The Fourth Zone pleasantly surprised the Organization: they, observing everything that was happening in the world, quite reasonably realized that resistance was useless. In fact, they hoped that the calmer they behaved, the greater the number of people would get the right to stay alive. However, this number could hardly depend on any factors other than objective ones.

  "Sense of hierarchy or last hope dictated by fear?.." Gil thought.

  Esther could never understand why Kael was still alive. At least, that's how she explained the state of almost shock in which she had existed recently. It didn't affect her work capacity at all—it was just that her facial expression and manner of speaking now made one's skin crawl. And whenever she ran into Kael somewhere (which, given their high positions, happened often), she showered him with such contempt that a couple of times they almost came to blows.

  Kael, however—and precisely from the moment he learned about the split personality of the head of the Organization—developed a growing interest in this phenomenon. Surprisingly, Gil's usual intractability took a back seat here—he, though indifferently, answered all of Kael's questions quite thoroughly, which Kael at first tried to make veiled, trying to approach from afar so as not to receive another verbal slap.

  Everything that became known to him on this topic came down to the following: the same (according to preliminary assumptions) consciousness controlled two absolutely identical bodies—the second was obtained based on the first through cloning back at the stages of the Organization's inception. Naturally, the bodies couldn't function simultaneously, so the "sleep-wakefulness" cycle was almost strictly 12 hours for each element. Here Gil didn't even miss the opportunity to complain about the eternal accusations toward Rait about sleeping too long.

  "If he slept less, more people would be alive now," he smirked.

  Kael also found out that Gil, being the primary personality, could control Rait's life. However, this became clear back at the stage when Gil mentioned in passing that he had repeatedly saved Rait from suicide.

  "Technically, Rait 'wakes up' and 'falls asleep' when I want. However, sometimes I have to create additional conditions so as not to abuse this power. I was taking a risk when I sent him under the car—he was knocked out for a long time then—but the negotiations with the First Zone were worth it. Good thing he's now parasitizing in your apartment, and in the near future I won't have to resort to tricks. By the way, you don't mind, do you?"

  No, Kael didn't mind. Rait usually huddled in one corner, where he spent most of the day. Three times a day he went out—sometimes for very long—to walk the dog. Yes, the only thing Kael couldn't get used to was the constant clicking of claws on the laminate.

  From Gil's words, Kael could conclude that should one body cease to exist, the second would die too. When he cautiously asked about this, Gil answered:

  "Pff, I have no idea. But I don't want to check."

  The fact that Gil no longer had to organize his time and Rait's time so that nothing suspicious arose came in very handy. The Fourth Zone put forward a request—of such an unusual nature that it somewhat resembled the cautious question of one of Kael's accomplices about having his life spared. They asked that in exchange for the absence of resistance, they leave alive not only the people needed by the Organization, but also their families.

  "We-ell, typical humans," Gil drawled. "They do something reasonable and immediately expect a reward."

  The dark polished tabletop had already become the most familiar surface for his hand—the only competition was perhaps the pistol. For the first time, Gil caught himself wanting to fall onto the table headfirst.

  "In theory, there's nothing criminal in their request. We won't lose anything," Kael said.

  "Yeah, and if they multiply... The worst thing imaginable is having to hunt them down and kill them later; spare me..." Gil yawned.

  "Well, what's stopping us from doing the same thing with them as with the people we need?"

  "It's already quite difficult to make sure everyone swallows that pill, and here are extra ones. However... I don't know. Let's vote."

  All those present instantly turned their eyes to Gil, and it seemed that one could hear the astonished blinking of eyelids—such silence formed from the shock produced.

  "Who's in favor of killing those people in due order?"

  Hands cautiously rose, and it seemed they were the majority.

  "Well, who's in favor of an attraction of unprecedented generosity?"

  Even more timidly, several people made themselves known.

  "Hmm, I see someone abstained from voting," Gil drawled. "For example, you, Kael."

  "What's the point... I see you want to have some fun."

