Epoch of great temptations

Rozhnov pressed Allen to a wall, and Kuchkin with pleasure whipped the American on a physiognomy. In a distance dangled SHulte and something nudil about unfriendly behaviour and loss of command spirit - and whom exactly it concerns, did not specify. Russian have understood the chief how it seemed to them more conveniently: have exchanged places, and already Rozhnov navaljal to the astronaut on the first...

Alas, the first orbital mordoboj - event, certainly, historical, comparable on the importance if to understand, with Armstrong's lunar step - has happened only in dreams of space pilot RKA of lieutenant colonel Kuchkina. Correct half-days he imagined, what exactly and how will make with nasovtsem when it will be possible vykolupat that from lowered. Kuchkin was not at heart malicious or severe, simply think about fair punishment helped to keep with a tone.

Approximately engineer Rozhnov reflected on the same all this time. However, it still estimated how to keep Kuchkina that that, unexpectedly, has not hammered in Allen.

The chief of expedition of visiting of "a lunar platform" SHulte did not give in to emotions, senseless in the face of death. He thought only of struggle for station. When it became clear, that Allen will not separate a lander, SHulte has guessed, what trouble has happened to the unfortunate astronaut, has regretted it and has forgotten. Here just and Kuchkin it was calmed down - he at first rushed about on compartments, searched big rashen hammer, but then Rozhnov something has told to it, both suddenly have begun to giggle, have brightened up persons and have reported: the commander, dispose of us.

It was cold, syro and it is stuffy. A disgusting combination.

Royal TSUP helped councils. Judging by the vigorous and business tone, all responsible persons there simply became crazy.

In Houston, being burnt with shame, found on bukovke the contract of astronaut Allen. Them main has already declared to Russian and European colleagues: "That I can tell? I have nothing to tell. Let's at first try rescue our station. And there we will look".

Colleagues have solved, what is it reasonably. Allen could separate and come in the land for a long time. But did not become. It simply sat in ТМ4, is deaf also him - has hidden as the mouse in a mink, having fenced off by a cover of the hatch not only from  destruction approaching on station, but also from all world. When so the former military pilot arrives, means, it is bad with the person. Well and let sits while.

Russian only enraged, that Allen was locked not somewhere, namely in "Union". Good in "Wasp" would climb... Furiousness it as a matter of fact was absolutely irrational, and people from the Queen have tried to suppress it in themselves.

And here Kuchkin about that shouted, when searched on station big rashen hammer - a pier padla nasovskaja, you whose spuskach have stolen?!

SHulte could order to stop to Russian a hysterics - and that, undoubtedly, immediately would stop. But the commander himself has lost for some time sensation of a reality - hung in the middle of the head module, stupidly looking in the developed instruction, not in forces to disassemble letters, and tried to recollect, where he last time saw a sledge hammer. Very much kuchkinskoe ozverenie was infectious.

Actually this condition of a universal panic from force proceeded some minutes. The crew has got up courage very quickly, because had no right to waste time on fear - both under the instruction, and on conscience and to survive. It was necessary to reel up on itself everything, that will be, warm, and to catch at the tool.

Before visit of the Iron Maiden remains eighteen and a half hours.

*****

When the life-support system has started to fall, in a head compartment Charli Allen worked. It is not excluded, that more skilled cosmonaut would feel danger approach by a spinal cord, has pricked up ears and has found out: buzz of fans has dropped out of a habitual sound background of station silent, on an audibility threshold. But Allen was in an orbit the third days - in a life in general - felt not very well, moved cautiously, heard badly and thought hardly. Other members of expedition already adapted so, that successfully pretended, as if them not podtashnivaet. Allen knew: through a week it should accustom with constant sensation of a stomach under a throat - and tried not to worry. Weightlessness habit business. For all history of orbital flights not toshnilo a two. Both were Russian, but not any there especial, and simply retired fighting diver and ochkarik-nauchnik, that has definitively confused medicine.

Allen just thought of this amusing whim of destiny when it became inconvenient to it to breathe. It estimated some time, what else internal body could zasboit, whether it is necessary to remove the cardiogramme, to complain to the Earth, and in general, whether not too it is a lot of misfortunes on one astronaut. Has then forced itself by easy stages razdyshatsja and more pair of minutes rather easy inserted tips into sockets. Has then begun to worry, has turned back, and has seen a blinking bulb.

Air in head has seemed at once damp, wet, heavy - what it, actually, and was.

- Oh, dung! - Allen has blurted out and has got behind the emergency instruction, the blessing, that has been fixed within reach. "If the red warning signal blinks, at first listen. Whether buzz of fans is audible? Yes, no. If is not present, densely close a palm an air line lattice. Whether air circulation is felt? Yes, no. If is not present...".

- Oh, dung! - Allen absolutely other voice has repeated.

- Yes! - someone has agreed behind the back.

Allen sharply, in a terrestrial way, has turned back, and has started to fly up, but SHulte it has caught.

- Excuse, - the chief of expedition, compulsorily sticking the astronaut on a workplace has told. - did not wish you to frighten.

- I did nothing! - Allen has informed, meaning a blinking bulb and a suspicious condition of atmosphere.

- You also could not, - has calmed SHulte. - Give me the instruction. Thanks. That-ak... Ugu. It seems, it is serious. And what is the time? Aha. Planned communication through... Twenty three minutes. Anything while we will try.

- Why not to give a signal "panic"? - Allen has cautiously asked.

- Because I am yet ready to panic, - cut off SHulte. - Also I do not understand, about what to ask the Earth. It is necessary to understand at least what exactly at us has broken.

- Yes all has broken. Even an emergency buzzer! For certain it is the computer.

- The buzzer is silent, but the bulb blinks... Madness any. Hey, misters!

- I here, - have told Rozhnov, being pushed from the transitive module in the head. - who has spoilt air? Ha-ha. Black humour.

- Not ridiculously, - SHulte has already got over on a command post and, having dropped to the monitor, clicked keys. - as there in engineering?

- Little bit better, than here. Is less damp. The commander, I has touched what has reached. Impression such as if three contours simultaneously have fallen. Look the computer. It them has dropped it.

- The computer is happy. Speaks, an order.

- It means precisely. Let's change quickly blocks and we will reboot. Well, start up me.

- Quickly? - Has asked again SHulte with pressing. - have a look, that on devices.

- M-yes... It agree, were late. CHarli, what you?.

- It is not guilty, the sound signal has not worked, - the commander has stood up for the American.

- U-ups... And the bulb blinks? A fantasy. Spontaneous furiousness of electroconducting. Does not happen so, understand? All is very bad, the commander. Know, I will not be surprised, if the platform now collapses.

- It cannot collapse! - has told SHulte strictly. - modules are fastened mechanically.

- It was the hyperbole. Black humour. Well, what plans? We will admit, we will submit oxygen manually. We will cut head from other modules not to spend in vain. Regeneration... It precisely is not broken, there there is nothing - when we will start giving, itself will earn. And here that with the climate control? Without it and air is not required. Without it the platform perishes. Lines! Here is worse, than on a submarine!

- Better, - has minded SHulte. - At us is ТМ4. But a platform it is a pity. We will repair.

- Let's be, certainly! Hey, where my tester? It is necessary to measure some chains at first. And that as it will blow up... Easy, the commander, black humour. But you, seriously, touch nothing while. With such mad malfunctions do not joke... Well, only blocks should be changed in any case! Represent, if we are repaired - that I cannot guarantee - and the computer again will bring down all? Give so: I do the car, the others incur on a contour. No, it is guilty, let it is better CHarli will be engaged in blocks, and me put on air. CHarli, you know, where spare parts for the computer?

Has appeared Kuchkin, wet and shivering.

- Dung as it is instant! - he has blurted out, and all have understood it.

English at Kuchkina was especially applied, but intelligible. Indeed, atmosphere at station has deteriorated amazingly sharply.

- All does not work! It is the end! - has informed Kuchkin, inspecting colleagues and becoming bright on eyes. - the commander, I wait for orders!

- Some hours we will hold on, - has told SHulte. - I Think, not less than two. In twenty minutes there will be the Earth, they can advise us. Let's be engaged in diagnostics. We will divide roles. Mister Rozhnov looks, how at us with giving, mister Kuchkin understands with heating, on me the humidity control. Everyone goes on a chain and that sees, there and then makes comments a voice. There is a breakage, there is no breakage - speak aloud. Mister Allen... E-e... Has not understood. Charles! Where you?

- Here it, - Kuchkin has shaken a head. - behind me. I think, has followed blocks in the engineering. They there.

- I yet have not set to it a problem!

- CHarli the clever.

- I did not like his face. It was not clever. It was... Unfamiliar.

- Stop it, - has asked Kuchkin. - Everyone is nervous. Very strange position. Finalno the supernumerary. So we will start to work?

They have crept away on walls and a ceiling. Minute-other in the head it was audible only pyhtenie and "I do not understand exclamations!", "oh, dung!", "but here all in norm!", "oh, dung!", "at us precisely pressure did not fall?", "that for devilry?!", "I absolutely understand nothing!", "Somebody understands something?". Then SHulte has asked:

- By what line it does in the lowered?

And here the hatch cover has softly slapped.

For an instant the silence was established.

- The murderer... - quietly ascertained Rozhnov.

- Our error, - has told SHulte. - We have intimidated him. It the beginner.

- There can be it accident, - has foggy assumed Kuchkin.

A second later all three mansion have shouted:

- Cha-ar-whether!!!

Also have rushed, mercilessly pushing each other, in transitive.

It was required to them very few time to understand: the astronaut of NASA Charles Allen was locked in a four-seater lander of the Russian manufacture, calls on interkomu does not answer, than is engaged - not clearly, and in general, the god knows, for that now from the mentioned astronaut to wait.

SHulte has naturally become green. Rozhnov has seized for a head. And Kuchkin has efficiently asked:

- Where has got to big rashen hammer?

- Zache? - Has moaned Rozhnov. - to Thresh on a cover?!

- Yes ive!!! - has shouted Kuchkin.-! Padla! A nit! Rasshibu! I will spoil! Where?!

Also has departed to the engineering.

- Similar, our colleague has slightly lost a head, - through force has squeezed out from itself SHulte. - Rozhnov. Help. CHarli can otstykovatsja faster, than we think. It is necessary to close the internal hatch.

- Line he not otstykuetsja, - has told Rozhnov very confidently. - but the hatch let's close, yes.

- I too know, that it not otstykuetsja, - have inconsistently agreed SHulte.

- Why you know it? - Considerably was surprised Rozhnov. On the native language it for certain would blurt out "And you whence know?", giving itself away to any in the slightest degree to sharp Russian.

- I understand people. But... We Close?

- Certainly.

In the transitive has flown Kuchkin, even more angrily, than was.

