- Sergey Rosedkin -
		p r about z and
	Main | News | Cut-away | fotobio | Prose | About Dostoevsky | J. Roberts | Humour | Non-fikshn | Criticism | Naked Teens
BARRACKS P. 1 P. 2 P. 3 P. 4 P. 5.	Barracks (From a writing-book found casually) In 1977 I arrived on faculty of journalism of the Moscow university. For a passing examinations have lodged in DAS — the House of the post-graduate student and the trainee, that in the street SHvernika, one of Moscow State University hostels. I managed the cluttered up room, the used up writing-books, the torn textbooks, old magazines rolled on all corners. I have appeared the first poselentsem in this room and it was necessary to one to be accepted to cleaning. Anything valuable, that could be useful by preparation for entrance examinations, among this paper for recycling it has not appeared. I threw out all. Has then got to glance on a mezzanine. The capacious box over a corridor-platform has appeared suddenly the present trunk with treasures. I have begun, removing empty wine bottles to rummage in a bale of grants, programs, the abstracts which are specially let out by publishing house of university for arriving in Moscow State University. And here I also have come across this thick the big format the general writing-book. At first, trying to make out nervous, convulsive handwriting by what writing-book sheets have been used up very densely and from both parties, I have understood not at once, what is it not the abstract. Besides initial several sheets did not suffice. Then I have thought, that I see before myself the manuscript to lead or the novel, and, judging by the first paragraphs, — about army. To understand there was a lack of time, to the composition remains practically nothing, and I have put this manuscript aside... There have passed years. University for a long time behind. I work, I have the house, and in the house the already fairly saved up archive. And here somehow in the evening, shaking up a suitcase with papers, I have again come across a black friable writing-book. The word of honour, mind I will not put, what thus it has appeared in my old fibre suitcase. What for I dragged all these years behind myself on the country of half-kg of a paper unnecessary me? I do not know. Has decided to understand at least, what is this hand-written treasure. I admit, to carry out it it has appeared with some difficulty. Handwriting as I already mentioned, at the owner of a writing-book was premerzky, it saved a paper and wrote so, that other letters of the next lines clung to letters of the previous, some words in general it is impossible to disassemble. But I have gradually taken a great interest also a smog not stop any more... Without exaggeration, I on decoding, editing and correspondence of these notes have killed all long-awaited next holiday, incalculable quantity of days off and evenings. Before to acquaint you with them — still pair of warnings. Undoubtedly, the theme of notes is interesting and as it seems to me, is new: all books about seamen, pilots, commandoes, motor-arrows or frontier guards, and here strojbatovtsev are remembered, these albinos of army, our literature somehow ignores. And so, the theme interesting, but is submitted painfully uproshchyonno — how much we already know in the literature of any "notes"! However, if and style I to the extent of the possibilities have corrected errors, the form should be left without change. Only for convenience of readers I have dared to divide all text into some heads. I will add still: in my opinion, the author (in a writing-book only it is mentioned, that his name is Sashej, Alexander) at the composition of the opus was guided on «Sketches bursy» Pomjalovsky and more more on «Notes from the Dead house» Dostoevsky. But, certainly, where to it to Dostoevsky! At Feodor Mihajlovicha each chapter — the separate quite finished impressing picture, and all heads-pictures «Notes from the Dead house» develop in the gallery which has given full volume representation about the world, described in the book. Here separate episodes as if small fragments of glass, form a motley mosaic picture-collage, in something even chaotic which only gives an impulse to own imagination of the reader. Though it is a pity, the unknown author — not Dostoevsky is very a pity, of course, that. The material, apparently, before it was the richest, difficult, bitter, hysterical... Of course, the strange shade is felt in these notes about a construction battalion. To Someone can seem, that the author has exaggerated, odnostoronne has described the army years. But I think, I am assured, that the owner of a writing-book has fixed all personally seen and gone through... If somebody learns a scene of action or in these notes, that, hope, will respond and will send me at least pair of lines. And more: I do not know, original or assumed names and surnames in this writing-book, I have decided them to leave without change. Somebody can be surprised, why I have put the surname under this product. Well, first, I have already explained, how much work to me was necessary to enclose to result it in rather acceptable kind. Secondly, the present author — where? Perhaps, it already and on light is not present, nevertheless more than ten years minulo, and it is not known, what is the time the writing-book rolled on mezzanines in a room № 519 DASa in the street SHvernika in Moscow. But