  "But no. I just needed time to think. In short, I consider it possible to spare their lives. In principle, they earned it—I can't stand when they resist, like the others did."

  During his time living with Rait in the same apartment, Kael had time to think about many things. First of all, he was interested in whether these personalities could be united; however, he wasn't 100% sure that this was the same person, and there was no way to verify this...

  No, he saw that Rait was not long for this world—and can a shadow exist separately from the object. He wasn't needed by humans, since he wasn't born mediocre; he simply didn't measure up to the new type of people. And this timidity of his and absence of any will to live, these constant requests to be taken to the head of the Organization, to which the answer was always one: "You're not ready yet." Kael truly didn't know if Rait was ready to learn the truth that he was merely an unnecessary appendage to the original, without which, however, the latter couldn't exist. Deep down he understood that this would benefit him; but for some reason he hesitated.

  And Kael remembered that day for a long time. Even now he was sitting on the veranda of his house after one of the sleepless nights, watching how the fog, disappearing, slowly bared the dark peaks of mountains, and the deep indigo sky gradually acquired a purple tint.

  Organization people who had reprofiled to peaceful life concentrated mainly in the north of the First and in the Fourth Zone. That morning Gil visited Kael in his new house, having visited the day before for the second time the temple he had once found. This atmosphere of desolation drove one into insurmountable melancholy; one wanted to breathe life into this building and maintain it.

  "If only such things were built in other places..."

  Here Gil caught himself on a sudden thought. "I wonder, could I become something like... a priest?.."

  With incomprehensible excitement, he turned to Kael with this.

  "What do you think, could we build something like this here too? After all, I said that with the help of abilities one can also create, you just need to learn..."

  "I know that from time to time someone visits this place, and I have every reason to assume that in the future interest will increase. Strange that it didn't appear from the very beginning... However, these aren't humans who always need to lean on something."

  Gil only coughed in response.

  He went to sleep with an inexplicable feeling of euphoria that enveloped him like a soft wave. And it seemed that it wasn't the sky lightening on the horizon, but a suddenly manifested vague future.

  And then Kael and Rait went for a walk together with the dog. Gil and Rait in turn had just started training the dog, teaching it various commands.

  The sky kept lightening, but it seemed to Rait that a path was gradually emerging from darkness for his consciousness, illuminated by an inner fire. Euphoria that came from nowhere overwhelmed him; he walked, almost not feeling the road under his feet—unexpectedly a future dawned on the horizon; it couldn't be clothed in concrete form, but it was here, close, although Rait didn't even know what it represented. But one thing he knew for sure—he had never experienced such a thing in his life.

  Here he once again threw a plastic flying disc to the dog—it turned out very far, and the dog joyfully rushed after the object; it ran so fast that it was unclear at what moment the paws lifted off the ground.

  Kael had gone far ahead—Rait was going to catch up with him. He had loved this place from the very beginning: the view of the mountains and the abundance of meadows nearby combined with bright sun created a dream-like atmosphere—Rait often saw such things. Yes, the First Zone was good for having in some places—especially high in the mountains—peculiar eco-cities whose technologies allowed one not to drop out of civilization life while not polluting nature.

  From delight, Rait began to turn around himself, as if wanting to embrace the landscape entirely. However, having turned 180 degrees, he stopped—his gaze caught a figure that appeared nearby, suddenly wedging itself into the surroundings. The first thing that caught his eye was the gaze—Rait didn't understand why it was so hostile and cold; and for some reason he also remembered hair the color of mowed dried grass—probably because it smelled of mowed grass and dew around. Suddenly it became frightening, as in a dream with a chase. He didn't even have time to notice the black object in the woman's hands...

  The shot echoed.

  "I won't tolerate half-bloods in the new world," Esther almost whispered with fury, lowering the pistol.

  Kael remembered that day for a long time. Even now he sat on the veranda and shivered from the morning freshness, and the increasingly lightening sky seemed to bring closer what had happened then. How many times had he already relived that morning, how many times the shot echoed in his head.

