Humor - a humorous short story about Spectrum: Virtual Reality.

╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ HUMORIC NOVELLA.   ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
                                
 VIRTUAL REALITY.          
                                          
                                          
 PART I.                 
 "Lost Mind."            
                                          
                                          
CHAPTER I             
                                
     Another day of my pregnancy has passed
Successful work on ZX-SPECTRUM. All prog-
the frames I made were absolutely incomparable
we don’t need it, either because they are similar
programs were already full, or they
they just simply didn’t reach my office
national distributor "MAGIC SOFT". But
Today was still special:
Today I completely completed the game "STAR
LEGACY."  Yes, today is a significant day -
yeah, it took me about three months
to complete this game, and finally
today it happened!  And now, I recoil-
waking upsilently on the back of your chair
I look at the epilogue screensaver of the game. "Nuh-
if I could do it honestly and
without any hints?  - I thought to myself, although
my soul was not so happy, because
I didn’t want to part with the one I loved -
I am the main character of the game and am already familiar with
my planet "RAKXLA" - which I
I've been looking for "ELITE" in the game for a very long time.         
    Thinking about all this, I closely
buried himself in the monitor screen and tapped
fingers on the arm of the chair in time with the rhythmic
noah epilogue music. Suddenly, music
was interrupted by a chilling phone call, from
I lost my sharpness and surprise
Goosebumps ran all over my insides and down my spine.
After a couple of minutes I came to my senses, and
reluctantly went to the phone.                
    “I’m listening,” I said into the phone.         
    - Hey, Max! Is that you, sir?            
                                          
                                          
 - Well, aren’t you guessing?  
Dean? - I answered into the phone to my friend De-
Nisa Altukhov, who works for PENTIUM
DX16 + MULTIMEDIA + MEMORY BANK + CD ROM +
... Yes, yes, such a device he has costs up to
ma, and lately Dean Alta (such a
his creative pseudonym, and his friends
name is just Dean) is not visible at all on the street
and at the USER'S market, I decided that he was drinking
(which he loves very much), or is very carried away
hisnew development that he has
a lot, but not a single one has been completed
end.                                    
   “Where have you gone, Dean?” continued
I guess my brother has come again? - usually when
his cousin is coming, then
the meeting lasts about a month, at the beginning
next month the farewell begins. Yes
how the Dean Alta family is rich - that's money
he has enough to drink in abundance.     
  - What a brother, Max, here... - judging by
Dean's voice, he was trying to explain something to me -
then in a few words, but he couldn’t do it -
go to do and only got confused and confused
me, - I am my Memory Bank, - said Alt, -
filled with data, all 500 gigabytes, now
you can be in it yourself, or rather not
you, ah... Well, yes you... and I... and... in short,
come, I’ll explain everything and show you, and at the same time
Let's wash it.                                   
   - Listen, Max, let’s go in order: where
Is this where we can be?!                
   - Well, yes, in the memory bank, that is, in
computer, how can I explain it to you, well...
res stereo display and asynchronous conversion
caller.                                 
  I've already heard something about a stereo display
from him - this is a device that looks like
passes a motorcycle helmet, inside the
which is the device of the ka-
fair display of information in the world,
based, like a regular stereo television
nie,on the polarization of light, what about
asynchronous converter - so with this
I am also familiar, this device contains
yourself a number of all kinds of latches, clothespins and
suction cups attached to the human body,
Thus, when the body moves, the power
the sensors located in this device,
convert these movements to 128-bit
sequence of bits, and throws it into
computer, so the computer can
determine any movement of the body.      
   - Well, in general, let me tell you specifically -
but: what kind of nonsense are you talking about? - I said to
rebuffing Dean to make him try
explain again briefly and clearly.         
   - In short, listen, Max: did you hear that
something about Digital Animation or Vir-
virtual reality?                      
   - Well, of course I heard!  - I shouted at
receiver with a mocking tone, showing this
that I didn’t believe him one bit. - Maybe
maybe,” I continued, “you also came up with a program-
intergalactic teleport frame, or
timer for passage to another dimension??       
   - Max! Crap! Why are you so small!
Let's get on the 114th and quickly come to me, yourself
you will see everything!!! - Dean Alt's voice was dro-
pressing and it seemed that he was about to cry.
I felt very sorry for Denis, and then I started
believe him.  My heart was pounding like never before
before, my mouth instantly became dry and under
eyes franticallymy eyelid began to tremble. This-
for an hour I had only one thought: quickly
to the 114th bus and to the neighboring central
metropolis                                
   - Okay Dean, wait, it'll be in an hour -
du. And this, do you hear? I'm sorry you didn't believe me
to you.                                     
   - Come on quickly, Max, I’m waiting!            
    He abruptly hung up and turned off all
I rushed to run to the rest of my equipment
new Luckily the bus didn't take long
wait, and after 45-50 minutes I was standing...
near the apartment of the Altukhov family.            
    Having pressed the bell button, behind the door
a pleasant melody of the composition could be heard
"YESTERDAY", to the beat of which the muffled sound
there were the footsteps of a man running towards the door.
Literally a moment later the door was already there
open, and I stood in Denis’s hallway. Already
here I heard a familiar, terribly high-frequency
the loud squeak of the monitor, which can be heard
almost unnoticeable, but only human
who often studies on a computer is able to
hear it.                             
   - Well, have you arrived? Come in quickly!!! - not-
Dean called me patiently                   
   “Yes, I’m coming, I’m coming,” I answered him. Dean Alt
hastily running past his room,
wanted to go to the hall and told me to go
there too.  Along the way I could not bear to
look into his room: in it I saw
about what I thought, namely: in the corner
room stoodhuge - about 1.5 meters
heights of Memory Bank, specially made
on the table stood a respectable-looking "ba-
fixed" system unit, next to which
there were three monitors displaying each
your information.  Closer to the foreground
table, there was a keyboard and a mouse. To the right of
the table was like a small fence,
made of plexiglass, and that's where I
I saw that chilling curiosity
stereo display, and a bunch of wires.           
   Closing the door behind me again, I
wandered into the hall.                              
                                          