if who shows copyrights, I agree negotiations... I feel, however, that the foreword was tightened. It is time to business. The chapter I ... Yes. * (I already said, that some pages in a writing-book did not suffice. How much I guessed, but and have not understood, that was before it "yes" and why has decided to leave so — I explain in the end.) The kind at all of them (I still mentally separated myself from this crowd) was more than strange. As if the hundred one and a half supernumeraries who have been dressed up by beggars, were going to act in film in film mass meeting. Difficultly and to imagine, on skolku years and how much generations of men carried these greased, obtruhannye and even the torn off jerseys, shapchonki, the worn out boots and boots. I to admit, felt awkwardly in the fur jacket, normal boots and rabbit, absolutely still new, a cap. The matter is that me called already in fourth time. Three times I passed all way of the recruit: it was given a crew cut, it was discharged from office, it was excused with native, with friends and left in area, and here, in a regional military registration and enlistment office, I was rejected by a medical board. Time the clavicle after crisis yet has not absolutely grown together, other time I unexpectedly was ill with quinsy directly last day, and once the doctor did not like my lungs and while in regional hospital them carefully surveyed, invocatory campaign has come to the end. Such makarom me from candidates for rocket armies have translated at first the candidate in radio engineering, then in motor-infantry, and here, at last, I have come to a construction battalion. But especially was not upset, has been convinced, that again all it, so to say, for fun. However, as I have noticed, many guys loafing on a court yard of a military registration and enlistment office, similar to an impressive shelter for cattle, or with otupelymi persons sitting in gloomy barracks, too by inertia continued to remain former. This sensation was supported by the relative freedom, still remaining some possibility to dispose of itself: you want — pounizhajsja and implore at sentry on collars for the permission to leave on street under the word of honour, that on the first signal of gathering you will have time to come running in a system. I was humiliated, have implored, have given the word of honour and left. The first snow has the day before dropped out. The platform before a military registration and enlistment office has entirely become covered by dirty snow medley. Many of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, brides and other seeing off were pounded here since the morning and not the first day. They feared, of course, separations from the Ivanami and Peters, but, maybe, other of them already potayonno thought: «More soon all would come to an end! After all not on war, really!.» The exhausted persons of people quickened, and they cheered up, when because of an unapproachable state fence their slipped out. The fellow was dipped at once into a hot bath of love, compassionateness and instantly forgot about slush and discomfort voenkomatovskogo a court yard. I here was absolutely in itself, one. Anybody from native any more did not believe, as well as I, in mine so long not turning out soldatstvo. Sober was a little. In air the alcohol smell was obviously felt. Absolutely near to me, the fence had three: low dry mother-old woman, shy by sight the sonny-rekrutik and the friend seeing off it who, judging by remarks and a skilled kind, has already served the. It quickly coped with the uncorked bottle of vodka, pleskaja from it in the enameled peeled mug. The old woman has waved away from a portion and now, having pressed edges shaljushonki to the withered mouth, with tears on eyes looked scaredly at a sonny (and can, it was its grandson?). That, pulling thin naked kadychkom, choking and shuddering, pulled a bitter liquid the bird's drinks. Its friend held on call bitten pickles and patronising calmed: — Nichyo, aunts Pan, under the law it is necessary. It will be easier Vaske. And there will not submit... No, will not submit! Last time it is possible... The old woman silently cried. «To drink it is necessary, — I have inertly thought. — it is Perhaps valid, not soon now it is possible...» In an epicure opposite to a wine military registration and enlistment office, naturally, it has not appeared, bormotuhi for some reason too, it was necessary to take a bottle "Moscow". To one to drink? Br-r-r! I have gone to search for the drinking companion and have suddenly come across the fellow countryman — Vit'ka Hanova. It as it was found out, should leave in army still three days ago, but here has got stuck in oblvoenkomate. With the father and big brother Vit'ka Han it was arranged under a canopy between an empty trading stall and voenkomatovskim a fence. They split a bottle and, briskly exchanging words, had already a snack... Lived Hanovy on other to edge of our big village, I therefore knew them not end-to-end. Besides the senior from brothers of years on six has overtaken me aged, and younger, Vit'ka by a nickname the Khan, for two years from me has lagged behind, so friendship with them before it was impossible. But now I even have not shed a few tears nearly for pleasure at an unexpected meeting. They, already podbaldevshie, too almost with embraces have met me. How much paradoxes in