  The shot hit Kael's ears—jerking, he turned around sharply. And immediately established protection in response to a sudden attack; he recognized Esther even from afar.

  Everything happened so rapidly after that that Kael could hardly think about anything at that moment. Out of nowhere, a rapidly approaching white dot appeared in view. However, Kael did think about something: he had enough brains not to concentrate his gaze on the dot, which in a matter of seconds turned into a dog hanging on the arm still holding the weapon. And the piercing scream of surprise became the clearest signal to action. Esther simply didn't have time to come to her senses and do anything, immediately collapsing to the ground with a broken neck.

  Kael himself didn't know why he checked the pulse of a person with a hole right in the middle of his forehead. All he could do was cover the wide-open eyes with his hand. Unable to bear the dog's howling, he rushed home with some desperate hope.

  Gil had no pulse either.

  And only then did it fully dawn on Kael. He suddenly doubled over, as if from severe physical pain—but unable to make a sound. The environment began to press: light, air, sensations—everything seemed to strive to flatten, squeeze out a scream. No, impossible. Straightening up—so abruptly, like a string—he ran out of the house.

  There they all were, in place. With disgust he took the pistol from Esther's hand, checked if it was loaded; rather, just to stop this, turn off the raging surrounding world; just a couple of seconds—the hand rises infinitely long to the head, this is unbearable; faster...

  ...but the world didn't stop trying to attack. With a growl, the dog grabbed Kael's hand—apparently, this was a reaction to the weapon. Sharp pain forced him to instantly unclench his fingers and bend over again—for quite tangible reasons this time.

  Pain reflexes returned him to reality. Sharply turning his gaze to the pistol, Kael pushed it away with his foot. Having seen off the antique piece of iron with a growl, the dog stared at Kael with its black, slightly almond-shaped eyes.

  "It was the same person..." he suddenly understood.

  Only now did Kael fully realize. As well as the fact that the experiment that never began could be considered completed.

  He stood up, still unable to tear his gaze from the body.

  "Now I'm... free?.."

  Kael covered his face with his hand—it was getting lighter and lighter. The familiar tapping of claws on the floor was heard—the dog put its head on its owner's knee. Mechanically, he ran his palm over its soft fur.

  Even now, those very tongues of flame seemed to dance in his eyes, slowly consuming two identical bodies on the funeral pyre. Even now he involuntarily said to himself:

  "I hope he got what he wanted..."

  Actually, Kael didn't remember that incident. It was erased, and memory flowed again in an even stream after a stormy short-term storm. But on such special nights, smoothly transitioning into morning, one and the same question appeared in his head, screwed itself in, creating fog and nipping further reflections in the bud.

  "I slept long in the moonlight, and now I've awakened, seeing the world in the rays of the sun. But am I alive?"

  ***

  The wind slightly ruffled hair the color of mowed grass—the body lying on the road leading high into the mountains was not immediately removed. Part of the face was awkwardly buried in the ground; one arm was bent under the torso, the other unnaturally straightened to the side.

  During her lifetime, Esther remembered very well the day of joining the Organization. She was surprised even then that the head himself would accept her—it still seemed unreal that her abilities corresponded to this level. But they did.

  At first it was truly difficult—even despite the fact that the attitude never left her. This goal was truly worthwhile—she wanted to give her all, give everything for its achievement; but this wasn't enough—confident of victory, Esther lived in the future: for once she saw a clear guideline, and for once she had significance—real significance.

  "I want to please you—from this day you can join the Organization. I sincerely hope you won't regret it; I'm very glad to see such a valuable employee as you in our ranks."

  Here Esther couldn't help but smile—a friendly person with deep-set gray eyes was looking at her, and after all these exhausting checks it even became somehow calm...

  Esther saw far fewer murders than everyone else. Having gotten used to working with technology, she immersed herself headfirst in the information space; in the First Zone she was often called a "soulless machine," disliked and probably feared behind her back. Here, however, she plunged into an environment of people just like her, focused on their work; she knew many admired her.