                                          
 - Eh, Max!!! You'll see this soon!!! But
I should've lashed out first... - Dean
took two cold bottles from the bar wall
“Crystalins” and put them on the table.       
   - Ooo!!! - I said sighing, because
I was afraid of this most of all - so I
thought!                                    
   - Max, we’re on the same footstep! - Dean dos-
came from behind the sofa "wrasse" (so in a simple
rhodium is called 250-gram faceted
glass), then blew sharply into it, expelling
this is where a swarm of cockroaches comes from, then
rubbed it with his finger, with this he finally
dealt with foreign substances (cobwebs)
on, dust, etc.)                           
   “Max,” he turned to me, “listen,
run to the kitchen and get a fan in the refrigerator
that andplate with cucumbers, I’m already there
prepared. I immediately went to the kitchen,
and along the way I thought that as soon as possible
sit down at the computer. Avoid drinking
I didn’t even think about it, because it’s completely worrying
useful.  Bring a 2 liter bottle of Fanta
and a plate of cucumbers we sat down at the table.     
 - This is, listen, Dean, just let's...
faster. - I said.                      
   - Of course, of course!  Well, we need to talk about
wash! Saying this, he poured from the bottle into
glass, which a few seconds later was
crowded.                            
   - Well, come on, drink. - Denis told me
pointing at the glass. To let you down faster
this event is over, I drank it in one gulp
"wrasse".  Oddly enough, the vodka went well
nice, and having eaten one slice of cucumber I
I was waiting for Alt to do the same.           
                                          
 CHAPTER II.            
                                