- Has purposely hidden?! - it has attacked on Rozhnova. - And what is it you here do?! What for?! Start up! Give! I will kill a reptile! Suchara nasovskaja, the cowboy sranyj, you whose spuskach have stolen, Texas vonjuchka?! Our native the teem-fourth! Yes for such it is necessary on kardan to reel up eggs!.

- "Union" not "Zhigulis", kardana is not present, - has told Rozhnov easy. - and at all do not stir. The commander! I took. We push.

- Pigs! - has bellowed Kuchkin and has again departed.

- Yes, - has sighed SHulte, - has a little lost a head...

- I thought, you it about Allen.

- No, CHarli has lost a head absolutely. So, have closed. Now we tighten.

- Is. Uff... There is nothing to breathe. Also presses on ears. As it is heavy.

- Further it will be even heavier. How you consider, mister Kuchkin will soon calm down? Should work all. Or we will be lost.

- Will see, through pair minutes it will be o'kej. Amazing bad luck! To Troy of days to "Wasp"! And amazing malfunction. It not seems to you, what is it sabotage?

- I do not know, - have told SHulte. - it is fair. We will look. Let's while survive.

Has again appeared Kuchkin.

- No... - it with such funeral expression as if at it was gone not big rashen hammer, and has exhaled meaning of the life. - also what to do?

- Start up me, please, - has sadly asked SHulte and has filtered into the head.

- It is necessary so vlipnut! - has again grown Kuchkin. Is it is necessary so to fly! Same end any simply! Same anybody will not believe if to tell!. By the way, and that our expensive American young reptile there voshkaetsja? Why not otstykovalsja till now?

- And it cannot, - has told Rozhnov, through a shoulder of the colleague observing as SHulte poterjanno hangs in the middle of head, having developed before itself the instruction.

- That - cannot?

- Yes anything. To you it will be easier, if I tell?

Kuchkin has begun to blink. In other circumstances it would look comically.

- We generally as though die, - he has told. - time a cat naplakal. But you give, speak. Especially, I on this lajbe for the pilot. And if you have spoilt it...

- And you will not fight?

- Absolutely the fool?! Well, report.

- I this morning have made it and simply have not had time to tell to you. The toggle-switch of manual shooting needs to be turned at first on ninety degrees, differently it does not close.

- Well, repeat!

Rozhnov has repeated. Kuchkin poskreb in a nape also has had a look at the engineer with badly hidden fear.

- You do not think, I there anything such! - has quickly blurted out Rozhnov. - the regular toggle-switch on sekretku has simply waved. Its children have given to me. Have told, just in case. And why is not present? Agree. Excuse, of course, for arbitrariness, but...

- Here so you work with the person side by side long-predolgie years... - has stretched Kuchkin.

- No, you want, that CHarli took and have got away?

- No, I want, that it together with us has died! Yes to spit to me on CHarli! Somebody Rozhnov excites me! With its mysterious "children"!

- Give we will do without names. But it not FSB, and simply good children. Which not so trust Americans. Correctly do, as we see now. And in general, I at you do not ask, who has pushed a sledge hammer in the teem-fourth ZIP... You still would put a jack, hohmachi. By the way, the humour very typical, military aircraft gives far off.

- Than it is not pleasant to you big rashen hammer? - Has almost taken offence Kuchkin. - And what place I would set that foul pipe in the engineering? A head about it to fight you will order?

- You about a pipe, what, knew in advance all?. - turn Rozhnova now has come to be struck dumb.

Kuchkin has burst out laughing. Has begun to neigh in a full voice. Rozhnov at first has timidly smiled, then too hohotnul.

- Eh, durachina you suspicious, - have told Kuchkin tenderly. - but I excuse you. Even I will allow to take CHarli when I will beat him. That return did not take down. Well? Have got to struggle for survivability, it is for the present breathed?

- Listen, you seriously, excuse me! - has asked Rozhnov.

SHulte in head something with a loud crunch has broken off. Kuchkin obodrjajushche has slapped Rozhnova on a shoulder. Sincerely, but slightly.

That has not taken down return.

*****

In two hours they hardly breathed. Sensitivity of gloves of Russian survival suits allowed to pass a thread in a needle. But the glove did not climb through, though you burst, there, where it was necessary to boss hands.

Therefore still one hour later when they have almost died, in a survival suit have pushed exhausted Rozhnova, constantly losing consciousness, and have continued to work together. The engineer has a little departed and undertook to help, but to sense from it almost was not.

In half an hour, it is perfect already perishing, they all the same have started one contour. On "platform" during that moment was plus of three degrees at inhuman humidity, but air has gone. It was necessary practically nothing - to continue race, to repair heating and kondishen while modules have not iced over from within. Rozhnova have asked from a survival suit back and, moving as sleep-walkers, almost not feeling inflow of forces, have got to break the climate control.

Became then even colder and is more damp - though almost there is no place - but is somehow more cheerful, whether that. ZHivee. SHulte has ordered to eat by turns hot is it was clever and in time. Rozhnov, having refuelled supchikom, has put forward the theory explaining why all three contours have fallen at once. Its guess has appeared is incorrect, but has helped to repair heating.

Humidity already regulated in the psychological conditions more or less approached to norm. That is it became very terrible, at all hands shivered, SHulte has absolutely hardened the person, Kuchkin endlessly whisper used foul language, Rozhnov apropos and without case nervously giggled.

Means, has managed.

In the beginning of the twelfth hour the commander has reported on the Earth, that the station - as new, places even is better, only almost does not remain spare parts, and even during repair have spoilt a tester, two screw-drivers have bent, have broken a wrench and have lost a sledge hammer... Well, this, know, not absolutely a sledge hammer, and on the short handle - in general, big rashen hammer from ТМ4. It is insulting, a useful thing, and the main thing, absolutely not clearly where we could thrust it...

Below, having heard about a sledge hammer, have become nervous, but to a kind have not submitted. Only from FSB a companion has written down to itself in bloknotik: "the Hammer on the short handle. Who uses in MIKe and on the starting? To check up presence. Suspected of working out. Completeness of the tool on the control. To make the official report about necessity. To request the help shots. To hold meeting. To appoint the responsible. The report weekly". Has thought and has "weekly corrected on" daily delivery of all tool under a list ". Has felt, what is it already looks like idiocy, and has crossed out.

Would see main that it there scribbles - would force, despite of ranks and submission, a notebook to eat. Choking and making an effort to gobble up. And further start up bodies understand, who is cleverer for appointing a camel.

But main has been occupied, he solved a challenge - thought how to probe SHulte about Allen. Whether because of hindrances, whether on the contrary, contrary to them, three members who have remained available of expedition visually and asked for a cheap film of horrors... Like you know all as peeled. Good people, excellent workers. Here only Charles Allen too was rare simpatjaga and the reliable guy. In total half-days back. That now with it these ominous dead persons will make... If, of course, it will be possible to pull out the American from the lowered. But after all it has not registered there!

- The most amazing, that malfunction not chain, - spoke SHulte. - That is, we think so. The humidity control has precisely broken from an overload, and heating and air giving have fallen spontaneously and almost simultaneously. Certainly, in a basis electronic failure - other cannot be - but we have not established it. Possibly, because of haste. I ask of the permission now to have a sleep, and then we with the had a rest heads will start to test the removed blocks and probably we will understand, what is it was. Here and Allen will come, it will help us. So it is correct?.

The Earth with simplification has told - yes, of course, correctly. Umuchennaja the Trinity has crept away on sleeping bags. To be on duty did not become - Rozhnov has sworn, that the alarm system will shout now as rezanaja, or let will kill it.

- And nevertheless, where a sledge hammer? - Has asked SHulte, yawning.

- You will laugh, the commander, - has told Rozhnov. - Yesterday it flied for me all the day long and tried to knock. Therefore I have fixed it in the lowered.

"Let CHarli by it there it will be killed", - has muttered Kuchkin to itself under a nose.

- Anything ridiculous, - has minded SHulte. It is very good, and I am happy. All on a place, we have lost nothing. Means, on a platform again an order. I thank. Pleasant dreams.

The chief of expedition was disconnected instantly. Russian, on the contrary, long turned, asked each other a tranquilizer, calculated, to whom is closer to the first-aid set, argued how to divide packing - fraternally or fifty-fifty - and behind this business without any tablets have run into a sleepiness.

In six hours all three have simultaneously woken up and have seen the American colleague.

Then the Iron Maiden was.

*****

Rozhnov in an orbit never felt rather slept. And dreams did not see. And here for the first time something has dreamt to it, only he has not had time to make out plainly, what exactly. Also has opened eyes well very malicious on Allen. CHarli like would not rustle, simply it were tired of waiting and at once have felt.

The astronaut looked is extremely guilty, that, however, did not prevent to chew intensively to it. In one hand it held a tuba with a pate, in another a drinking bowl with juice.

- Here I look and I am amazed - after all it is the fighter pilot... - it is lazy has stretched Kuchkin. - to Think terribly. Flies and exterminates, flies and exterminates... Faugh! Good morning, the colleague. Such miracles dreamt me, simply delight. I wake up - and here.

- Good morning, - has nodded Rozhnov. - Houses happens is worse: has woken up, in a mirror has looked, and there typical mudak in typical circumstances. Here, on a platform to rise more interestingly - and circumstances supernumerary, and mudak from NASA. Well, what our plans? I am insolent, you bang? Only chur not to blood, catch it then on compartments...

- Hello, - Allen muffledly has told. - I make to you the apologies.

- No, you only present, as it exterminates! - has addressed Kuchkin to Rozhnovu, in a pointed manner not paying attention to the astronaut. - that palm off, will exterminate! You know, give indeed we will fill to it a muzzle! For all at once! For Falklands, for Grenada, for the Balkans, for Hussein's falcons!

- Falklands at what? And Hussein in general a goat. Well it.

- Then for Vietnam! - has offered Kuchkin.

- And here for Vietnam I agree. And that with the second front pulled, and for intervention in the eighteenth year. O-o, you have still forgotten blockade of Cuba. And who to Che Guevara of a hand ottjapal?!

- And our Alaska has pocketed!

- Pancake! - has shouted suddenly Rozhnov. - They, reptiles, have killed Lennon!

Allen tolerably understood in Russian, and mockery suffered stoically - chewing, - but when has reached Lennon, the poor creature has simply hardened. At once was evident, to what the astronaut has turned pale and has grown thin - more terribly, than other three.

- Good morning, misters, - very much in time has told SHulte.

- Colleagues! - Allen has begged. - I do not know, that with me happen! All this time I was in depression. In the present deep depression. Did not wish to move. Did not wish to eat and drink. Did not wish to live. Understand? As soon as the hatch was closed, I as if have died. It was awful! To me it became easier about an hour back. Then I have immediately returned to you. Excuse.

- "Sorri", "sorri", - has imitated Kuchkin.

- You are insufficiently skilled, mister Allen, we should consider it, - has said SHulte coldly. - we have frightened you and have left without support in a difficult minute. We are guilty. You excuse us.