  She wasn't bothered by Gil's cruel behavioral peculiarities. In them she by default saw necessity and over time even began to feel a certain superiority over those who didn't see this. In general, she began to develop an interest in how far this person could go and how high he could fly. And somehow it turned out that this bar by default also became her own.

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  And how delighted she was when Gil told her about some projects for the future. Esther herself, naturally, had thought about this, and decided to share her thoughts; in response, she was presented with an entire "gallery" of breathtaking prospects.

  Over time, she began to notice that she simply enjoyed watching him speak. It was a strange time—a time of unrelenting euphoria: when you confidently move toward an incredible, still dazzling dream, and very close to you is an amazing, so bright and at the same time mysterious person, whom you want to follow straight into the bright future... That's how Esther saw it.

  And all shortcomings began to be ignored; say, she didn't bat an eye when Gil impatiently and with irritation asked her to show him the capital of the First Zone on a map, becoming very embarrassed afterward. And when he volunteered to stand alone against the army, her first emotion was precisely all-consuming delight, and only then worry, fear of loss.

  "Self-sacrifice without hesitation, without wavering. Yes, this is exactly what's needed. Exactly so," she thought.

  Kael never inspired trust in her. It always seemed to her that this secretive person possessed cunning that poor Gil hadn't even dreamed of; and it's amazing, simply impossible, that his plan to kill the head of the Organization remained unnoticed by her or anyone.

  And then... and then Esther, of course, would have been filled with indignation at Gil for not killing the traitor. If there had been room for anything else besides the indescribable, desperate emptiness that seemed to shoot into her as soon as she heard the truth about the head of the Organization. And therefore it turned out the opposite—she hated Kael: really, couldn't he have done what was planned properly, because it's an impossible blasphemy when all of them, people of an incomparably higher level than ordinary ones, are led by... no, it's even scary to think about it.

  The only thing that somehow calmed her was that Gil was going to kill himself. Well, and of course, the approaching new era was always an unchanging stimulus; only it dimmed somewhat in Esther's eyes after the ideal she had created shattered into pieces.

  When the Fourth Zone asked to leave more people alive than needed, Esther wasn't even surprised by Gil's decision to fulfill their request. This ghost had already fallen so low in her eyes that she tried to pretend he didn't exist; one could only laugh bitterly at his decision. By this point, Esther was already in some sense glad that she knew more than the others: who would like to live in deception. She was pleased that her equilibrium was recovering so quickly; perhaps, after this there could be nothing that could disturb it. Soon all the sub-humans would die; she would remain in history as one of the founders of the new world, maybe even as one of the brightest, and maybe even... Okay, one shouldn't predict ahead of time.

  If this were human history, she really would have remained in it. There was still something that disturbed the equilibrium: victory had been won, and this aberration was still alive and, it seems, wasn't going to die?..

  But what difference did it make to her anyway? Nevertheless, Esther almost physically felt how the fact of this person's existence drove her crazy. She had to make the final touch.

  Well, she did. Only the picture turned out ugly; at least her body was found before it started decomposing.

  ***

  (many years later)

  It was getting light. The shadows cast by the high-rise buildings of the capital gradually became shorter and shorter. The wind slightly swayed the long vertical flags hung by people on balconies and decorating the Government building. A wonderful atmosphere—transparent, light; the streets still empty, and if one looked out the window at such an early hour, one could fully enjoy it.

  Each commune celebrated the day of the world state's formation in its own way; everyone wanted to do it brightly, as originally as possible and at the same time majestically. What could be said about the capital: they took care to hang flags without violating the architectural uniqueness of the city in any way. Located in what was once long ago called the First Zone, the capital was an undoubted cultural, political, educational center of the country, consisting of many small components, located in the former First and Fourth Zones. Although, now these names were recalled perhaps only by those who wanted to dig through the chronicles.

  Rainer leaned out the window after at most three hours of restless sleep, breathing in this morning atmosphere; although the holiday lasted, in essence, a whole week. Being a senior architecture student, on this day he had to take his final exam, which, however, could hardly be called an exam: during his studies he had accumulated so many projects—several of which were even evaluated by the top—that he simply had to officially receive his status.