   Twenty minutes passed unnoticed, and
now, I’m already bringing the third filled one to my mouth -
full to the brim, just like everyone else
previous, glass. This was the last one
how Dean poured out every last drop
whether from a second bottle, the capacity of which
was 0.7 liters. Having finished this matter,
I was the first to start talking about virtual re-
details:                                 
 - Dean, come on, show yours
achievements.                               
   “Yes, okay, let’s go,” Denis answered.
getting up from the table.  I tried too
get up, but it was not at all easy, but
nevertheless I overcame myself. Sharp in the eyes
became cloudy, and I was pulled to the side, towards
fortunately the one I needed to go to. Os-
hanging around Dean's room, I heard that
he tried to tell me something, but unfortunately
I absolutely could not understand what he wanted
bodies, and to quickly get rid of him
chatter, I just nodded my head,
showing by this that I agree with him. Last-
What I remember is what he said:
   - Well, let's go?                     
   - It’s high time, of course we drove - barely
I mumbled to him.  And then everything went somehow
mechanically.  I followed him constantly
although I don’t remember what we did. Everything was
like in a dream.  Now I clearly see how I
I put on this very helmet, gloves, and sit down
together with Dean Alt in a special continuation
a dingy chair, and... Yes, really like
in films, I rush somewhere deep into some
then space, I am accompanied by constant
clear brain-inducing low-frequency
noise. This went on for quite a long time, and
here, finally, the long-awaited arrival in the world
virtual world.  It was accompanied by a sharp
a flash of numerous stars that
sparks very quicklyshimmered the same way
quickly one replaced the other. Simultaneously with
with this, the circles moved, similar to
hypertransition in the game "Elite". Through
How many seconds did it all end? Should
notice that the landing was not painless -
on.  Arms, legs and head for a while,
they were just splitting in pain, but then it
everything calmed down.  "Suggestion through the psychic
impact on the brain,” I decided. Now I
could enjoy all the beauty of computer
life.  She was not like ours: on
couldn’t be seen at a distance of 5 centimeters
nothing except a brightly shining ku-
yes, up a powerful spotlight, which
was next to me. I didn't know what to do
what to do now and where to go. Suddenly from under
the spotlight, like an illusionist, appeared on its own
Dean Alt, whose arrival I am very pleased
was pleased.                                  
   - Dean!!! - I shouted, “Is that you?!” A-a--
ha ha ha!!!  With great joy we are with him
hugged.                                 
   - Brother! - I said, - I thought you quit
me to the mercy of fate!                  
   - No, Maxik, how could I! Of course not!
- this conversation from the outside may have benefited
looked like a "drunk market", but we are from everything
hearts and continued to hug with all their might
each other.  And this may continue...
it would have taken a very long time, but suddenly from somewhere
a sound was heard from far away very quickly
approachingus transport. His headlights
blinded us more and more, and we
were forced to cover their eyes with their hands and
you to the side. "What could it be?" -
I thought to myself, “What kind of transport could
to be here in this pseudo-world?"          
   In just a few seconds this
"transport" slowed down right next to the striker
sky spotlight.  Car doors sharply
opened, and four su-
creatures very similar to humans. They fled
in our direction, and when one of them tried
gal past the spotlight, then I was still able
look at his face. ABOUT! I wish I didn't
I saw it!  It looked an awful lot like the artang from
games "Star Legacy". Yes, yes, it was
artang!  3and I could confidently vouch for this. C
In horror, I abruptly rushed to the side. Already th-
in an instant two artangs grabbed my
defenseless friend Denis, two more fled
follow me. It was very difficult to navigate
in an unfamiliar place and even in the middle of nowhere
darkness. Along the way I thought: where are they here from?
could you take it? what do they want from me? 3a-
how did they get Dean? - these questions are not given -
do I have peace, and reflecting on them I
came to the following conclusion: once upon a time
but, I gave Dean the Star Legacy game,
which he played through the Z-80 emulator. And,
looks like he copied it to Memory Bank,
after which he launched his REAL program
ANIMATION and "Star Legacy" became viral
the virtual world.It was the smartest thing to do
my opinion is the solution, otherwise it cannot be
could.                                    
    Reflecting on this, I noticed that art
the tangi were already far behind, and after some time
swarmed for a while and stopped the chase completely. When-
sitting down on the ground, I came to the village for a very long time
and finally moved on. I knew that
I can't go back, and that's why I
was heading in the opposite direction from ours
arrival side. I also came to the logical
conclusion: if the game was "downloaded" to
Bank, then the whole plot here should
be like in the game. Therefore, I know
cheat, I am an agent of "Fearless".  A
Dean, who arrived at the wrong time, was removed,
So, apparently, it’s built into the program.        
    Thinking about all this, I myself didn’t notice
til like, came close to some
structures. It was much brighter here, and
I could distinguish residential buildings from useless ones
ny ruins.                             
                                          
                                          
                                          
 CHAPTER III.           
                                
   While wandering past the buildings, I noticed
barely noticeable entrance to the basement. I thought that
if everything goes as I think, then in this
“dungeons” there should be a terminal.      
   Going downstairs down, I will find-
lived a tightly closed door with a padlock
com.  Without hesitation, I will completely swing
kicked the door. The loop holding the
got wet, couldn’t stand it, and the door smoothly opened
las.                                     
   OH YES!!! - I exclaimed when I saw the right-
the other side of the terminal door. I'm left with
I just had to enter the code into it, which I
knew clearly. This code was the word "SAM".
And I, by pressing the 'POWER' button and then entering
code, heard the pleasant sound of a working
chanism.  Now I've seen what lies beyond
this terminal.  As I expected, there I am
I saw one big package, three small ones
a bag, and... Yes, of course a case! With a smile
Having taken all this, I headed towards the exit and,
moving further away, I was able to see better
my entire find.  I don't really care about the case
looked at it and immediately threw it into his pocket.
As for small bags - so
these, as I understand it, are bags of powder
"BREAKE" is it true what he was doing in the niche behind
terminal I could not understand, it looks like I
I guessed later, here, that is, in this mi-
re, events do not happen exactly as
in the game, but much more real and interesting.
As for the biomask - that’s how I ended up here
a whole set! It included: the biomask itself,
special shoes, similar to those worn by Ar-
tangov, and as I understand it, the electronic transmission
a driver that hangs from the mouth. And
here I am nowafter eating one packet of Break,
and having changed into an artang, I boldly go forward
ed.  Now I had to leave this
island on a glider.  Which way should I go?
I had to go - I roughly knew from the game,
and also on the other side (from the east)
it felt very cold, therefore there
there was a sea.                          
                                          