Allen has looked at the chief of expedition so as if that has for no reason at all overturned to it on a head a bucket of slops.

- Here such it ofigenno is pleasant to me, - has noticed Kuchkin. - the Handsome man. Hear, CHarli? I like tears in your eyes. Tell to us about depression. I am serious.

- It was awful. I have suddenly felt sharp desire to hide, - Allen has murmured. - for the first time in a life. To hide, be closed. It was impossible to overcome it. And when has hidden - depression has begun...

- You could climb in a sleeping bag, - has assumed Rozhnov. - the Head forward. We would understand.

Allen has dropped meal and has closed hands the person.

- We worried for you, - has told Rozhnov. - very much. All this time.

- Yes, - has supported Kuchkin. - We asked - why CHarli has not departed? Perhaps to it it is very bad? Finalno it is bad?

- I could not depart... - Allen has moaned. - that is, at all did not want. I should hide. I have closed the hatch, villages in an armchair, and have disappeared. Has ceased to exist. It was awful! Now it seems to me, it was a dream. A dreadful dream. I do not represent, as I could make so!

- Next time, - has told Rozhnov, - ourselves will thrust you in a bag. A head forward.

- Following time will not occur! - cut off SHulte. - we do not have for this purpose spare parts. We will be compelled to leave a platform. By the way, "Wasp" will be late now. It will allow us to finish current jobs without haste and to receive more time for personal programs. Well, isn't that so?.

Rozhnov has thought, that at station which any more you do not trust, it is good to become crazy only, but has kept silent.

Kuchkin wished to explain, how to Allen has carried, that big rashen hammer it has appeared it is locked in "Union", but has not recollected enough convincing English words and too has kept silent.

Allen wished to tell, that to it did not pay attention because it any more that CHarli with which all were on friendly terms and worked, and another any absolutely CHarli, and has thrown companions in a trouble the third CHarli, in general the stranger... As a result he has told nothing, because even has mentally got confused.

And SHulte has thought, that time has woken up, it is necessary to live further. To live and work.

- So... Who the first in a toilet? - He has asked.

- The first - the commander! - has declared Kuchkin. - the Commander always the first. Everywhere. On a white game.

- And with a sledge hammer. Admit, mister Kuchkin, you have stolen it? To me just now has come to mind, that I never saw any sledge hammer in ТМ4. Excuse, apparently, I has given out you, reporting on the Earth about tool losses. I swear, did not want.

- Relax. A good thing? I know, why it so is pleasant to you.

- Colleagues if you namereny to chat then I have gone, - has informed Rozhnov, getting out from a sleeping bag.

- Blow. Let goes, yes, the commander? And so, the sledge hammer is pleasant to you, because it is your mythology. God Tor. I am right? Do not laugh. It still psychology. You take a sledge hammer in hands, and e-e... nechuvstvenno?. No. In general, the part of your consciousness understands: that's it that piece which the real German should have. You do not think, that you mighty Torahs, but feel the god. And you are happy. Know, I will present it to you. After only. If to look scientifically, it not a sledge hammer, and it is simple big rashen hammer. But it hammer which was in space! Three times.

- Three times?! - it was amazed SHulte. Listening to inspired monologue Kuchkina, he grinned, and here at the German of an eye have got on a forehead.

- Well... The Muzhik without a sledge hammer not the muzhik, - has modestly noticed Kuchkin.

- I have understood, do not translate. And you tried to count, what money you hammer costs now, after three liftings into an orbit? It gold.

- Hm... I somehow did not think of it.

- Three kgs? Four?

- Three. Optimum weight for installation and dismantle of everyones... Devices which here are. And you have solved, I can take a useless thing in space?

- About, no, I saw it in business! But you count! Three liftings! Nine kgs! Almost hundred thousand dollars!

Kuchkin has deeply reflected. SHulte with interest observed, how Russian pilot has a comprehension process.

On Allen who has writhed in a corner, both tried not to look.

As well as Rozhnov, they have hardly-hardly got used to thought that are at station which is not present trust more. Native, the hands collected, liked to last zaklepochki "the lunar platform" - the third lifting at Kuchkina, on the second at Rozhnova and SHulte - has tried to kill them, and the most artful and effective way. For full happiness did not suffice to spend here half a year side by side with the colleague, too trying to kill them.

SHulte has thought, that if Allen will not be restored - or they cannot normally work with it - mnozhno will send the astronaut home return flight of "Wasp". Nobody will condemn. Whether only will go through CHarli such humiliation?

Kuchkin multiplied the different sums by nine and regretted, that the epoch of shuttles has ended. And the sledge hammer easily would type that of thousand under three hundred. And in a shuttle it is more convenient to hide contraband. However, American Ou-es-hey ^*** in comparison with fourth "Unions" too were spacious and could not brag of low cost zabroski cargoes into an orbit.

By the way, SHulte, like the majority of the Europeans, had time to work with Russian, named small space samoletik not "Ou-es-hey", and at all "WASP" - he spoke "Vespa". Americans for some reason considered this nickname pejorative, all the others absolutely on the contrary.

- If I flied on "Wasp"!. - has told Kuchkin at last.

- About, yes! - has agreed SHulte. - the Sledge hammer would become much more expensive. But also so it is quite good.

- Badly, - Kuchkin dejectedly pomotal a head. - as to me to confirm other two times? There are witnesses, but they cannot confidently tell, what is it that big rashen hammer. I have not guessed to ask to put autographs on him. I took the tool, instead of e-e... The Artefact.

- Listen, but this tool should not be had on a platform. Now your heads know, that it here. And if RKA will decide to demand conveyance payment? - Has asked SHulte tactlessly.

Kuchkin so has looked at the German, that that has dived into the bag on the eyes.

Rozhnov behind a partition has burst out laughing.

- Excuse, - has muttered SHulte, suppressing laughter. - as colleague Rozhnov - black humour would tell...

- Let at first will pay to me all supernumerary situations in which worked big rashen hammer, - has informed Kuchkin gloomy. - for the first time we have simply hammered in a bolt. But in the second is was really abruptly - repaired a telescope.

- Telescope?!

Kuchkin has heaved a deep sigh.

- It was necessary to ask autographs? - He has asked with intonation of the child who late has realised that has missed chance to a sailing to gorge on ice-cream.

- You laugh over me! - has understood SHulte.

- Certainly. But I swear, big rashen hammer the truth repaired a telescope. Not optics, you understand! To the mechanic. Ours hammer, what I will present to you.

- Excuse, I cannot accept such gift. I have no right. It any more a sledge hammer, namely an artefact. A subject of history of Russian astronautics. Leave to itself. Then grandsons will give to a museum. And how to understand - have hammered in a bolt?

- It was not screwed up. Also did not unscrew. We have solved obstuchat it. Also have casually hammered. I have struck with bolshej force, than it was necessary.

SHulte has started to look back.

- Do not search. It outside.

- Easy. I the commander, - have murmured SHulte. - I ahead, on a white game. With an artefact. I imagine myself god Torom. Me you will surprise with nothing... Mister Rozhnov, how you there?

- Favour I ask, freely. And I am ready to submit a breakfast. There is a business offer. The Earth probably thinks, that we will sleep even two hours. Perhaps it is not necessary to dissuade them? They for certain have ten versions about that here happens. And all versions false, but it is necessary after all to check them. What for to us superfluous vanity? We will eat, we will get a spare tester, we will ring out doubtful blocks and we will arrange brain storm.

- You constantly provoke me to infringements, the Lord. But as a life-support system - your design, and the module of Russian assemblage...

SHulte has stopped short.

- You know us, - has told Rozhnov, appearing in sight.

- We together drank vodka, - has added Kuchkin.

- And if we find out, that there was a sabotage...

- The commander, they not begin to deceive, - has given a vote Allen.

- You in general be silent, chmo! - has unexpectedly broken Kuchkin. - At you votes are not present more! Here JUlka will arrive, it the present American, with it we will talk. And you - know where have gone? There also has gone. The ugly creature moral and physical!

- You of that?! - was surprised Rozhnov. - throw. Regret it a little and so persons on the person are not present. From melancholy samoubetsja, potter then with a corpse. Gy ive, black humour. Though I do not joke.

- Easier, colleagues! - SHulte took mandative tone. Is not command behaviour.

- Do not worry, I all the same almost have understood nothing, - Allen has told. - excuse, mister Kuchkin that has started talking to you. Any more I will not be. And Dzhulija hardly will arrive now. After failure to us most likely will send the second engineer... Listen, I have apologised! Well excuse me! Please! I am guilty! I so am guilty!

- "Sorri", "sorri"... They still instead of JUlki will palm off on us the bore and strashilu any! Well, the people! Well, the country! The commander, my apologies. I have recollected now, what for searched hammer. Also has very much become angry. Because this ugly creature Charli has made me such, such... The Ugly creature! Wish to know, what I planned to make?

- No! - cut off SHulte, has come up from a bag and has disappeared behind a partition.

- You wish to know, CHarli?!

- You will not have with me problems! I will ask to bring me downwards on Ou-es-hey! - Allen has moaned. - I will tell, that was ill. I, probably, and the truth am sick. For God's sake, excuse! I so am unfortunate! The psychiatrist is necessary to me! I am guilty!

- One more "sorri", and the pathologist will be necessary to you!

And here there was an Iron Maiden.

*****

SHulte at first was delighted, that in the head have calmed down. To it was diskomfortno in a situation when such nice people quarrel, and the debt of the commander demands sharply to straighten out them. He knew for a long time Russian and the American, they trained together much, but never before for the company did not fly - the destiny planted. If you not "suitcase" the-tourist, and the present worker on the salary, hit in space demand good luck. For example, Allen's general experience was at all less, than at other members of expedition. And depart it could before all. But then debugged system "Wasp", long and painfully, directly blowing off motes - after all it will God forbid be screwed, the end to piloted astronautics. And crews CHarli removed from start-up twice, is once direct from "table", in frankly foolish occasions. Specificity of a trade. Many waited for flight all life and did not wait anything.

"And someone flied already on the Moon and then has all the same died deeply unfortunate person".

This thought so has upset the German, that it has ceased to boss a tooth-brush and gauging in deep thoughtfulness - fastened to a toilet bowl. It was occupied always with destinies of participants of the program of "Apollo". Mysterious  destruction, madness, an alcoholism, leaving in a shade - SHulte suspected, that behind it it is covered.

Any mysticism. Simply human tragedy. One on all.

Well, they have got there where to them anybody did not go. At first it was very healthy. A feat, risk, an adventure, glory, adrenalinic euphoria. There has then come the strongest hang-over. That sometimes name "Gagarin-syndrome". But so fools, geeks or insufficiently competent clever men speak only. Gagarin had absolutely other problems. It was torn in new flight - to take pleasure wholly in that has felt hardly-hardly. Wished to be not the first, but the present cosmonaut. And to it did not give.

With "Apollos left worse, they have worked almost empty. Have dashed away from the native house improbably far. But there the heap of our iron, generally Russian already rolled.