  Yes, in the end he still chose this profession, although so many options, he remembered, had given him no peace before. At first he had rushed into the army: he had possessed significant abilities since early childhood and from that time began to develop them. Hopes were placed on him from the very beginning, and by going to study for such a prestigious specialty, he justified them in the best way. Yes, there he remembered feeling calm and in his place; and how he enjoyed winning victories over his peers and improving his own skills.

  The days of the week allocated for self-development, Rainer spent in government institutions. The law on professional self-determination, within which students could visit almost any institution that interested them, allowed them to acquire some skills along the way. For some reason, Rainer felt that a great future awaited him; it was a time of inspired euphoria.

  And then he somehow visited the cultural capital of the state, located on the territory of the former Fourth Zone. No, of course, he had heard about this place and assumed that it would make a strong impression on him; however, it turned out to be not just strong, but decisive.

  Wandering through the halls of art galleries, he dreamed of becoming an artist and creating similar works of art. Listening to opera, he wanted to join an orchestra. Looking at buildings, at the abundance of thought-out details and high-tech construction, he wished to certainly become an architect and make his contribution, create something original.

  However, what finished him off completely was ahead.

  The cultural capital was famous not only for its innovations in the sphere of art, but also for preserving the heritage of deep antiquity, transformed, however, to modern realities. And everyone who visited this amazing city simply couldn't help but visit the Temple of the Unknown Deity, found once long ago by the leader of the Revival movement, built even longer ago and designed by an architect whose origin, however, was not known for certain.

  There was a dual attitude toward such things in society. Self-sufficient and purposeful, people somehow didn't think about religion; and why was it needed by those who from birth possessed the ability to tame the energy permeating everything around, using it for their needs. It was unlikely that anyone would condemn any faith, but the person would be considered somewhat strange. The Temple itself was viewed exclusively as a work of art and world heritage.

  But was this really how it was perceived by those who could sometimes stand for hours somewhere in a corner or sit on a bench, contemplating the setting and turning their gaze to the impressive sculpture in the place where the altar should be located? Was this really how it was perceived by those who in the early hours opened the large door, somehow fearfully looking around to be there alone—trying not to pay attention to the same prudent visitors? And those who played classical music concerts there, including the best examples of the year along with other compositions, were unlikely to perceive this place exclusively as a concert hall.

  However, if anyone asked about this directly, the interlocutor would rather pretend not to have heard.

  Yes, it was precisely this place that determined Rainer's path. He couldn't imagine that once he entered this building with very high carved vaults, he would literally be overwhelmed by an incredible atmosphere of creation floating in the air—he simply couldn't find other words. The Temple combined all types of art that Rainer had contemplated separately before—architecture, painting (numerous frescoes and stained glass), music. Executed in a style similar to Gothic, predominantly dark blue-purple inside, it seemed to elevate everyone entering to the heavens, and this couldn't be conveyed—this had to be felt.

  In general, many people had told Rainer before that once you visit the cultural capital, you'll be under the impression for a long time afterward. He knew this; but even when his turbulent impression more or less settled, there remained in the background a certain string that set the life order. And he couldn't ignore it: its vibrations touched consciousness here and there; having surrendered, Rainer entered the architecture program, leaving combat training for self-development days instead of making it his main career.

  Rainer took a deep breath of morning air; he couldn't wait to walk through these festively decorated streets, see enthusiastic smiles on the faces of others, hear congratulations and respond in kind.

  Suddenly an unobtrusive ring intruded into the silence. Glancing at his wrist gadget, Rainer smiled and touched the call button with his finger.

  A hologram appeared before him depicting his acquaintance from his army training days—they were in the same unit, and she, actually, was still there.

  "Heidi, well, why aren't you sleeping?"

  "I am sleeping, sleeping, but then I remembered that I didn't even wish you luck! Forgive me, please, I've been so swamped these days..."

  "Come on, I don't require it," Rainer smirked. "But thanks anyway; I thought you'd already forgotten about my habit of getting up with the first rays."