                                          
 I didn't have to walk for long. Already
after 30-40 minutes I saw the building in the vi-
where there is a small building and benches located
sitting next to her in the open air. Nearby
The captain himself hung around with them. True,
he didn't look at all like the captain
which was in the game - this one looked like this:
in general: height - approximately 160
see, very thin build, he was dressed
in dirty trampled sandals, shod on
bare feet, short ones just below the knees
completely torn and oily trousers, and in
a dirty and torn vest, that's probably
the only thing that showed who he was was
Xia.  The captain's face was completely overgrown
stubble, and already sunken cheeks
the matter was pulled inside in order to
light the cigarette butt hanging on his lips
sy.  Also, under this man’s eye there was
the bruise is clearly visible.                    
    Having examined the captain, I noticed
heading to the pier, on which the glider already stood
village NowI decided to contact the captain.
   - Tell me, captain, where is this guy going?
glider? - I asked.                     
   “Tut-tu-tu-da,” he answered me, stuttering.
captain, pointing his finger towards the north
ra.  In the face of this man one can clearly
there was surprise and at the same time
fear.  Why is this so, for me it is for now
remained a mystery.                      
   I knew perfectly well that I had to give
Pitana has a pass, who like this one has
I wasn't there. Having searched in my pockets, I
I found the 10,000th piece of paper and it didn’t take long to inflate
washing gave it to him.                            
   - Here, uncle, you’re wearing a pass instead. -
I said, barely moving my tongue, because... gave
know about yourself those 0.7 liters of “Kristalina”.
The captain looked with even greater surprise
at me and without any hesitation snatched it from me
money, after which, even lame, but still
with a quick step, headed in the opposite direction
on the other side of me. After a moment he
no longer existed. Rejoicing at the successful turnaround
business, I calmly went inside the glider and
took an empty seat.  Yes. Ahead of me
the unknown awaited.                       
 CHAPTER IV.            
                                
    The boat was going fast, and I didn’t even notice
as he had already arrived in the city. Judging by the plot
game it was Pulsar. And the city itself was
very similar to the onewhich one was in the game. Multi-
a large number of brightly shining backgrounds -
ray and iridescent advertising letters above
almost entirely commercial buildings
ate the darkness of the night. I continued walking like this
you along the lifeless night sidewalk where-
then to the city center. Past me on the highway then
autocrafts were noisily rushing by. Here
Finally I reached a small park,
next to which there was a low
thuika, from whose mouth a thin stream
a fountain flowed from different directions. stood nearby
several benches, on one of which there is a
a plump middle-aged man. He's in his hands
held an open newspaper, and looked intently
glanced at her.                 
    "Yeah, gotcha! Fat girl!" - I thought
to himself, knowing that according to the plot of the game he
you need to ask where Taran is. Also
I knew that this man, as in the game, was not
incredible coward. And that's why I didn't even think about
ask him nothing, but on the contrary, don’t
taking off his artang suit, he headed towards him
to scare him.                       
    - Hey, dude! - I started to say, - no
do you see who's coming? Get out of here, you asshole!
After these words, the man turned his gaze to
me, and for some time just as intently
like his newspaper, he looked at me.   
   Then he slowly put down the newspaper, lazily
stood up and walked towards me. Yes, it's-
It wasn't in the game. But I knew what was going on here
everything comes outmuch more real, and that's why I
boldly stood and brazenly looked into the eyes of this
to a person.  A few seconds later, he
came to me.  What happened here is what I
I didn't expect the most. He grabbed it sharply
me with your thick and muscular hand
throat, and raising it about half a meter from
the earth abruptly threw me somewhere into the distance.
Having flown about 3-5 meters, I
got up quickly. I had no other thoughts
except to run away from here as quickly as possible.
I ran as fast as I could, not wanting to meet again
fight with this monster. On the way I came
tried to jump over small fences and
fencing. Finally, I ran out to the shi-
rock lane road.  At this time by
an autocraft similar to a 'JEEP' was speeding along. Sharply
slamming on the brakes so as not to hit me, him
carried to the side of the road. At this moment I
sang to read the inscription on the autocraft:
"MILITARY" - which means "in-
ennaya".  At the same moment they jumped out of it
about half a dozen artangs.  In the hands of
all of them were clearly visible powerful neuro-
they were wearing shorts, there were grenades dangling from their belts and everything
possible weapon unknown to me.  Naho-
it was extremely dangerous for me to live here, and I
started running to the side. This time for me
had to run through some plantings, and
also jump over fences. Loopy
like a hare, I still managed from them
come off. "Another successful escape" - du-
I'm smallstopping to catch my breath.
After a couple of minutes I continued on my way to
the same direction in which he ran. Along the way I
thought about what is actually happening
le and finally came to this conclusion -
belief: everything does not go exactly as in the game,
but slightly modified.  Changed to
so that the player can experience everything himself
delights of the game.  And yet, it prevented me from going and
Moreover, there is one small detail:
these shoes I wore for camouflage
from artangs. If you remove it, then without it
I’ll be easily identified, I thought, and
So I decided not to take it off.               
    10 minutes into my journey, I
noticed a small group of young people
standing near a small but already old be-
riders "These are people from the Black Wheel league" -
For some reason I immediately decided. Without hesitation
I headed towards them. I took off the artang costume
mother didn’t even think about it, because I was afraid of the military
no patrol.                             
    - Hello, guys! - I started talking.
- I know that you are all from the Black Wheel League
co", and I need your help! Very isti-
Ridiculous laughter rang out from each of these
people.                                    
 - 'Black Wheel'!  - rolling away from
laughing and holding his hands on his stomach said
one of the guys. - Are you from the White League?
cannabis'?!  he replied laughing even more
me.  After thatsounded even more hysterical
laughter.                                     
   “Yes, no,” I began again, “I just
dressed up in an artang costume!  - and I de-
monstrously took off his mask and pulled out the transfer
burning device. For a moment there was silence
tire formed due to the fact that
Each of these people couldn't help but laugh
draw a new batch of air into your lungs.    
   - Get out of here! Fool! - still laughing the same
he said, standing up and giving me a hearty stump
same young man. Yes! now I was thinking about
myself, what a fool I am!  This is not at all
members of the 'Black Wheel' league are ordinary
pregs. Yes, yes, those pregs that are in the plot
games should take me to Taran. Okay
that I knew the name of one of them, and not
Losing opportunities, I called out to him:         
                                          