Interesting they on the Moon have not seen anything. Russian have photographed for a long time all, moreover and from both parties.

Useful they therefrom have not brought anything. Russian already naryli it is enough for researches, also have fairly shared.

Such especial flights they have not proved anything. Only have saved Russian money and, probably, have rescued lives. Councils after all too were going to to storm the Moon, any crude clumsy system on the basis of "Rising", America to spite, is pure from a principle, - and with appreciable simplification have thrown this risky invention.

One went on an edge, others gibli - what for? The high-grade lunar program, with a distant sight, all the same was not. And the word-combination "helium-rub" spoke something only to narrow group of experts, whose shy voices were suppressed successfully by an oil lobby... Here also it has turned out instead of break - pshik, start of a rocket by club of young astronauts. Height of lifting of floors five-six, shooting lowered aparata, utorotative descent of crew as a part of a frog and a cockroach. The rocket has flied up, planting successful, the frog jumps, at a cockroach a faint, all are happy, it is possible to go with feeling of deep satisfaction to drink Coca-Cola and to chew chips.

Exulting crowds in streets - o-o, a small step of one person! O-o, stars and strips it is proud fly! Take any and ask - and what for they there fly, and for what there was a small step?! And this any to you at once in a muzzle. Because the nobility does not know, for what and what for. And you the foolish question have hurt it. Doubt grain has sown.

After all it is valid - what for?

Any infection did not know.

If someone authoritative has told then: people, a maximum in hundred years we should fly on the Moon and back as from Moscow to New York! And if has added - not because "so it is necessary" that is why that differently is impossible! Not later two thousand seventieth - and it is better than the fiftieth - our bulldozer should plough the Calmness Sea. And on him it will be written "Katerpiller" or "it is made in the USSR", not essentially.

All the same alone not to pull.

"And then many, sletav on the Moon, would die happy".

Itself SHulte at interplanetary expedition even in dreams did not raise. At successful coincidence of circumstances to it the post of the replaceable chief of space depot, "a lunar platform" - in broad masses known as MKS "Freedom" - and no more that shone. At serious good luck he will have time to accept and load on "Wasp" the first container from the Moon. If all goes absolutely well, in the container there will be not a breed, and already szhizhzhennyj helium-3. The sufficient bases to consider, that the life has gone right.

"If, of course, the platform does not throw out still any focus".

How much influential misters and powerful corporations on the Earth are terribly interested in a failure of "the lunar fuel program", SHulte tried not to think at all. Though he was excited with applied aspects of a problem - for example, whether was truly sabotage, and whether Russian members of expedition are enough reliable in this respect. All the same Russia still the country of very rather poor people. And if, let us assume, Kuchkin the person certainly fairest here its friends with start which can free of charge, for beautiful eyes, three times throw into an orbit a sledge hammer... With them SHulte vodka not saws, and about their moral qualities doubted.

The German not so was disturbed by personal risk - though yesterday he has got a fright very much - in comparison with that "platform" can be lost. Echoes of former accidents still ringed in the ears, the piloted astronautics hung by a thread, and system failure zhizneobespechennija would suffice for program closing much. Irrevocable closing. That there are combined efforts of the several governments if they threaten interests of those who can - to change the governments? And as it is easy, as will easy apprehend crash of the program billions earth dwellers which for years drum: to master space it is cheaper and more convenient automatic machines.

You too automatic machines will build a lunar city, factory and the railway?

SHulte understood: if first tens tons of helium-3 do not come in time, means, sense will not reactivate experimental installations of thermonuclear synthesis. And then probability of ninety percent that the big war will soon begin. The system obkatana - to arrange provocation and at once to beat. On an advancing to be in time the first. To clean a planet for itself... Yes, SHulte understood, how much all is serious.

About it the federal chancellor it is very transparent has hinted it.

"We live during an epoch of great temptations, - the chancellor has told. - such terrible energy crisis in the face of which it is possible to make any excess Approaches - and descendants will excuse us. Means, crisis should not be".

SHulte very much would be confused, learn it, in which expressions about same its Russian colleagues a companion from FSB spoke on instructing.

For now he has collected the thoughts, has merged water, was washed away, has closed a toilet bowl, has pulled trousers, has winded a napkin from a tooth-brush, has pushed it in the garbage container, a brush has inserted into a personal case... And again was frightened, almost as it is strong, as yesterday. Because the silence behind a partition stood too strained.

And when voices were distributed, it became even more terrible.

- Naked women on the sky fly, - sdavlenno has said Kuchkin in Russian. - the jet shell has got To a bath...

- You too it see? - Allen has loudly whispered.

- The iron Maiden, - has told Rozhnov. - Perhaps at us a problem with drugs, and we also did not know?

SHulte has made a deep breath, then one more.

- I welcome station "Freedom" crew! - has proclaimed pure and surprisingly pleasant on hearing of a contralto. - save, please, calmness. You have come into contact to other reason!

SHulte it was had a look in a tiny mirror and has thought, that it would be advisable to shave. Still has slightly breathed and has resolutely pushed out itself towards to a fresh problem.

In the middle of the head the woman hung.

*****

- The iron Maiden is a case with nails! - has minded Kuchkin. - And here simply naked woman of colouring a metallic. Well you, that have stopped? Batteries have sat down?

- In my opinion, at it with communication disagreement. It rjabit, you see?

The woman was to terrestrial measures very much even anything, though looking on what taste - an athletic figure, decent growth, absolutely bald head. All golden colour with metal outflow. SHulte has got accustomed and has noted the strange form of a skull - from temples back at the Maiden any edges, quite technogenic kind as if it carried helmet densely covering a head left. Features usrednenno-correct, even too correct to be beautiful. Eyes as at a statue, as if cast together with the person. But live - SHulte has noticed, that the Maiden slowly translates a sight with Kuchkina on Rozhnova.

The pose of the woman called in memory a cheap dummy - hands a little in the parties, feet are moved slightly apart. Smooth lobok and breasts without nipples.

SHulte has thought, as it would be interesting to see the Maiden rather bared. To it such liked.

He too knew, that the Iron Maiden - pytochnyj a case nails inside. But how still to name the visitor, could not present.

- So, you adapted, and are ready to accept knowledge, - the Maiden has told.

SHulte has caught at once three strained sights. Similar, expedition has voted - you the chief, to you and to understand.

- We listen, - has nodded SHulte.

The maiden all as has slowly turned to it pupils, and SHulte has felt: in the head became warmer. The maiden somehow influenced people. It yet did not look dangerous, but SHulte has noted about itself: to be on the lookout.

Kuchkin has got out of a sleeping bag and has cautiously spread on a wall, coming to the Maiden in back. Russian very aggressively looked.

Rozhnov looked around, something trying to discover in an interior.

Allen still sat in a corner, having been double up, having clasped hands knees. Even from a back it was visible, as he dreams about pishiatre. SHulte it would not be charged, that eyes of the American are opened.

- You will not be the first who rescues your world - for last century we have involved in it thousand earth dwellers, best of the best. But only today we directly address for the first time to people. The best time for open cooperation has come, and you have been selected!.

Rozhnov has found, that searched - has stretched a hand, has seized a flexible arm, has developed to the Maiden a videocamera and has looked back on the chief.

- Now you can make the main thing, that for ever and will irrevocably change to the best destiny of your world. Accept knowledge. Close eyes and open your reason. So it will be easier - you will see and will understand at once all...

SHulte has swum up to a command post and has switched on record.

- Please, close eyes and relax, - the Maiden has softly asked. - be quiet, we do not bear harm. We will simply give you knowledge.

SHulte has deduced the image on the monitor. The chamber worked, it regularly passed Kuchkina. The maiden the optics did not see. SHulte has looked on Rozhnova, pomotal a head and has knocked itself on a forehead with the bent finger. Rozhnov it was twisted. Too, probably, it was not pleasant to it, that the Maiden broadcast directly in a brain. It gave violence.

- Look, perfect your world becomes what if to return it on a true way. Still there is time, but every day it ever less. Unless you do not understand, what the decline approaches? Really never it seemed to you, what a terrestrial civilisation at deadlock?.

Kuchkin captiously studied the Maiden behind.

- Well, appear, - it has muttered. - and what to do? In the head of the state to put scientists and engineers, a city to raze and live in a unification with the nature?

It has put in pawn an arch round the guest, has turned over a head downwards and has tried to glance to the Maiden between feet.

- The Earth has gone on a technological way of development, pernicious for it. Also there was a dangerous mismatch - the mentality of people does not maintain the massed application of high technologies. You are unhappy. And already have now saved up enough hatred to destroy the world - you keeps only naked reason when feelings demand war. Not very well with whom if only to dump pressure. And now there is an occasion - an approaching energy crisis. An occasion and the justification. It so is dangerous to you, that we cannot stand aside. Understand, to earth dwellers has been foreordained to improve spiritual sphere - be so, today you would reach improbable power. Speaking in clear to you the terms, everyone would become as the god. You would communicate with stars and effort of thought moved on the Universe. You would not need to kill to live for the immortal like all live and cherish it. You became is boundless are happy...

- Anything at it there is not present, - has reported Kuchkin. - Eh, make a fool of our brother!

- It is your natural shape? - Has interrupted Maiden Shulte.

- One million years ago. Now it specially for you. We look, as it is necessary for us. And you could...

- Seem.

- You simply will not see. If any two hundred years ago the Earth has curtailed on a way natural to it, you already could see. Now - is not present. However still remains time to make the correct decision...

- It is interesting, if it communicates with stars why with us speaks as if the pocket translator? - Has interfered Kuchkin. - I do not believe!

- Not she badly speaks it, and our brains so will decode. I, for example, hear continuous tongue-tie. And too I do not believe. The commander, at you in a head German speech?

- Yes. And it is similar, it is no more convincing, than your Russian version. For contact to other reason it is simply ridiculous. I would prefer something another. Visual images, for example. In words the lady slightly idiotichna. Perhaps really it makes sense to look, what it is going to to show?

- I against! - has firmly declared Kuchkin.

- You in vain resist to knowledge, - the Maiden has told. - understand, it is necessary very few good will - and you will understand all. Please, close eyes.

- And here... To you! - has informed Kuchkin, doing corresponding gesture.

- Faugh, as roughly, - the Maiden very in a female way has told.

Kuchkin has densely reddened and has sailed from the Maiden far away.

- I do not understand sense, but I feel your emotion.

- You really woman, or?. - has asked SHulte.

- It too specially for you, the image clear enough and is enough unearthly. I can be in any kind, as I - all. Cease to be afraid and close eyes, it is safe. Understand a simple thing - I speak with you from vicinities Vegi where I like to be. Present, that I wish to do your harm. Yes it is enough to me to think about something, and it happens.

- Then think, that our chamber writes you, - has offered Rozhnov.

- You so are assured, what chiefs on the Earth are ready to accept true knowledge? By no means. This record will cause set of death. Do not mind, I distinctly see. In particular, your friend will be lost.

