Named Sherlock

by Bagatur Zhamkochyan

  The losers will have to compensate for the corporation "VirtArt" an amount equal to the costs of the creation of the virtual world, the allocation of computing power on its work during the year, as well as the content and the power of the player. And it's not as much as ... Wow! Equivalent payment by the settlement unit for 10 years. Oh wow. It is, consider, give life. But the reward if you win, it is unrealistic steep. Change in social status. Honestly, I thought that it is impossible in principle, and that's on you. That in itself is worth more than any money.

  - Well? Well? Dimon! What do you tupish, you've already read! - Serge already bouncing with impatience, waiting for my reaction.

  - I ... Gray, I do not even know. On the one hand, this is a chance, a chance just unique. But on the other ... The risk of losing even the little I have left - even though, where I got the idea that I do choose? Not that I was special, that's right to be sure of this one hundred percent. Moreover, I do not know on what basis will select the participants. - On the other hand, if I do not go up, calculators from me are not going anywhere. And the change of social status, I wonder how this all? I just have my white card exchanged for silver? And suddenly, even the gold?

  - Dim, you know the measure. Maybe you even at the same time a shareholder InfoComp do? Why does not the vice president?

  - Yes, I went too, perhaps.

  - Well, what do you say, there is a chance it? - Serge jumped off the tracks, pulled off the crossbar with a wet towel. His classes started half an hour earlier, and should have had to leave. - You promised you would try?

  - Gray, I promise that at least think about it, honestly - I also jumped off the tracks - it's a really good chance. Thank you for that. And thank you for the fact that I have such a friend.

  - Come on, what there - Serge turned away, and I suddenly realized clearly that a very long time to see him again. Maybe a year, and it may happen that never again.

  - Dim, as it may well, eh? The risk of such. Let's you and me go, at the biological station. I will be there own living room, perekantueshsya some time. I can parents take the money, some will earn. Pay for your remainder of the year, then you earn, you will give. A? - Serge was inspired, it was obvious that he likes the idea - Exactly! All decided! And no risk again.

  I shook my head. Whatever the risk, but go to the dependents, hope for kindness and participation Seregina parents who do not know me, I could not. Serge is my friend, he is now truly ready to help, but I do not want to put our friendship to such tests. And shame.

  - No, Earrings. I do not want it so. You have already helped, and very strong. Yes, you just saved me, because I had already decided to go to the settlement. And here you are. But I do not go anywhere with you, I hope no offense. Not a man is, I'm sorry. - outstretched hand hung in the air. Serge stood sullenly frowning, rolling from heel to toe.

  - Dim, I realized - Serge looked up and shook the offered hand. - Maybe you're right. But I will miss you so much. Goodbye, brother.

  - Goodbye. See you later, bro.

  I stood a long time, staring at one point, even after he was gone. It was strange. His ears were ringing, aching in his chest and out of breath, after the blow to the gut, somewhere inside chattering and muffled grumbling and tossing and turning hearts. Like nothing had happened, but there was a feeling that the world around like a faded, became flat and unreal, and I suddenly felt a sharp and piercing loneliness.

  I had another half-hour mandatory time for physical training, but did not want to deal with.

  Disc warm May sun, gradually sinking to the horizon, more and more flushed and blurred, distorting the thick layer of dirty smog hanging over the city. Identical tower residential buildings topped with shiny domes rest areas, such dull gray day now glowed crimson candles. He could swathing their hazy yellow blanket and almost hid hundreds busily scurrying between the air car. And almost on the horizon, as it were, towering over the rest of the city, burning thin golden spiers and towers "Heavenly tier."

  And I suddenly madly wanted to go there, it was a magical city because of all my children's fairy tales that Mom told me before going to bed. A chance to get there gave only notorious change of social status, for the holders of the white social card entry in the "heavenly circle" has been closed.

  All the remaining half hour class, I stood in front of a thick glass dome, staring at the golden palace, trembling in the haze of smog, like a mirage in the hot air of the desert. Doubt no more. Tomorrow morning I will go to the nearest "VirtArta" will file an application to participate in the project and pass a preliminary test.