                                          
 - Well, okay, I need a Porcupine! Dikob-
one, come here! - I waved my hand to the person standing
behind a toothless two-meter kid. (By-
For some reason I thought that Porcupine was him).
There was dead silence here.               
   - Who is the porcupine? - breaking the silence of his
remark, this man was heading towards me.
In the blink of an eye, under him (under his eye)
It already hurt terribly. In addition to this, from all
all sorts of blows and deep blows rained down on both sides.
hey punches.  They hit me with cuffs
They took her by the arms and legs and threw her far away.
A few minutesI lay there and didn’t think about anything
small  Then, overcoming the pain, I somehow
got up and walked in the opposite direction
place of arrival. On the way I put on a mask and
never stopped calling himself a fool and de-
beat.  Only now I remembered that
Pregs should not be approached wearing a biomask! Yes!
This happened in the game itself.                
    Meanwhile, I noticed that I had become
lick some brightly glowing neon
vy lanterns. After a while, I
I realized that it was a bar-restaurant.            
 "Oh, yes!" - I thought to myself. "It's the same one
the bar where I should meet the cloreds and
see the captain!"  After this thought, on
my soul became much more cheerful and pleasant. More
once checking for the presence of Artangovsky
suit, I impatiently walked quickly
walked to the bar.                              
    Opening the thick glass door, I
A barrage of fast rhythm immediately rushed into my ears.
cute modern music, that’s what I felt
the smell of all kinds of alcoholic drinks, from
which I almost threw up. to me
it seemed that I would never sober up after
le of these 0.7 liters of vodka. However,
Knowing that all this is not real, I decided to
a lot more to drink to keep the plot going
games and so that other people present in
the bar didn't think wrong of me.
Walking through the very center of the bar, I sat down on
free chair at the table. Every single one
people likeone, immediately stared at me.
"What gives me away?" - didn’t stop thinking -
I'm the mother. At this time I heard my neighbors
di on the table, pointing at me with his finger
we laughed very hard, almost excitedly
me. Ignoring them, I suspect
shaft of the waiter who came up to me too
for some reason I couldn’t contain my smile. I
ordered him a hundred grams of whiskey with ice and
have a little snack.  Wait for the waiter
I didn’t succeed because he approached me
one of the local party people.               
   - Hey, you pretzel, what are we doing here? A?
- with a huge smile on his face he began to speak -
he says.  Literally two seconds later, I
was already surrounded by a crowd of local bandits, and
a moment later I received a tasty stump
behind. This was followed by the already familiar
a series of cuffs and blows to the body
and in the face. After a while I fell on
floor, and unable to bear it, he shouted loudly:      
   - Ah-ah-ah-ah!  G-a-a-d-s!  you know
who am I?!  ABOUT! It's better for you not to know!!! I - I
Agent Neustrashimy!!!  Just dressed up
artang costume! - here I suddenly took off my mask,
and pulled out the transfer device. - I'm scum
I'll get to you all!!! Only I know
the key to unlocking the secret of tempo!!! And you,
when I get out of this damn Raxla,
You will be my slaves!!! You bastards!!!           
   Saying all this I stood up, they had already stopped
they tried to beat me andgreat interest and
Already apprehensive, they listened to me. This time
I walked past them and slowly walked away
street.  3but no one came out to me, and I was able
move a little away from this terrible den. 
   Suddenly I saw two people standing facing
to each other and talking about something
society  Having looked a little closer,
In fact, I guessed them right away. These were
cloreds. Without thinking about anything else, I run
rushed towards them. I'll run with all my might
hit one of them in the face so that he
fell down immediately.  After that I wanted
turn around to face another clored, but
I couldn’t do this, since I had already seen
sat in the air with the help of a powerful holding
me the hands of this creature. After this
followed by the usual kick in the ass. Several
seconds after that, I could enjoy
the beauty of flight. Having fallen somewhere into bricks, I
jumped up sharply and wanted to take advantage of
I have mastered the escape technique well, but
alas - it’s as easy as previous times for me
it was not possible to do this, and... Yes, again like
and always followed by strong blows, cuffs,
shelbans, foams, etc. Break away from these
monsters, the same method as in
bar. I again very strongly, literally
Rina screamed. Screaming, I didn't try
say something, I was just trying to scare-
scream at them. And it worked! Already in
for five seconds I was running as fast as I could across the concrete
new sidewalkalong the densely planted al-
lei. Now I didn't have any thoughts
I knew that I had only myself to blame for everything.
That's what this game is for. After a few minutes
Well, I paused to catch my breath.
Then I noticed that this alley was noticeably different
thinned out, and then the sidewalk went along the non-
big lake. Having reached it, I
I sat down to rest and wash myself. Here,
finally, I could take off the biomask, special shoes,
translation device, which are very good
Well relieved the body. Now I see
that I am somewhere outside the city. A little
having a closer look, I noticed a barely visible
constructed structure of medium size.
At that moment I hurried to him. According to my preferences
According to the provisions, this should be the villa of a certain Ar-
the demon Veres. It was much easier to walk now
what’s more pleasant, since I took it off, I’m in the way-
walking aid, shoe device. All
this time my brains were filled with one
just a thought:                            
  "How can I get into the tempo so that
get out of this convict world?     
   So I came very close to the building.
It looked strikingly similar to the one
which was in the game. Also close to the villa
well-groomed bushes grew into which I
hid.  How long did I have to stay here?
sit - I couldn’t know. Here where it reigns
deathly silence, me with every second
felt sleepy. After 6-7 minutes I’m already stronger
ko was sleeping. To meI had a strange dream, as if
if Dean Alt and I were sitting at home, warm, and
carelessly controlling the mouse, we look at
monitor screen every now and then falling into different
alterations, a pitiful-looking man walks around.
Even in my dream I felt sorry for him, as if
I wish I could feel sorry for myself. How long would it last
this dream and what I would dream next
I couldn’t understand because they interrupted me
clearly audible footsteps. I woke up immediately
and became wary. From a distance I noticed a high
th athletic man,
dressed in a tracksuit. I knew that
it is very dangerous for me to fight with him, but I
there was nothing left to do, since she
I didn’t have a flywheel. And when he got hurt
messed with me, I abruptly broke out of the bushes
and with the speed of lightning he attacked Arbes.
Jumping on him with my whole body, I immediately fell
him off his feet and wanted to hit him several times
punches in the face, but next to me I
I noticed a piece of stick measuring 20-30 cm. Uh-
having crushed it and raised it above his head, the stick
suddenly broke in half, and this half
fell into my bosom. With incredible horror I
noticed that this substance is not at all
moose with a stick. It was already well dried-
a rich, but still strong-smelling piece
excrement.  I don’t have this scenario
I was waiting, and in a moment I was already there
in the hands of Arbes. He didn't think about me at all
forgive.  Just like a kittenhe throws easily
kicked me up somewhere. Tumbling in
air, I fell to the ground with a slap. Via
a second, Arbes repeated the operation. And so
it was until I started talking to him
steal:                                   
    - Arbes!  Arbes!  Well, that's enough! Listen to me! - after these words Veres stared at
me with your wild eyes. I knew that
Whatever I tell him is useless
but...  And taking advantage of the moment, I sharply
started running.  For a while Arbes
chased after me, but then quickly fell behind.
After running another half a kilometer, I also stayed
became new, and almost crying, sat down on the ground...
would like to rest.                             
  "Failure again!" - I thought. "But nothing,
Not every game on the computer is won
the first time," - this thought really
calmed me down and gave me hope
further continuation.  After catching my breath a little -
When I was sitting, I took off my shirt to cleanse myself
a piece of excrement fell into my bosom.
Having turned it inside out, I disgustedly
began to wipe it on the ground. Yes, this "ku-
juice" is already pretty much smeared all over the shirt
heh, when I fell to the ground from the blows of Arbe-
sa.                                       
   So, while minding my own business, I suddenly
I noticed a light approaching me. This
it looked like a person was walking
with a flashlight.  "Arbes" - I decided, and not at all
without hesitation, I put on my shirtas it is, and
started running, not wanting to meet again
fight this villain.                   
   I ran for about 15 minutes, then
I slowed down and walked. How much
I was still walking - I don’t remember, but then I noticed something
Koito residential complex. After walking a little further,
I saw a bench that was located
next to the entrance of one of the houses. To
without much thought, I decided to sit down on
this bench. Suddenly I noticed the inscription
on the house: "12".                            
                                          