- That it I will be lost? - Was indignant Kuchkin.

- You to it not the friend, - the Maiden has told. - he knows, about whom I.

- That it I not the friend?! - has bellowed Kuchkin.

- It for what? - Has very silently asked turned pale Rozhnov.

- Because it, itself not knowing that, changes the world to the best. It directed you, helped, and will protect, when you go down to the Earth. Having of the information on our contact, the security service will easily open and will soon destroy it.

- Pretty business... - has murmured Rozhnov. - Well, you simply all have provided.

- Your group should return lost-free, - the Maiden has told. - and as soon as possible. It for the light future of the Earth. You will be the first who osoznanno will incur hernju in weights.

At Rozhnova the jaw has fallen off, Kuchkin has enough giggled, SHulte has frowned.

- Very interestingly, - provorkoval Kuchkin, - if I really will strain, will turn out to squeeze out it from a head? So, again hindrances. See, on it the wave has gone? Ha-ha, this mine!

- Unwillingness of separate members of group adequately to perceive transfer starts to disturb us, - the Maiden has informed. - in the answer capacity escalating will be undertaken, it can negatively affect yours health.

- But after all it is valid hernja! - has told Kuchkin.

- The colleague, cease huliganit, - has asked SHulte. - I not in delight of that I hear, and too e-e... Has thought, what is nonsense. But you, apparently, do not feel sufficient responsibility. It is pleasant or not, we simply should listen and understand.

- Sovershennno it is correct, - the Maiden has represented quite authentic nod a head. - in the meantime we take measures to maintenance of uninterrupted dialogue. On a case of the further resistance possible distortions are blocked. Inform on deterioration of state of health.

- While it is normal, - has muttered Kuchkin. - After yesterday's...

- Yes, if you consider us such valuable and wish to return to the Earth, - has entered Rozhnov, - why we have not died yesterday nearly?!

- So it was necessary for full reliability.

- I do not believe!

- Shut eyes to minute, relax, and you will understand. To believe it is not necessary, belief - purely emotional category, it for not free, enslaved, suppressed. Free operates with an essence. He simply sees and at once understands. You - personally you - any more do not become all-powerful, but in your forces to find freedom. The first, that you receive - intuitive feeling of the truth, decoding of emotions of other people, sensation of happiness.

- O-o, what lies! When this feeling of the truth gave sensation of happiness?! - has sniffed Kuchkin. - Eh, My God Jesus, I now ussusi...

With these words he has turned away from the Maiden, has kicked with a foot a runduk-refrigerator, the head module through has promptly flown by and has disappeared behind a partition.

- Watch for CHarli! - whisper was distributed therefrom.

SHulte it was displaced forward and has glanced to Allen in the person. The astronaut sat blindly, weakened, serene. Apparently, he any more did not want the psychiatrist.

- Hey! - has shouted SHulte. - Stop it! CHarli! Regain consciousness!

- In some minutes, - the Maiden has told. - it has transferred recently a shock, it is necessary to balance its mental condition.

- I demand immediately! - SHulte has begun to shake Allen, but that was as if a doll.

- In some minutes.

- CHarli! - SHulte has given to Allen a sonorous slap in the face.

- Here it our way, on-brazilski! - was delighted behind partition Kuchkin. - Listen, what dirty trick, I this woman through a wall see!.

- Rozhnov! The first-aid set! Find a stimulator!

- Do not torment him, - the Maiden has asked. - suffer a little. You change nothing - it all the same has already found knowledge. And now we optimise the mentality which has strongly suffered because of yesterday's incident. If will not interfere, receive sovego the colleague absolutely healthy.

- Yes as you dare!

- We dare and not the such! - the Maiden has told. SHulte has come off Allen and has looked at it very attentively. And Rozhnov gauging, not having reached the first-aid set. For the first time the Maiden used menacing tone, and it has turned out devilishly impressively.

- From this place is more detailed! - has shouted Kuchkin. - Also will suffice me to seem, oh, damn, I here am occupied by intimate business!

- So you dare? - Has supported it Rozhnov. - to Prevent to live normally? To drive for a hand? And to kill?

- People why with you it is so difficult why you do not wish to learn, see voluntary?

- And you us force. Here is how CHarli.

Allen suddenly has quietly taken a nap.

- Anybody did not force it. Do not awake, let will have a rest. To force is an extreme measure, and to freedom do not go through compulsion. And you we wish to see free. Come to a choice through knowledge. Listen attentively: we are you. We began as. Only our civilisation has curtailed from a disastrous way earlier. We too had problems, crises, there were wars, though and not such scale, as yours... But we have received in time knowledge. As you can see, no trouble in it is not present...

On a body of the Maiden the easy ripples have again run.

- It not I, - have told Rozhnov. - Probably, at all-powerful gljuchit communication. Listen, so means, you not have invented it bla-bla-bla?

- Bla-bla-bla? - The person of the Maiden, before absolutely passionless, for the first time has shown, that can express emotions. It has represented an easy smile. And then there was something.

- Back! - has roared SHulte. - return!

Rozhnov has dived under the panel of a command post.

Kuchkin has jumped out in head without trousers, compressing in a hand a screw-driver.

Allen all slept.

- Means, the successful image has initially been chosen, - the Maiden ascertained, assuming the former air.

SHulte, panting, pounded a breast in the field of heart.

Rozhnov, absolutely white, has cautiously looked out because of the panel.

- The lovely young lady! - he has said with a halt. - what for so to frighten?! It is rough and unhygienic. I nearly have not spoilt fresh pampers.

Kuchkin slowly, poigryvaja a screw-driver, has swum up to the Maiden and has closed up to it slap in the face. The hand has passed through, Kuchkina has twirled, it has hardly stopped rotation.

- Do not make a fool, - has told Rozhnov. - It at all the hologramme. You on brains have given it to yourself. Cut to the imagination.

- To spit. Very much it would be desirable.

- You that saw?

- The stranger from cinema. In all details. Its smell has felt, these snivels disgusting...

- Whence you know, how the stranger smells?

- Now I know. The commander, you is perfectly in order?

- Yes, - has nodded SHulte. - it was simple is too unexpected. And, know, a little bit painfully to see itself dead on a dead platform. Yesterday. I did not think, that we have passed so close from edge.

Allen has a little moved in a dream and zahrapel seriously.

- The villain, it in depression sleeps! To us so! - Rozhnov has got out from under the panel and has taken seat in an armchair. Has got from a breast pocket a white box, something vyshchelknul to itself in a mouth and has begun to chew.

- Give to me, - has asked SHulte.

- To us the doctor has registered. And to you, can, harmfully.

- Give!

- Hold your horses! - with appreciable pressing the Maiden has said. - reception of tranquilizers narrows the perception channel. It will be more difficult to you to seize knowledge. Understand, you are in a key point. The destiny of the Earth can depend on your decision. Those who is close to you also roads whom you like. You want, that your daughters have lived a long and happy life? Or let they will better choke in a poisonous cloud which will cover Hamburg?

- You, a bough, children not trozh... - has told Kuchkin very silently, but it is distinct.

- It concerns all. Think, your son will not get on war?

- When the global medley will begin, in army it will appear more chances to survive, than on the citizen, - has thrown Rozhnov. - Listen, well tell at last in clear that it is necessary to you, your mother?

- It is already told - accept knowledge, and solve further.

- Here has clung, zhelezjaka hrenova...

- Friends! - has given vote SHulte. - We all the same at the international station. It is possible in English? I have not time to translate your abuse.

- It is guilty, the commander. We so pull time. Soon call from below - is ready to argue, this iron lady will cease to seem at once to us.

- I will remain, - the Maiden has minded. - also I will intimidate you until you will not leave station.

Three have as if on command looked at the sleeping Allen.

- Recollect the yesterday's hysterics - unless now it not seems to you to an inadequate situation? I have no need to inspire to people nightmares are there was simply a force demonstration - I can achieve directly from you certain behaviour. You will be rescued, and I again will spoil the computer, and station "Freedom" will cease to exist.

Three have started talking simultaneously.

- It is obligatory to ruin a platform? - Has filtered SHulte through a teeth.

- It is not necessary lja-lja, the computer was at anything! - has told Rozhnov.

- And hu-hu not ho-ho?! - has asked Kuchkin.

- You have wrongly named station, it conducts not to freedom, and absolutely on the contrary. Open towards to knowledge, and understand, that delivery of the energy carrier from the companion - only a delay of  destruction of your world, a new step on a deadlock way. People as you are persistent in the errors! Really it is difficult to understand - fuel, whence it scoop, never will suffice on all! Measuring freedom energy, you for ever remain are separated! Freedom at all is not measured, it or is, or it is not present - so at last become free!

- Your sermon bears an idiocy shade, - has told SHulte. - From the very beginning. For the representative of such powerful civilisation you are insufficiently convincing.

- The word "civilisation" to us in general is inapplicable, we simply are - together and separately, everywhere, and all. We will very far defend from you, to us it is monstrously difficult kommunitsirovat with people, you cannot present, how much - it is much easier to jump through a galaxy, than to convince the earth dweller. Here, one more inexact comparison - me is enough to want to move anywhere. Therefore I also ask - it is not necessary to speak, it is necessary to see and understand. People why you force to manipulate you? We so want cooperation!

- Yes on a horse-radish, your mother?! It is guilty, the commander.

- Relax, I in a condition to translate it, is too frequent from you heard!

- I repeat, one million years ago we were as you and if to express in clear to you categories... The Big pleasure - to direct on a correct way.

- It fucks to us brains and finishes... - has murmured Kuchkin. - As it is familiar. On the Earth full such. And woman's in bulk, and muzhiks...

- We deny submission and a manipulation, we use it only as a last resort, but people do not leave too often to us a choice - as you now. Why you should be forced, forced?

- Well... We such, - has told SHulte. - And to what you have already forced us?

- We are sometimes compelled we happen at once to cut the most dangerous directions, sometimes we help you to build counteraction system. For example, you have reflected on ecology from our giving - otherwise by today the Earth would be soiled before loss of regenerative potential. And against the super-power weapon, nuclear power, cloning of the person or, for example, starts to the Moon we minded from the very beginning...

- Minded?! - has interrupted Kuchkin. Is, your mother, is called "minded"? To poison people with yperite, to throw on them nuclear bombs...

- Mum native! - has exclaimed Rozhnov. - And we heads broke, for what devil in Chernobyl undertook to make experiments from which stations blow up!

- And what for was to spoil a life to unfortunate astronauts? - Has asked SHulte with melancholy and bitterness.

- You have understood me perfectly, - the Maiden has told.

- Colleagues, only think, how much to the people it should use, that all it to organise! And you, the madam, assure, what earlier opened to nobody?

