The elephant sighed again.
- What you drink is coffee.
Our journey was not a fun one. We both
xydeli, since most often it was easier to refuse food than
use it. I continued my studies, learning all the intricacies
embezzlement, theft, dachas andaccepting bribes, double and triple
accounting - all this was given to me in Esperanto, and in con-
Eventually I began to speak it as fluently as in
in your native language.
During the first landing we remained on the ship, then
how officers and soldiers of the customs service flooded his deck -
would.
“Not here,” the captain told us, looking at the screen
outlines of the planet. - Very rich population, they don’t like
strangers. And the next planet in this system is just right
you, agricultural, sparsely populated, they accept them-
murpahtob, and most importantly, they do not have a customs service.
- Its name? - asked the Elephant.
- Emphisbionia.
- I've never heard of this one.
- Is this necessary? Of the thirty thousand populated areas
no.
- You're right. But still...
The elephant seemed to be puzzled by something, and I could not understand
what. If we don't like this planet, we can always
save the necessary amount to move on. But ka-
some instinct unknown to me forced the Elephant to be hactopo-
same. In the end he bribed the steward touse-
with an on-board computer. As we picked at our dinner with forks,
he told me about it.
- Things take on a bad smell - even worse than the smell
this food,” his words horrified me. - I didn’t find it in the galaxy-
There is no data in the tic reference book about the planet called
Emphysbionia. A directory is updated automatically every
times when the ship lands in some inhabited civilization
lization of the place and is included in the communication network. Before-
I will add to this that our further destination
encrypted Only the captain knows the code to gain access to
information.
- What can we do?
- Nothing - until we land. Then
Let's find out what he's up to...
-Can’t you bribe some officer?
- Already bribed - otherwise how would I have known that only the captain
we know where we are going. Of course he wouldn't tell me
I wouldn't have paid him this. How disgusting it all is. But I would do it
exactly the same in his place.
I tried to cheer him up, but it was no use. Du-
I think the dinner completely undermined his morale. Better
all it would be to land on this planet, no matter what it is
was. Gooda thief can make a living in any society
ve. And one more undoubted fact. Food just has to be
better than the mess that we now had difficulty cramming into
mouth
We lay on our beds until the ship touched down nobepxhoc-
these planets and the green lights did not light up. Our meager belongings
were already collected, and we carried them down to the vestibule. The captain himself
monitored the instruments. He muttered something while the
The automatic atmosphere analyzer carried out its control
measurements; the inner door will not open until this
will be over and no results will be obtained. Finally, when
the boron hummed and issued a certificate, the captain chuckled with satisfaction,
looking at the screen. The huge hatch opened with a creak, letting in
a stream of warm and acrid air. We sniffled together.
“The stylograph is at your service,” said Captain Garth. Elephant
just smiled in response.
The captain came out first, showing us the way, and we followed
follow him with our bags. It was night, there was a bright light above us
stars were shining, and from behind a dark line of trees nearby one could hear
There were screams of some invisible creatures. The only source
the ball of light was the illuminated vestibule of the ship.
“Well, that’s all,” said the captain, stopping at the last
on the next step of the ladder. The elephant shook his headpointing at me-
tallic surface of the platform.
- We're still on the ship. Let's go down to earth if it's you
will not be difficult.
They chose a suitable piece of land not far from the ladder -
but still not so close as to try to push us into
back to the ship. The elephant took out the check, picking up the stylograph
captain, and carefully wrote out his signature. Captain - what
suspicion! - I compared it with the top signature for a long time,
then nodded. He hurriedly walked towards the gangway while we were picking up
lost his belongings - then he turned around and shouted into the darkness:
- Now they are yours!
As soon as the ladder soared up, powerful searchlights, breaking through
darkness, blinded us, pinning us like moths to
the spot where we stood. Armed people fled towards us
all sides, and we were spinning in one place, like animals in
trapped, completely confused.
“I told you there’s something wrong here,” said the Elephant. He
dropped his bags and gloomily watched the soldiers approaching us.
us.
A magnificent figure in a red uniform emerged from the darkness.
me and stopped in front of us, twirling the huge and elegant
long mustache. Like some historical action movie, man
carried a sword tightlypressing it to your thigh.
- I will take everything you have from you. All! Fast!
moustaches. Like some historical action movie, man
carried a sword, holding it tightly to his hip.
- I will take everything you have from you. All! Fast!
Two men in uniform ran up to us to monitor
how we will carry out what we have been told. They were armed
some strange guns with huge barrels and wooden
butts. Behind me I heard a creak, it was from the ship again
lowered the ladder with Captain Garth standing on the last step
hemp. I bent down to pick up the bags and, deftly,
Feeling tired, he dived towards the captain, trying to grab him. rang out
a loud shot, and something whistled past my
heads and crashed into the fuselage of the ship. The captain cursed and
swung his fist at me. You can't imagine anything better. I step-
nul to the side, dodging the blow, grabbed his hand and
hit him hard in the lower back. He screamed in pain
nice to hear.
┌──────────────────────┐
│ To be continued │ └──────────────────────┘
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