                                          
 "Oh, yes!!!"  - I was delighted, - “this is
box number 12! Here I need to find Edu-
Arda Skoll, to whom I owe
give...", patting myself on the pocket, I-
pulled out a small case from it,
which I took in the niche behind the terminal in the
more.  Incredible joy overwhelmed me,
seeing this case intact, because according to the plot
that game, they should have stolen it from me
still on the glider, but it's intact! Oh yes, exactly
that's why Arbes Veres beat me, because
I didn’t need to attack him at all!
Even more delighted with my guesses, I
quickly walked towards the box. Approaching
closer, I could finally see better
this box.  He was about the same
similar in size to Villa Arbes, but much more
more modest in appearance. On the door, just like in the game,
there was a peephole, and ondoor frame - button
call.                                   
   Now I have pointedly attached to
peephole case, and then your pendant, which
which constantly weighs on my neck. After
That's when I pressed the call button. In a couple
minutes the door opened.  stood on the threshold
a man, about two meters tall -
vol.  He was casually wearing a homemade
robe, which he apparently wore
Sonya. The man was taken aback at first when he saw me,
but I realized in time that I needed to remove the bi-
omask artang. After I do this
Lal, I was the first to start the conversation:             
   - Don't worry, I'm my own person, huh
it's just an artang mask that I forced
I had to dress so that the guy wouldn't catch me
steering wheel - After waiting a little time for my co-
the interviewer thought about what I told him -
hall, I continued: - Well, okay, Edward, dar-
let's get to the point, I have something for you
yes, having said this, I abruptly took it out of my pocket
case, also sharply opened it and, not even
looking into it, he brought the case directly to
Skoll's face.  Skoll looked very surprised
looked at the case, then also surprised
looked at me and breaking the formed
said in deathly silence:                   
                                          