  "No, you're like the sun yourself," she laughed and immediately yawned deeply.

  "Now go get some more sleep. As far as I remember, you have reveille in 2 hours."

  "Wait-wait," she yawned once more. "When else will I chat with you..."

  "At least tomorrow at collective work; we're in the same team, forgot?"

  "Oh yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say..." it seemed the girl woke up instantly; her eyes acquired a puppy-like expression. "You see, I've been training so intensively..."

  "Well, Adelheid. So for you it's according to needs, but from you it's not according to abilities?" Rainer asked with feigned reproach.

  "You'll see when we're attacked how it's not according to abilities from me. Seriously—Rain, well, I overdid it again, and I have absolutely no strength."

  "So re-register for intellectual work!"

  "It's boring there; please, it costs you nothing—we're constructing a building, you're an architect..."

  "I'll keep silent."

  "Please!"

  "Okay, okay. Of course I'll help you. I'm just thinking... What do you do on self-development days?"

  "I go to the neighboring building."

  "I see, I understand. In short, this is the last time."

  "Ra-ai-in, I adore you!!! Good luck once again on your exam, I'm sure you'll become the greatest architect in all history..."

  "Alright, alright, calm down."

  "Shall we walk together on the weekend?"

  "If you're still alive by then..."

  "I'll be more alive than anyone!"

  "Okay."

  Despite his friend's peculiar character, Rainer respected her. They were approximately on the same step of the hierarchy; she was a truly capable person and really wanted to work for the benefit of herself and society—she just didn't always know the measure.

  Before it would be time to leave home, there was still a lot of time left, and Rainer, unable to stand it, decided to walk through the deserted streets after all. Oh, wasn't it perfect... The flags sway as if underwater, and he himself doesn't walk but seems to float... However, as it turned out, he wasn't alone. In the distance appeared a fairly quickly (despite respectable age) approaching figure; the person walked with hands in pockets looking at the floor. Rainer recognized him—he had seen him more than once in his district; it seemed this was the only person from the old world. Rather, he was born already in the midst of the new one—by pure chance—but didn't belong to the new people: the poor fellow didn't possess any abilities, but the commune somehow found him, albeit meager, but an application—couldn't use common benefits for nothing.

  One didn't even have to think about where he was hurrying so early: obviously, he would get products for a week so as not to go out on the street once again—he sincerely disliked both this holiday and these people. This was a bit funny, and he was treated with studiously concealed condescension.

  "He didn't experience the era of the 'dragonfly effect,' [1] but still very painfully experiences the absence of people like him. Still, I'll never cease to be interested: did they really need society only to complicate each other's lives and assert themselves?.."

  Passing by Rainer, the person accelerated. He was a long-liver: his age had passed a hundred.

  When he was left behind, Rainer even somehow relaxed. He again completely gave himself to the atmosphere; besides, his eyes rested looking into the distance, and this was also very pleasant. He lived in a district consisting of cozy streets lined with tiles; flying with quick steps, he didn't notice himself how he ended up in a small square with a fountain. Water streamed from a small levitating geometric figure; beneath it a white sharp-edged sculpture was resplendent. And on the edge of the fountain sat...

  Well, of course. Rainer wasn't even surprised to see his acquaintance—they often crossed paths with him at school, and then somehow got talking and discovered common interests. This comrade was a fierce fan of the new, relatively recently appeared architectural style, the distinctive feature of which was buildings in the form of a complex of geometric figures with sharp angles—predominantly rhombuses and triangles—and the presence of many levitating components. There were literally two or three such structures so far, and those in the center of the capital; however, at the initiative of district residents, a miniature likeness was built here as well. Actually, Rainer's acquaintance had drawn it.

  Although, upon closer examination, it became clear that not quite. He was drawing something fundamentally new and much more complex, based on the existing.

  Rainer knew that calling out to him was useless—he wouldn't hear anyway in his concentration. And it was impolite. However, Rainer was very much in the mood for conversation; so he mentally made himself known. If he doesn't want to—then he doesn't want to.