- Experimental attempts were undertaken some, only to try to adjoin reasons - in high-grade contact all the same there was no necessity. With a regret I inform, that each time we suffered failure - subjects interesting us desperately resisted. But now, in a critical point, cooperation has special sense, therefore we have decided to go on direct open contact. Besides, you are well prepared for a meeting with other reason and are very clever, therefore I hope, that we will find common language.

- How it will turn out, if you not in forces to convince us?! What can be common language when you do not understand elementary things! - SHulte has considerably become angry. - why you have decided, what mankind development will go under your scenario when the lunar fuel program will be closed? We have too far promoted on own way. To us not to curtail any more. It simply is not meaningful. Yes, we now at a critical point. But have received stimulus for serious jerk. Our platform - only the beginning, the first step. If all turns out, people will cease to look against each other with an animal grin, they together will look in the sky! The question costs so - or world fight for energy carriers, or the incorporated mankind, capable to solve any problems.

- Incorrectly! Only energy loss as freedom criteria...

- Yes you line do not understand in people! Or the Earth will have a lunar power, or on a planet there will be no also billion live!

- The commander, - has called Rozhnov quietly. - you do not think, what our guest the second case interests? Who remains after war, she and will learn to speak those with stars?

- Arguing logically, to it so it will be much more convenient, - has noticed Kuchkin.

- Colleagues, you in it believe? - Has asked SHulte. - you could provoke global war that it became much more convenient?

- It not the person, - has with authority judged Kuchkin. - It the Iron Maiden. We have no concept about its ethics. And you the German.

- Also what? - Has pricked up the ears SHulte.

- You cannot know, that such to want war. At you a moral interdiction.

- He tries to tell, that Germans... - the beginnings was Rozhnov.

- Thanks, I have understood your thought, - have interrupted SHulte with undisguised sarcasm. - it is admired by depth of knowledge of features of the German mentality! Perhaps in the answer to tell to you about Russian something ridiculous?!

- Not now. The commander, this lady really or does not know, in what has climbed - then to drive it it is necessary from here kicks - or wants, that earth dwellers have disorganised the world, and survived have fallen it into hands the helpless. And it will work as the god. And to take pleasure, directing on a way... O-o, listen, can, gods just and are the such?!

- I feel absolute unwillingness to understand and trust, - the Maiden has told. It is very regrettable, that with you it is necessary to address the same as with all the others. Believe, I at all do not wish to give your trouble!

- Disturb me, the child! - has asked Rozhnov an unctuous voice.

The short pause has hung.

- Well, oppositely, - the engineer has told. - but it is somehow languid, you do not find?

SHulte and Kuchkin have exchanged glances.

- You how much tablets have gobbled up, while on a push sat? - Has asked Kuchkin. - you Think, I did not hear, how packing crackles?

- Well, two. And you as if less!

- Three. At once as has woken up.

- I think, not in one tablets business., the commander ate nothing.

- By the way, I would have breakfast, - have told SHulte. - Listen, you! The madam. Us really now will call. Job will begin, and will not discuss with you time. Let's play the opened. Or we refuse to co-operate.

- I listen.

- Answer a simple question. That do you want, oh, damn?!

The maiden has become silent for a long time. In the head it became very silent, and Allen's snore at all did not stir, on the contrary, calmed.

- While it brakes, we will pack CHarli into a sleeping bag? - Has offered Kuchkin.

- Head forward! Here will be umora when will wake up! Ha-ha, black humour.

SHulte looked at the Maiden and about something thought.

- I want, that you have left station, - the Maiden very slowly has said. - if you will not make it voluntary, I will force you. So it is clear?

- And who said, what we should learn something, and further solve?

- You have opposed.

- Anything similar, - has told SHulte. - I am ready.

- About, the gloomy German genius... - has muttered Rozhnov.

Kuchkin has begun to blink, and again as yesterday, it did not look comical.

- Someone is obliged to learn all up to the end, - has sighed SHulte. - then to tell: we solved not blindly.

- Give I! - has offered Kuchkin.

- No. Think, from a technical aspect I the least valuable member of expedition. You the best our pilot, and mister Rozhnov the best engineer.

- But you the commander!

- And it too is important. Well, the madam so me to do?

- You should relax physically and mentally, - all as slowly as if not believing, the Maiden has told. - blindly it will be possible easier, contact will occupy some minutes, probably it is more or less, it depends on how immersing in knowledge will be deep - you operate independently penetration into me.

- Penetration into you? From the very beginning it was difficult to explain humanly? - Has put Rozhnov.

- Did not see necessities, you have seemed more cleverly and raskreposhchennee, than is, - the Maiden very has humanly answered. - and what you mean?

- Well... What is it we plunge, instead of you in us put.

- I cannot pass the neophyte full knowledge to others by so it is simply impossible, I should plough up myself before you and to give a way. We too different, in clear to you categories you a grain of sand, I a star and if to speak about interaction... The Person can enter into the house, but the house cannot enter into the person, it in a condition only to fall upon it. It seemed natural, that you will understand it.

- When show us horror stories, you fall?

The maiden the second time has slightly smiled. Rozhnov has for old time's sake strained.

- A little I strengthen pressure upon one grain of sand under myself. If I fall, I will crush the Earth.

- The abrupt aunt, - has told Kuchkin. - the Commander, your orders?

SHulte a minute hung in a meditation pose, and at it, similar, not bad it turned out.

- For the period of my absence accept a management of expedition. I will start to behave strange - beat on a head your sledge hammer, - he has said quietly, slightly having slightly opened eyes. - while observe.

- But if you e-e... Really will seize knowledge? Also will start to rescue the world? And I you - hammerom?

- Listen, Kuchkin, go in..., - has asked SHulte in Russian.

- Our person! - it is proud has told Kuchkin. - I Will go, whether that, in such case I will put on trousers. Time I now the commander.

- Oh, and it is terrible to me... - has murmured Rozhnov, looking as SHulte slowly lowers eyelids.

- Again the aunt presses?

- No. It of anything serious with us to make cannot any more.-Hre Th. You have understood, yes?

- I can kill you one desire, - the Maiden has informed.

- TSyts, the silly woman, you have not asked. You understand, the colleague, it the serious opponent, at it all courses are counted far forward. But if to ask - what line you, the infection, has burnt two shuttles - it there and then will tell lies, that so it was necessary. Though to shuttles no any relation had. I will believe in nuclear bombardment, Chernobyl and "Green Peace" more likely. I will easily believe - there the human factor was defining. But here to bang a platform to it it is weak. Only our hands. It even to spoil the computer not in forces. I will tell more, we with you to it any more on a teeth - because have accustomed, have got gradually used and we can osoznanno resist. It will get us constantly - you here not terribly? - Aha, me too hrenovato. Anything, on tablets we will sustain. Certainly, to underestimate the aunt it is impossible. If she from the very beginning suspected, that CHarli puganetsja is stronger, than follows, and has forced one good person to palm off on me sekretku just in case...

- On what case?

- E-e...

- Tooth I give, under its plan we should die under the mysterious circumstances, all four, - has told Kuchkin. - Clear business, that CHarli has got under way a mind. Powerful stimulus to the Russian-American cooperation, you will tell nothing. The platform vymerzla to such mother, zamuchaeshsja to restore. Then we prizemlili spuskach distantsionno, have disassembled on a small screw, have found this damned toggle-switch... Year two total samoedstva I guarantee - arrests, interrogations and any start. Hey, that you are silent, zhelezjaka? I am right?

- To fools I do not talk, - the Maiden cut off.

Kuchkin and Rozhnov so have begun to neigh, as if anything did not hear in a life more ridiculously.

- Of another I am afraid, - has told Rozhnov, otsmejavshis. - Suddenly it is right?

- Well... About war I do not know, and the nobility I do not want. And about the missed possibilities and a spiritual way - a dream it has cast the beautiful.

- prokljate, something almost has already dreamt me, and here CHarli all has spoilt. You are assured is it?.

- You know, I somehow did not reflect earlier about paradise kushchah and similar nonsense. And today - took, and has seen.

- And how it was? - Has asked Rozhnov with frank envy.

- Hm... To tell the truth, it seemed to me is too sterile. Why I speak - the Maiden has cast. Greens, florets, the sky blue, vodichka transparent, the sun bright. And I in it as though do not bathe at all, and I am present. She has told - we everywhere and all of us - on sensations and left. Only I for some reason mad happiness not pochustvoval. But it was interesting.

- And do you could something? To disorganise the house, to grow up a snake, to cut down a tree?

- And I did not want, - have told Kuchkin, having thought.

- And I did not want... - has whispered SHulte.

- The commander! During your absence of incidents does not happen!

- For some reason very much it would be desirable to sit down. As it is senseless in weightlessness. Mister Rozhnov, concede an armchair? Thanks. I should fix myself. Means, we had the same dream?

- I did not see, - have told Rozhnov, devouring SHulte eyes. That looked not bad, only spoke almost whisper, and moved cautiously, it is a little skovanno. Also looked by the interlocutor.

- Believe, you have lost nothing.

- You have lost all! - the Maiden has informed.

- Oh, - Rozhnov from unexpectedness has not flown nearly a head in a ceiling. - it still here?! The girl, there would be you!

- It now with us very much for a long time, - has told SHulte. - will not lose hope Yet to turn into the belief or to expel from a platform. I am afraid, such pressure will harmfully be reflected in mentality of members of expedition. I think, it is necessary to pass to active actions. Mister Kuchkin, does not suffice something me to feel itself as the German god. Where I can take the hammer?

- The moment, the commander.

- You will not find, I will bring, - Rozhnov have flown away.

- How do you feel, the commander?

- Insufficiently confidently, - has told SHulte. - With a hammer it will be better.

Has returned Rozhnov at a sledge hammer.

- And can, I? - He has asked. - where to beat?

SHulte has taken away from it a hammer and has strong pressed to a breast.

- Now listen. I now will behave strange some time. Why - I will explain then if will not guess. But it in interests of mankind. Believe to me.

With these words it has got out of an armchair and has departed in the transitive.

- Yet late, we will braid it? - Has offered Rozhnov.

- It is not had the rights. It the senior. The commander.

- Force-majeur circumstances. You see, at the muzhik balls for rollers have called in. Has imagined itself the god.

- First, I believe it, - have told Kuchkin. - Secondly, force-majeur will come, when he will do something.

The hatch cover has softly slapped.

- And thirdly, already all the same you will correct nothing.

- Accept knowledge you! - the Maiden has demanded. - your chief has understood us wrongly and has drawn incorrect conclusions.

- Otvali, hallucination, - has waved away Kuchkin. - Listen, the colleague, give indeed we will thrust CHarli in a sleeping bag. And that the disorder, rolls the astronaut ownerless, suddenly its wind will blow off?

- Head forward we will thrust?

- Ugu. Only a lightning we will unbutton, that could breathe. It will be all the same dark and is terrible.

- It has accepted knowledge, to it now all to a lantern.

- Here we also will check up...

****

They have really packed Allen into a bag a head forward and, very happy, have begun to have breakfast.