  Interlude 1.

  President "VirtArt" the company's office.

  The setting sun painted the room in blood red. Its rays illuminate the glass, and it seemed that the man standing at the window holding a huge faceted ruby. He was a low, slightly overweight, with short thick neck and puffy cheeks. And I have had the appearance is quite good-natured, if not look, evaluate, and continually a little contemptuous.

  - Yes, I decided myself and for failing to answer - the man turned away from the window - you, Igor, do not worry about anything. This is not your area of responsibility.

  - Leo K., - from the chair in the back of the room got up his companion, with the same glass - but not, I'm afraid. Just our analysts do not receive money for nothing, and I believe that the risk is exactly the same as they predict. And if suddenly everything does go according to their scenario, and even the board of directors will know that you have given permission, despite their veto ...

  - Enough! - fat man irritably put his glass on the low table, - I gave permission to only one player, but not ten. The remaining nine players will be immersed in accordance with the subjects developed for them, and then our chances are equal competitors! But if you really come all at Proteus, who said that his party will continue in some part? It can always be removed quietly. And I do not believe that it came to that. Not convinced me your reinsurers.

  - The guys know their job, their predictions come true with a probability of more than 90 percent.

  - Well, as 10 percent of it remains! Well, in any case, the wheel is already running, stop it, I will not. All actions Proteus we monitor and can block it, though iron idiot, but I have to understand it. And in this your "free will," I do not believe. So Igoryok, everything will be fine - the man again picked up a glass of brandy and went to the window. - Everything will be fine...

  Chapter 2.

  Morning came, as always, the unexpected, and the awakening of a special joy to no avail. In my restless sleep broke into a loud, annoying buzzer, reminding me that I am not a student, and therefore, I must release the camera, and leave the residential complex for one hour.

  Staggered sleepily, screwing up his eyes red from lack of sleep, I got out of gelkapsuly, which is usually asleep, without having to connect the shunt. In an inactive state, it was just a comfortable bed, shower gel, filling her, gently support the body, and then rolled with it, without leaving any traces.

  Quickly dressed, I shuffled into a common shower is at the end of a long corridor. To accept me even allowed, but the breakfast was already laid.

  Standing under the elastic, cool streams of water, I gradually came to himself. Thoughts still hardly in control of mind affects sleepless night, but most importantly have remembered. I had to be sure to send Serega my tablet, leave it knows where I could not. Tablet - it's the most expensive thing, the only thing left of my parents, their inheritance and a great treasure.

  Since it involves an early remembrance of me - I was lying on his back, eyes closed, his head on his mother's lap. Mom holding the old plate and read me a story about a turnip.

  - grandfather planted the turnip, turnip grown, big very big! - does not cause issues grandfather, I remember the photos and videos with the grandfather, so clearly I imagine a tall, thin man, with a deep widow's peak and stern eyes. But the turnip ...

  - Maaaaam and turnip - what is this? And where are planted? What for?

  - ... Repka
Repka, son, it's a plant. Its planted in the ground, and then, when it grows large, ripened tasty turnip.

  - How kavanhol?

  - Yes, it grows in the ground, just like Kalanchoe. - A pot of Kalanchoe stood on a shelf in our living chamber and served as a visual aid for the submission of any plants. Until now, when I think of the plant, I first imagine this small and pathetic yellow-green shrub. Mom continued, - Only a turnip round as ... Well remember, Dad brought us an apple?

  - I remember ... - I do not even have to remember the apple, which I have seen and tried the only time in my life.

  - That is about the turnip, but not so sweet.

  - Mmmm, tasty, probably.

  - Grew turnip big-very big! - I have clearly presented the painting - grandfather standing near the huge Kalanchoe, thickly studded with apples ...

  Having become a little older, I have independently read and visualized golden braid Rapunzel, the eternal boy Peter Pan, gay bear Winnie the Pooh and Tim Thaler, fighting for his laughter. At the time when my peers conquered its first virtual worlds, I walked across the country Fantasies and flew to London on a bunch of balloons.