                                          
 - Ah, the case! Yes, yes, now! - After
these words for a momentagain about
there was silence, which was broken by a deaf man
and a short blow to my chest.              
   - Oh, you drunk! Look, it's 3 o'clock but-
Chi, and you decided to sell all sorts of cases!
For scum!!! - after these words, she fell apart
a series of already familiar blows of cuffs and slaps
bans.  “So, we need to get out of here quickly!” -
I thought to myself, and with the speed of a bullet I
started to run. Luckily Skoll didn't run
after me, but still threw a bully in my wake -
gun that hit me right on the head. K
to my surprise, I didn't feel any pain,
but an unpleasant shaking of the head from a blow
I was a little offended. As always, in such
situation, I thought of only one thing - rather
take your feet away.  How long exactly did I run?
I remember, but I remember for a very long time. Stop-
I only curled up because I no longer
knew where to go. Now I only thought
about one thing: I wish I could get out of this
evil virtual world. But this seems
it won’t work out, because, in my opinion, I’m lost
did.  Looking around carefully, I saw
that I am in a wide, deserted area
ty, very similar to the desert. The only thing
what distinguished this area from the desert -
this is harder soil, and grass that
does not grow in deserts. "Oh! So this is the same-
time!  Yes, yes, this is the same temporal
the desert that was in the game!" - without som-
I decided not to, squatting down to
draw a compass on the ground andPI number. Oh
It's good that I played it all on the Spectrum
this game! Now I knew exactly what I needed...
but do. Translating the sequence of chi-
sat down from among the PIs in a series of directions, you-
numerical on the compass, I immediately set off
on the road.                                   
    Having gone through everything exactly as I had calculated,
I saw a foggy clot. Now I have
there was not the slightest doubt that all events
tia are exactly like the game “Star Legacy”
e". Yes, now I have completed this one, virtual
game.  All I have to do is enter this
clot, and the mysterious power of tempo ver-
no me back to my time and to my re-
ality. Oh, how I've been waiting for this moment!    
   Approaching the clot, mu-
rajki.  Fear took over me. What if again
won't work out? Maybe I didn't do something
lal? But this is my last hope. Over-
lion fear, I stepped forward. For a moment
I was flying down somewhere, and then, sparks
and circles similar to those that were at
moving into this reality. And then... I
I don't remember anything...                        
                                          