The maiden it almost did not stir. Anyway, Rozhnov did not give a sign at all, only Kuchkin sometimes shuddered and silently used foul language.

- It seems to me, or blows on the case come? - Has asked Rozhnov, chewing.

- Is it is a little. Well it there hollows, however!

- The strong uncle. Both brave. And sharp.

- The uncle good, no doubt. And you any more are not afraid, I look?

- Whether the horse-radish to be afraid now? - Has grinned Rozhnov. - the Main thing, if that, we with you in what are not guilty. Hm... It is interesting, as it is going to to explain the act.

- I think, in any way. Something us from below do not disturb, and?

- I do not want, that upon you put pressure, - the Maiden has told.

- About, My God! This miracle of the nature forever with us?

- Yes well! povisit also will resolve. What for we to it now? To force us to break a platform - not on such has attacked. And to expel from here - as? On foot in survival suits? Figushki, at us a self-preservation instinct. We on the cubic metre have sat down now strong and we will sit. So to "wasp" to worry there is nothing. And there it will be visible.

In the transitive the wet tousled head was put out.

- I will cover the hatch that fragments did not fly on a platform, - have informed SHulte. - Warm up to me too to eat, please.

- With pleasure. How your physical exercises?

- Hot, - has told SHulte, being wiped by a sleeve. - it is possible juice? I thank. And it that the such? Why of a foot bag stick out? Again black humour?

- No, CHarli has become crazy. He always so will sleep now.

SHulte has drunk juice, has a little thought and has told:

- Naturally. Poor CHarli, it had a short-term insanity. Otherwise how to explain what it was locked in ТМ4 and has broken there all avionics?

- Finalno? - Has asked Kuchkin.

- To fly it is impossible. We are locked now on a platform.

- What bad boy Charli Allen, - has grieved Rozhnov. - Than it banged equipment? A head?

- Ah, if! CHarli has found a sledge hammer. I do not know, how it has got in ТМ4. Very unpleasant situation. I am afraid, someone should be responsible for it.

- Lines with you, I will answer, - has told Kuchkin. - will not shoot me! I hope. Well, CHarli, a pig! To destroy such good lowered! And as! Having used a real historical artefact, big rashen spejs hammer!

- O-o, already spejs hammer! Progress. Tell, mister Kuchkin, what for you searched for a sledge hammer yesterday.

- But it seemed to me, you do not want it the nobility.

- Now I want.

- Very simple idea. Present - we could not repair our platform. What do we do? We put on survival suits and we wait for death. But CHarli probably it will be boring to die without us. Then I leave outside. I get on ТМ4. I dismantle an external thermal protection, I find the valve of equalising of pressure. Also I beat out it to hell.

- Kind you the muzhik, Kuchkin! - has sniffed Rozhnov.

- On Fridays. And today a Saturday so watch a back. I am possible too I will ask? Both of you at all do not regret CHarli?

- Farewell, silly persons, - the Iron Maiden has told.

- And? - Three have synchronously turned back.

Also have not seen anything especial. Only an interior of "a lunar platform". Without visitors.

A second later the improbable simplification has fallen down them and hardly has not crushed. Kuchkin simply silently cried, Rozhnov in addition groaned, and SHulte creaked teeth. Only Allen snored all, and it appear its colleagues a little are less anxious by own sincere health, they for certain would reflect, whether it is time to awake the person. And it is vain, because, unlike them, Allen very much did not sleep for a long time.

They have wiped tears and have corroded for three tranquilizer half-packs.

- Somebody understands, what is it was? - Has asked Rozhnov, inspecting colleagues with hope in a look.

- Nonkontakt, - has given out Kuchkin the capacious term. - there are contacts, and we have made nonkontakt. Absolute. Final. The meeting of two civilisations became full ugliness! Explain, she is the Maiden such silly woman, or we stupid? Who is guilty?! Also what to do?!

He has thought and has added quietly:

- Two great Russian questions. Such great, that can be the answer never.

- Excuse, please, - has told SHulte softly. - but I have answers. Today. The Maiden is guilty, of course. And to do it is necessary the job.

- So it is simple? - Has doubted Kuchkin. - And we will tell to nobody?

- And you namereny? I, for example, wish to fly. To carry out the program. Mister Rozhnov, your plans?

- I want some vodka. It is a lot of vodka right now. And to fly, yes.

- I think, vodka would not prevent everyone. And to fly, it is necessary to be silent. And to erase the record compromising us. Will make?

- It is accepted to execution, - has nodded Rozhnov. Is it is necessary to understand so, what we three about all have agreed? There was a collapse of systems, then mad CHarli with hammerom, and anything else?

- It seems to me, the destiny of a platform is more expensive than personal preferences, - SHulte still spoke very softly and looked at Russian is almost guilty. - and more it seems to me, that you consider as. You know, for what we build orbital depot. The spoilt reputation of mister Allen - not the greatest payment for an open line to the Moon. It is a severe choice but so it is necessary.

- I still wish to understand, - have reminded Kuchkin. - you have sentenced CHarli, and do not regret him?

- Very much I regret. But now we should debug a platform, - has told SHulte. - And to arrive here yet time. Here our efforts are spent so much - it will be unfair, if us withdraw.

- And CHarli has accepted knowledge, - has screwed Rozhnov. - Successfully or unsuccessfully, all the same to it now beliefs are not present.

- You spoke - this woman constantly said lies. What if CHarli has simply fallen asleep? It was disconnected because of nerves?

- What is the odds? Recollect: it nearly has not ruined us. And to it never not to fly any more. The guy will braid and will take away in a mental hospital, hardly "Wasp" will land.

- Ugly creatures, - has sighed Kuchkin. - I am surrounded by heartless ugly creatures. Well... Tell to us about knowledge, the commander. Can be then I will excuse your cruelty to the innocent. And deliberate damage of Russian space technics.

- But... You already own knowledge, mister Kuchkin.

- Excuse, nedoponjal?

- "Sorri", "sorri"! - has imitated Rozhnov. - Reptiles both of you! Start up on a workplace!

He has taken seat for the computer and the beginnings strong, with excessive force, to hollow on keys.

- Easier, a board you will break, - has told Kuchkin.

- Some whole spuskach have carried, and though henna. Go too something break. The platform big, is a lot of iron.

- Do not quarrel, friends, - has asked SHulte. - I said, that you have lost nothing, mister Rozhnov. Mister Kuchkin has truthfully described to you the sensations. To it it was boring. To me too. And to you - I assure.

- Would understand somehow itself, - has muttered Rozhnov.

- The commander, you have visited a head of the Iron Maiden - and?.

- I have seen the developed version of a dream, brighter. But the main impression did not differ. Understand, it has no relation to us. Not our life, not our relation to the world. The maiden wanted, that we have apprehended lost paradise in all completeness, but something has not considered. Probably, it it is indeed too far from us has left. Whether we cannot understand, whether she is not able to show... But most likely she simply is mistaken, and it not our mission. The maiden tried to tempt us, and it has turned out nothing - we have shown only the interest which is not beyond usual curiosity. And it became then sad. I do a conclusion - the temptation was at the wrong door. Probably, the Maiden should try happiness in other place. It is very a pity, that because of this persuasive lady it was necessary to destroy ТМ4. But I was afraid for sincere health of expedition. We and so have lost one. And the Maiden was not going to to stop halfway, it would get everyone. You agree?

- As a whole - yes... - has told, having rumpled, Kuchkin.

- Thanks for support. You understand, they are inhabitants of heaven. But not demiurges. Therefore to us it is boring in their skin. We are created for something bolshego. But that before bolshego to live, it is necessary to solve current problems today. Ours with you a problem - a platform. You still, probably, both will work on the Moon. And I will meet you here. Not bad?

- It is difficult to believe, that we will tell to nobody... - Kuchkin has sadly sighed. - never? Nobody will know?.

- Why? And CHarli? It is assured, at the first possibility it will trumpet about happened on all planet.

- It at all that.

- I know, - have nodded SHulte.

- The commander, the Earth asks, whether all have woken up. Want loud communication? Video?

- What with you? - Has asked SHulte, bending more close to Kuchkinu. - That with you, my dear friend?

- The commander, call you. Are ready to communicate?

- This all damned feeling of the truth, - has told Kuchkin bitterly. - I knew, it will not give sensation of happiness!

- It agree. We will talk about it later, well?

- By all means, - has said Kuchkin with value. - now it will be especially easy to us to talk. Finalno it is easy. Or not?

- Hey, you! - has called Rozhnov. - take places. I am not going to to be responsible for all!

It was difficult communication - the Earth and strewed questions, and expedition diligently represented interest. Actually three cosmonauts reflected about everything except system refusal zhizneobespechnija, and some thoughts for certain at them were the general, and some at all are not present.

Kuchkin has loudly convicted experts from the Queen of insufficient sincerity twice. On third time he has not had time to open a mouth - SHulte has sensitively driven to it an elbow under an edge.

Rozhnov sat with a notebook and pretended, as if writes down all recommendations - simply not to look in the chamber.

Allen in a dream inertly jerked feet.

At last have reached and to it - in Houston the whole brigade of experts in sincere health was burnt with impatience. When SHulte has short and chilly stated the version of an event, the silence, cold as interstellar space was on air established.

- Only I beg, you with it are accurater, - has finished story SHulte. - do not injure the guy definitively. After all CHarli it is assured, that it had only a depression. We will try to make so that he has not glanced in "Union". The hatch is already closed.

Death silence was to it the answer. At last from Houston has shy reached:

- Wake Allen, please. We would like to look.

SHulte has turned to Rozhnovu, that, in turn, has slightly pulled the astronaut a foot.

- Y-y, - has reached from a sleeping bag. - M-m.

- CHarli, lifting. Houston on communication.

In a bag tonenko have screamed.

- Reacts! - was delighted Rozhnov.

- Line similar, - has told Kuchkin very silently and tensely.

In a bag have screamed again.

- Give to me, - SHulte it is delicate, but has resolutely removed Rozhnova, undertook the valve of a sleeping bag and has looked back on Kuchkina. The chief of expedition considerably looked lost.

- I now will begin to cry, - have informed Kuchkin a toneless voice.

- Somebody something will explain to me?! You, two! - has almost shouted Rozhnov.

- Save, please, calmness, - has asked SHulte. - the Earth looks At us.

With these words it has cast away the bag valve, has seized Allen by a foot and has pulled outside.

- Ba-ba-ba! - Allen has told. - Va-va! Am!

SHulte has let out the astronaut and has started back.

- Mum... - has murmured Rozhnov. - At it trousers wet.

Kuchkin has really begun to cry.

Here Allen has shouted and has begun to kick. Russian have rushed on it, have somehow jostled back in a bag, already in the normal image, and have drawn to a wall belts. The astronaut howled and was torn outside, but to it did not give - shaken from sobbings Kuchkin and absolutely white Rozhnov. SHulte has tightened to itself the chamber and has told in an objective:

- Start of "Wasp" cannot be detained. It needs to be accelerated. Lift a vessel so quickly as it is possible. The Earth, you hear me? Why you are silent, the Earth?