  Years passed, but I've always found solace in reading. When parents were forced to leave me, just an old plate with all the best books that have been written for all time the existence of mankind, help me not to break down, do not dissolve in the crazy fun Infinitely Virtual.

  Now I had to give his earrings. If all goes well, I'll take him a year later. Or never take away. I believe that in any case, my friend, it will save.

  Turning off the water, I stood for a few minutes under a stream of warm air, a little obsoh. We had to hurry. I was overcome with emotion for some unhealthy impatience, feet danced on the spot, his hands trembling. Of excess adrenaline ringing in the ears. Hurriedly pulled clothes, I almost ran into the corridor.

  Within a minute, with a tablet in hands standing in the middle of his cell, I thought about that for ever leave the place where he spent the last six years. And, oddly enough, I did not feel anything but all growing impatience. Well, it's time. Their belongings, in addition to the plate, I had no clothes on me was free student form. Last time casting a camera eye, I resolutely walked into the corridor.

  10 a.m. At that time, students have already finished breakfast, the polls are in gelkapsulah. Someone is fighting with the pirates, someone involved in the race on the air car, the unit study. The corridors are empty. I am a firm step has reached a number of elevators, I pressed the call button. The cab came almost immediately. Pointing key first floor, thinking. But I'm an adult, he can get out of the building. The thought had not occurred to me. The fact that children up to the age of 18 is strictly forbidden to leave the building of the training center. I would not say that there were many willing to do it, but it was always interesting - why? Now I have a chance to find out. Solved! I go for a walk! This will be my first independent adult adventure.

  The elevator doors opened and I came in the lobby. I must say that for all 6 years of residence at the Center, I was there only 2 times, so do not immediately find what I needed, and turned his head in confusion a few seconds. Ah, here they are. I was interested in the storage cell, a gray plaid wall vysivshiesya right of the exit to the street. Putting one of these tablet, I thought for a moment. Passing it to Sergei, I am to some extent turn the other. About half of the books stored in the device memory, were not included in the list of recommended reading for people of our social status, and several hundred - and all have been banned. But the choice I did not have. The contents of the tablet was too valuable.

  I strongly slammed the door of the cell, typed password. Pulling from his pocket comm, quickly wrote a short message to a friend. The fact that I will give him the tablet, we agreed a week ago. Therefore, without specifying more than anything, I just briefly said good-bye, and attributed to the end of the message box number and password. Serge will understand and at the same time a letter will not cause unnecessary suspicion.

  Well, no more anything that could still detain me, so I'm with wide front door, stepped outside and breathed in deeply. And then, coughing convulsively, I rushed back to the lobby! Filters, damn! How could I forget the filter! The air outside was perhaps not so terrible - it was very dry, hot, smelled of some unknown chemistry and caused me sore throat. But I am accustomed to sterile, filtered air to the Training Center, he seemed a nightmare. I quickly grabbed the tray of the dispenser package with disposable filters, and unpack, put them in his nostrils. Now, that is another matter! Once again, I pushed open the door and stepped out resolutely.

  The sun was already high enough above the horizon to leave no dark corners. It was in the street is clear, warm, quiet and absolutely empty. Somewhere over the head, starting from about the 30th floor, flew rare air car. This is, at the foot of infinitely receding into the sky buildings, the sound of their engines came only as a mild buzzing.

  According to the instructions of the comma, the walk was not far away, the nearest branch of "VirtArt" is just three houses away from me. Walking down these empty, quiet, gray streets, I caught myself thinking that the virtual world does more vivid and natural looking than the real one. Now, it seemed to me that I walk for some cheap old movie set designer.

  Less than five minutes later, I saw the building, "VirtArta". Surprisingly, it was no different from the surrounding skyscrapers and allocated only a quite modest and strict sign.