  However, the acquaintance reacted quite quickly.

  "Oh, good morning. Look!!!"

  Without any preamble, he showed Rainer his work.

  "Wonderful, isn't it? This is simply beautiful; I feel such prospects for this style, and I also seem to be on the threshold of creating a branch from it. What do you think?"

  He carefully examined the drawing, then began to speak:

  "The abundance of details is breathtaking. For a non-professional it's excellent; however, it seems to me that..."

  "That the equilibrium won't hold? I know that perfectly well. This is just a sketch."

  "Well, of course, I understand. And also..."

  "It's not supposed to be symmetrical, Rain. Just to criticize, honestly. I don't know what you're thinking there, but I'm firmly determined to become a pioneer," he irritably blew away a golden strand that had fallen on his face.

  "I have no doubt," Rainer laughed. "You know I respect you very much."

  After a short pause, he asked:

  "Why are you here so early? Can't sleep or something?"

  "I love when there's no one around. No, don't apologize; and you'll leave soon anyway."

  "Well yes, that's true," Rainer suddenly giggled.

  "What?"

  "Just imagined how it would be for you to live before the Revival. A friend is interested in history, so she told me something," he quickly added.

  "Doesn't she have her own culture, if she's digging through antiques?.." the interlocutor contemptuously raised an eyebrow.

  "No, she does, of course. Just, you know, she was once in the cultural capital, well, and became interested in the Revival..."

  "Great Eternity. What strong nerves one must have. Literally this morning one of those animals passed by me—no, well, how lucky that he lives in our district!—I shuddered."

  "Come on, he's harmless," Rainer smirked.

  "I don't mean that! It reeks so much of something foreign and unpredictable that it's unpleasant. Just imagine, no respect, no sense of hierarchy, no merits, no abilities..."

  His interlocutor could only sigh. Yes, this person possessed a truly sensitive creative nature. And, truth be told, sometimes it was fun to use this.

  "And do you know, by the way, that according to one theory, the leader of the Revival movement was half lower?"

  "What difference does it make to me?! Killed his own kind and died himself—could a better outcome be imagined!"

  "Well, okay, okay; I see this didn't impress you," Rainer thought; then a new thought came to his head. "And do you know where the style of these sculptures came from?" he pointed back at the fountain.

  "I don't know, and I don't need to."

  "Also from the time of the Revival."

  "Did you wake up this morning with the goal of dumping antiques on me?"

  "No, with another."

  "Well, finish already, since you started."

  Rainer smirked again and continued:

  "The first such thing was made by the deputy of the leader of the Revival movement, already long after the latter's death; the first sculpture depicted him, and is now in the cultural capital as part of a small memorial complex. How's that for antiques? And you can't wriggle out: sculptures in this style are everywhere, and you yourself have surely made such a one."

  "Well, okay, suppose there's reason in your words. And why does this interest you so..."

  "Actually, it doesn't. Just sometimes I think that if there hadn't been the 'dragonfly effect,' our world wouldn't exist either; and we would be, as before, slaves serving the animal needs of those who populated this planet. They didn't even have the concept of 'own culture,' only 'common'; and by it they meant a set of some wild values and rituals, mandatory for execution..."

  "I beg you very much, stop disturbing my mental equilibrium. I was sitting so well..."

  "Sorry, I didn't come for that. I just wanted to say that those who ended this nightmare really deserve attention... And I also wanted to congratulate you on the holiday."

  "Likewise, Rainer. Thank you in any case for your attention."

  Rainer walked further down the street. He himself didn't notice at what moment the landscape around began to blur; and when a line running from his eye burned his cheek, he understood that he was crying.

  Yes, apparently, that's what he came out for. He always cried on this holiday. And was always glad that no one saw it.

  [1] The 'Dragonfly Effect', as well as the Revival movement — the name of the period of extermination of ordinary people by the Organization; this comparison is connected to the fact that, according to a certain version, dragonflies — like other living creatures that shed their old shell — feel pain.