****

SHulte did not fly more. And five years has broken later, in terrible chain failure on iced over to an autobath. Kuchkin has told: the commander has scented danger in advance and could be rescued, but instead has pressed gas.

Kuchkinu have given small rural arrival, and Rozhnov has just arrived it to congratulate. And the former pilot has met the former engineer words: hi, the commander was lost.

"Listen, he already then knew, what was mistaken? - Has asked Rozhnov. - There, on a platform - knew?".

Kuchkin has poorly smiled. "Silly. The commander could not be mistaken. He should choose, and only".

"I do not understand. How it - to choose?".

"To it have offered two ways. He has chosen on what the mankind has come further. Has suffered much more. Has decided what to finish almost ready program more cleverly, than to start from zero absolutely new, though also very perspective. It was the pragmatist".

"And what you would choose?".

"To me offered nothing. I did not look in the Iron Maiden. And from a dream has taken out ability to feel the truth, and only. To me has carried. It is not assured, that this devil temptation would go through. The commander then has rescued our souls, having broken ТМ4 and having shown to the Maiden, that it has nothing to catch on a platform" more.

"Well, but he could choose incorrectly? And still present - suddenly we would accept other way, have burst the commander on a tub a sledge hammer and have dragged off downwards? Perhaps it has calculated it and has purposely deprived of us is right to choose?".

"Most likely. But what now a difference? Already mount a lunar city. Here you will see, all ustakanitsja. To the Earth there was vital a jerk in space. While people sat on a surface, them and washed away to carry each other on slices are a commander has correctly noticed. Now the people together plough. And to speak with stars and to jump through a galaxy we will by all means be learnt. Sometime. I do not believe, that traditional approaches will allow to us to get far from the house. You Want-not you want, it is necessary to invent something especial".

"And nevertheless, why the commander?. You know, yes?".

"He doubted. Since the first minute and to the end. To you, probably, painfully to hear it, but it said lies to us. Said lies in rescue to protect. On the business he has learnt and has understood something such... Improbable. And it was very difficult to it to solve. The logic demanded one decision, emotion absolutely another. It simply has not sustained and has surrendered".

"Then for what we have substituted CHarli? That for the sake of it in a mental hospital has disappeared, if the commander and so it is worthless...".

"One more lie in rescue. And I asked, by the way - it is not a pity to you it, children?".

"Ugly creatures, - has told Rozhnov. - I am surrounded by heartless ugly creatures".

"Not your remark".

"Urrrrrrody".

- What line? It is necessary to drill directly over a head at the sleeping person?

- Oh, excuse. From that party it is not visible to me. I thought, you have already risen.

Kuchkin it was put out from a sleeping bag.

- The young fighter should feel as a spinal cord presence of the grandfather! - he has told is quarrelsome. - hey! Who will bring today to me coffee in bed?

- Cold juice? - It was distributed absolutely nearby voice SHulte.

- I thank. The commander, I saw a nightmare. All of us have stopped to fly. You have committed suicide, Rozhnov there was the alcoholic, and I the priest. CHarli, it appears, was normal, we it have exposed it the loony.

- The interesting nightmare, - has smiled SHulte, stretching Kuchkinu a drinking bowl. - and there was an explanation, why?.

- You were tortured by doubts. Me have expelled for a sledge hammer. And Rozhnov has left simply for the company. One interesting detail: in five years... No, it turns out, in three years already mount a lunar city.

- Earlier, - has told SHulte. - At you incorrect data. Installation will begin even earlier. And CHarli, to a great regret, never will recover. And that mister Rozhnov in your nightmare has followed us - so I always spoke: it the present companion.

- And how about you?

- I drill further? - It was distributed because of a partition.

- Work, the colleague, - has resolved SHulte. - it is All the same noisy.

The drill has howled. Kuchkin, having writhed a dissatisfied mine, has stuck to a drinking bowl. SHulte hung nearby and, smiling, looked to the pilot directly in soul.

- And about me - do not think at all! - the chief of expedition has cried out.

- I am not guilty! It is psychology! - has shouted Kuchkin in the answer. - the old insult supervised over my nightmare.

- Insult? On what?

- What for you have lain then? About what have seen in the Maiden?

Eyes SHulte have considerably grown cold.

- You me already zatrahali, mister Kuchkin! How much it is possible?

- How much it is necessary! This my feeling of the truth! It demands answers!

- Thrust it to itself in a bum!!! - has bellowed SHulte. The drill has ceased, and in suddenly come silence command roar of the chief, appear, sotrjas a platform.

- Does not climb! - parried Kuchkin.

- I do not understand, - have told SHulte already more easy. - than my feeling of the truth is worse than yours? At me it gives in to adjustment. Perhaps you simply are not able to operate the? Or do not want?

- O'kej, o'kej. We will leave it, the commander. Good morning.

- Good morning, mister Kuchkin. From your permission, I will return to execution of official duties. Thanks.

SHulte has departed to the engineering. Kuchkin has drunk up juice and has decided, that on the occasion of the gone through nightmare will dare some more minutes to idle.

- Well, at you with the old man of the relation, - have told behind a partition. - already enviably. And what such feeling of the truth?

- We see, when say lies, - the pilot has explained. - and even a little bit it is more.

- A-a... Clearly.

Kuchkin has unbuttoned a sleeping bag and has taken seat.

- I welcome station "Freedom" crew! - it has proclaimed, dexterously simulating a female voice. - save, please, calmness! You have come into contact to other reason! We pass a concert under demands! Colonel Kuchkin asks to sing for it a liked song of military pilots "First of all we will spoil planes". And here a horse-radish to you, colonel Kuchkin! Listen to group "Iron Maiden"!.

SHulte in the engineering module it was attached to a window and looked at the Earth. It was stuffy, but not because of a heat, and for the unfair insult put unduly rectilinear Kuchkinym. The person burnt.

Yes, he then has lain. Because has incurred responsibility to choose - to one for all. That looked reasonable.

Alternatives all the same were not.

The maiden was absolutely not able to talk to people. So she also thought not humanly! SHulte has not gone balmy nearly for horror, wandering on back streets of its consciousness - if this universal chaos in general it was possible to name consciousness. While the Maiden selected more or less clear fancies, and people transformed them to words, about any primitive communications still it was possible to speak. But when has reached serious business...

The maiden whether has overestimated abilities of the person, whether did not know what "to see and understand" completely not universal formula of dialogue. Anyhow, and SHulte has not understood-che th from this, that to it tried to show. The maiden indeed sincerely wished to come into the contact, any animosities SHulte has not felt. Only has seen enough devilries and when has felt as it is sucked in by sticky opposite darkness - has jumped out outside. Perhaps it made sense to wait, endure. But there was no endurance. Too there, inside, there was all another's, inaccessible to human perception. Also it was cold there - to a shiver, to a nausea. Uncomfortably.

Especially - by contrast with a magic dream.

And the first reciprocal thought was - to stop, stop. At any cost to drive away a fright far away that it and others did not touch.

He has managed to tear off contact. And it was correct. It has rescued two companions. After all CHarli... Any expert on the Earth did not manage to explain distinctly how the normal person can so sharply to lose mind - if, of course, not to beat its sledge hammer on a head. When Allen, having looked out of a bag, has stared on SHulte empty eyes, that has understood, than excursion in that viscous darkness comes to an end for the small weak little man.

Certainly, SHulte tormented doubts. Constantly. One thousand times it scrolled in mind of event of that day, trying to find though the slightest zatsepku, a hint on how it was necessary to operate. And to what upset the general with Kuchkinym a dream! They, certainly, have accepted a certain information and have processed it. But the picture left how much truthful? Sensations were how much correct? Whether something was covered behind this system of images bolshee, or in general absolutely other?

Whether something was covered in general?

Times SHulte to cry was ready and to howl from melancholy.

Sometimes - it is ready to admit in all Kuchkinu and Rozhnovu.

Never it was impossible to it neither that, nor another. Possibly, it was too organised to afford a hysterics and too responsible to bring down on people such revelations. Especially - on people whom itself has deprived of a freedom in choosing.

Whether but there was a choice basically?

The idiot was, talked nonsense, achieved not clearly that. Threatened. Then was disappointed, has got nasty and has left. So happens on the Earth, pretty often. Only when from two parties people, it do not name "contact to other reason". Though the precipice between reasons is available.

Someone promised, what you will understand each other? Ha-ha. Black humour.

The maiden any more did not see anybody, anyway, anybody from with whom worked SHulte and Kuchkin - they would scent at once "". Whether the lady was disappointed in people, whether was entirely switched to indirect influence. Direct human losses of "a lunar platform" were limited to two experts. Besides Allen, has ceased to fly Rozhnov. Intimidating, the Maiden has shown it terrible accident in which it should be lost. Now the engineer, not pokladaja hands, worked on operational development of a lunar industrial complex, and already has twice rescued it, that is called, "in a breadboard model". Rozhnova considered almost as the seer, in every possible way preserved, space for it has been closed.

Kuchkina at first wished not to prosecute almost, but Russian has stood up for the pilot main. Has told, that that at all the hooligan and samoupravets, and opposite, the rationalizer and national umelets. Kuchkin has finished courses of retraining and again flied. It looked happy - especially when at him did not try to say lies.

And SHulte - simply lived and worked further...

- Misters! - have called from the scientific. - excuse, and where it is possible to take spejs hammer?

- In the teem-fourth ZIP, where still! - has responded Kuchkin. - Or in "wasp" under an armchair of the engineer. Take American, from it the best balance.

- Lies! - has shouted SHulte. - Mister Kuchkin simply regrets the artefact. Take Russian. It is more convenient. It is checked up.

"The most important - we have rescued a platform. Because of the maiden. It has compelled us. Worthy result? Certainly. Then paternal I so worry? If yet this accursed feeling of the truth. From time to time with it it is simply impossible to live. What for I said lies Kuchkinu as if it gives in to adjustment? The main thing, has found to whom to tell lies!".

Yesterday Kuchkin has again lifted "Wasp", and now on a platform under the guidance of the replaceable chief of expedition SHulte worked ten persons. From the scientific module measured hard blows were distributed.

Again at them zaelo a telescope.

This module on "platform" called scientific because of high concentration of equipment and it is simple for brevity. You will not begin to speak each time "a post of electron-optical prompting and support". MKS "Freedom" has fine expanded, the station even more often was required to be drilled, cooked and even to saw, and sometimes the orbital depot gave surprises, to beat off from which it was possible only spejs hammerom.

In that the sledge hammer and on the Moon is useful, SHulte did not doubt any more.

After all the abyss of the big serious job there waits.

*** OSA (Orbital-Space-Aircraft) - the facilitated analogue of the "shuttle", the first starts in 2010th (back to the text)