  Slowly climbing the stairs main entrance, I suddenly felt that my resolve melted and pushed the front door, is almost zaledenev horror. Yes, from what I generally get the idea that I can choose? It is not enough that I was just like everyone else, no better, so more and being constantly enthusiastic reading, virtuality used only for training. And I never, in general have never seen a single game, which went crazy my peers. And I only hope! It should be run, and as soon as possible!

  While my mind wandered panicky thoughts, I stood a pillar of salt on the threshold, and has already begun to attract attention.

  - Good morning! Can I tell you something to help? - Due to the high rack in the corner, came a young girl in uniform "VirtArt" - dark blue overalls, a white turtleneck and blue scarf casually tied at the beautiful, tanned neck. Against this background, I probably looked like a vampire or drowned. I've never seen one without the other, but clearly imagine what they look like.

  - You probably have come to take the test? - Girl friendly smile. I did not see her smile or ridicule drop. Panic slowly begin to let go.

  - Mmmm .... Yes. They gave me your brochure, I would like to try. Here.

  - well! - she sang. - I'll help you, you can call me Anna. I ask your social card. You also have 18 years?

  - Yes, yes, of course, a week as fulfilled - I frantically dug into his pockets for cards. - Tell me, a difficult test? How it all goes? I'm just not good at games, if I could?

  - Do not worry - Anna put my card in the receiver by pressing a couple of buttons on the terminal. Stretching her back, she smiled encouragingly. - In the first stage does not depend on anything from you, so relax.

  - Sit down, please, over there - she pointed to some chairs, stood in a semicircle at the far corner of the lobby - and I'll be right there.

  During our conversation, I gradually relaxed, and to the chairs came almost completely quiet. Leaning back, chewing on a synthetic bar from standing next to the machine, I began to examine the room. I must say that it was not to look at that. A large square room, almost empty. On the left, near the entrance, a corner - a semicircle of soft chairs, the machine with drinks and snacks, a low table. In the far right - a rack with the terminal on one of the empty walls - off the information display. Two doors somewhere in the interior, is now closed. That's all.

  It does not hurt a bit like the company's office, which deals with Wirth worlds. I'm not an expert, of course, but for some reason was convinced that here, at least, will goloplakaty figures and their most popular worlds and characters.

  - So, you're done, ask me! - in the fo
yer of Anna returned.

  - So soon? And ... Wait a minute - I began to get nervous again - and I did not have to sign anything?

  - Dmitry, what you will - it's just a test, but if you pass it, then and will sign it. It is still early. - Anna invitingly opened one of the doors - pass.

  Passing through a short dark hallway, we were in a brightly lit, completely empty room. In the center, on a small hill, there was the usual gelkapsula. I stayed at a loss.

  - And what exactly ...

  - I'll tell you everything. Your task - just lie down and connect. Then you fall asleep. About an hour of your personality scanning and analysis will be conducted. All the while you sleep. When you wake up, I'll tell you the results, everything is simple.

  - And against? - Not that I really wanted to meet him, but in advertising on this sharpened focus, so I could not help but ask. - Proteus is?

  - Proteus will communicate with you only when you positively pass the test, - Anna still calmly smiling, so I decided to have one more question.

  - Tell me, how many people have already passed it?

  - 37 million people all around a thousand in our department.

  - Ahhh ...

  - No, Dmitri. If the pass - will be the first.

  Hmm. Walking distance to the billing center from here I will not go, it's three quarters trudge. When it's over - I call an air taxi. With these thoughts, I stretched out in the capsule, feeling an unpleasant chill neyroshunta neck. Suddenly, stifling wave pulled hard fatigue, and I fell into a pool of black, dreamless sleep.

  When I finally opened my eyes, I did not at first realize that everything is over. He waved in the face of some whitish haze in the temples ached, my head was heavy. Suddenly the thought came to me scared cold sweat - and suddenly, it was not just a test? Suddenly I fully connected? Where I am? How much time has passed? Already without hesitation, I rushed out of the capsule. Dizzy, the world turned on its axis, and then came darkness.