 CHAPTER V.            
                                
    A sharp headache made me
wake up.  Where am I? What time is it now?
neither? What happened? I lay there for a few minutes
motionless, trying somethingrecall.
Incredible crackling and noise in the head did not give
I need to concentrate. Then I decided to stand up
and see where I am. It turned out
this is a small dark room, with no
true high humidity.  From somewhere
a bright ray of light came through from above.
Severe throbbing pain in the temples, not
allowed me to stand on my feet more, and I
immediately sat down in the same place where I woke up -
Xia.  Not daring to get up anymore, I began
remember in order all the events that happened
been going on since the morning.                      
   Yes, yes, I thought. I woke up yesterday in
11:00, then had breakfast and... well, yes, and os-
spent the rest of the time playing “Star Legacy”
e", and then... Oh, yes! Dean Alt called!
Virtual reality! How could I forget!
Now I remember everything. Or rather, almost everything.
The only thing I couldn’t understand was where I was.
I'm wondering how I got here. And..."What is this on
me?!"  - with incredible surprise and fear
hom I thought when I saw on my feet
fins.  Where are they from?  Mechanically I felt
your face, trying to find the underwater
mask.  My assumptions did not let me down.
I was actually wearing underwater
mask and a tube in the mouth. Now I
began to guess that the biomask that
heaven was in a cave, it wasn’t at all
biomask, and “Artangov” shoes too
was not their shoes, but this is a “translating
device" - turned out to be a simple underwater
tube.                                  
    What about virtual reality then?
Was I even there? Thinking about this, I
I decided to scratch my head, but... And this
what I thought while taking the motorcycle off my head -
new pressure helmet. So that means what I call
shaft "moving into a virtual re-
ality" turned out to be a simple trip to
motorcycle?.  And these are sparks and circles... Yes, this is
says that we fell from it. Yes
that’s where that bright light came from
Spotlight up! It was the headlight! A
what happened next? Oh yes, they're chasing me...
Artangs are flying!  And who were they then? U
there was also a car with the inscription "MILITARY"
wait, wait... "MILI...", "Miles..."
Police! It was the police! Yes-ah! This is it
I'm drunk!!!  Well, what was it then?
cave with a terminal? After thinking a little,
I remembered that in our city there is a store
zin, which is located in a small sub-
                                          
                                          
valchik.  This store is called "Fish-
fishing." And the terminal is a simple cash register
apparatus.  So I dialed it in this store
set of mask, fins and snorkel, case, and
BRAKE powder. What kind of breed was this?
shock?  Patting my pocket, I took out two
surviving bags with the inscription... "Food
for fish.  DRAPHNE DRIED." Ugh! WhatI
got drunk!!!  Incredible shame before yourself
itself did not give me peace. The thought of how
I walked around the city in flippers, he-
helmet, and a mask with a snorkel - forced
bite my elbows. Oh no! I still want
went to the bar like this! And... approached
people who I initially thought were from
league black wheel, and then decided that they
pregs. Yes, it’s right that they beat me
Tili!  Well, okay, but what was it then?
case?  I abruptly took a non-
a large box with the inscription: "Hooks and
fishing lures" Oh! How stupid am I?
Thump! I wanted to give these hooks to a man, oh
                                          
                                          
whom I thought was Eduard Skoll. Yes
so that's why he called me a drunk and
beat me up, apparently he decided that I wanted to sell
he needs these hooks. Yes-ah... That's what I dared-
sewed people... Well, well, I have to go home
and sleep off, I thought, and began to look for
you have 10,000 rubles in your pockets. Here I remember-
nil that I gave them to someone I was thinking about
that he is a captain. Crap! Last money al-
I gave you porridge! No wonder he was so surprised
he was looking at me! And the glider? After thinking a little,
I decided that the glider was a simple one
tram, since there is no other transport in the
There is no such thing as that "FISHERMAN" store.       
    After thinking about it all a little more,
I walked, overcoming pain andaches and pains
all over his body, somehow got out of the sewer
no hatch.   Judging by the location
sun, it's about 7:00 am. weather
normal, cloudless, although morning
the coolness made me clasp my hands and
hunch over a little.  From the sewer
                                          
                                          
a stream of steam was still coming out of the hatch. By
the area was difficult to navigate where
I'm here since the place was in
really deserted. I, undecided
thought for a long time, headed to the side,
which seemed more familiar to me.    
                                          
 K O N E C                 
                                          
 09/27/1996.
                             1 hour 25 min.
                                (nights)    
 Gorin Alexander
                                from      
 DIGITAL MASTERS