this life! That fellow countrymen have become friends, they should meet far from the house. In a word, through heels of minutes we already drank, spoke, made joint plans, swore friendship to a tomb and embraced the Khan. And any more does not remain neither melancholy, nor fear, feeling of loneliness... How much time then, in the first year of service, with disappointment and bitterness was recollected by me these minutes — minutes in which I could take pleasure to the full at last in loneliness, stay alone with myself, the thoughts. Unless I then, drinking under a military registration and enlistment office fence, that could know one of the heaviest tests for the soldier — test by collective, impossibility of loneliness... However, I have dropped in forward. As well as is found in such cases, fuel has not sufficed, though I almost did not drink, and Vit'ka as the youngest, has run after other portion. Also it is necessary — the meanness law! — in a military registration and enlistment office court yard the exacting voice strengthened a hundred times by a megaphone, has ordered to all recruits to be under construction. Brother Vit'ka has rushed to its searches, and I — to carry out an order. However, in the beginning I have hesitated for a time and wished to wait from solidarity Vit'ka, but its father has not allowed me. «It is fine, — I have calmed myself, — if will force the Khan floors in barracks to wash or a court yard to sweep — I will help». But, on its happiness, the crowd of recruits was going to half an hour. Someone has started up hearing, that us now will dismiss on houses till the morning. Here! All have begun to make already intoxicated plans for evening, being going to to live in some unfortunate hours hardly probable not half-lives. We with the Khan, become already friends do not pour water, anticipated unexpected arrival to native village, idleness and adventures.... Alas, our dreams the major on which person it was visible, that we, has roughly crushed heavy, with the drooped stomach herd of unhandy rams, fairly him we irritate. It has coughed in a megaphone: — In five minutes — muster! In twenty minutes — on station! Who will not appear — will be strictly punished!. Strange this feeling — feeling of subordination. Anybody from us did not know and did not see it obrjuzglogo the major till today, however, as well as it us, but here its one word, and we already as though do not belong to ourselves, we can not dispose of ourselves, time, the life. Certainly, to it, podchinjaemosti to study it is not necessary, we already somehow initially knew, that the grown fat major and other officers and in general people in the military form from this day will dispose and already dispose of us. It is heavy to understand it. And even known, like Kant, the statement about freedom as realised necessity consoles a little... I have looked back round myself: what is it me has pulled in empirei? Judging by persons and behaviour of my new comrades in arms, it was now not to the Edging and not to freedom philosophy. One — and them, appear, the majority, — raised by wine and the new unusual position, stayed in a condition of original euphoria: they loudly talked, is causeless vshohatyvali, bothered itself and neighbours. Vit'ka Han did not give to me minutes of rest: whether we will have time to drink still? How much bubbles with themselves we take?. Part of recruits had fun genuinely, rejoiced to life change. They belonged to that grade of rare people during any times which do all — and own destiny including — with pleasure, appetite and even pleasure. I then from these happy recruits met someone already during service and was convinced, that there were they the present gallant soldiers as unnaturally this definition in relation to a construction battalion sounds. And by the way, from defying, it is causeless vshohatyvavshih on voenkomatovskom a court yard many then in army, as a rule, passed a way from a reptile to priblatnyonnogo about what it is necessary to speak more in detail in the place. And, at last, the third type of people in this crowd — grieving and even as though pressed down to which, probably, it was possible to rank and me. The person can ennoble in thoughts of over associates, especially when it is young, maloznajushch and is self-confident. Having noticed two-three serious faces among other persons and itself trying to keep the press of gravity and even majestic grief on the forehead, I, remember, have been sincerely assured those minutes, that moreover this to two-three suryoznym vjunosham and the understanding of the moment is accessible to me, thoughts on freedom, philosophy of the Edging and other vumnyh things are inherent. Though, possibly, I am not too absolutely causeless samovozvyshal myself. Much, should be, the principle of distribution of recruits on combat arms is known. In detail to paint there is no place and time (and as though inadvertently not to give out any awfully important military secret!) But here in brief what system: excellent health — on fleet, high growth — in rotu a guard of honour, a good education — in rocket armies, sports preparation — in commandoes... When all more or less high-grade recruits nuggets for a construction battalion — neither sift through a sieve of the medical and military commissions remain as we joked, educations, nor absolute health. But, naturally, casually and normal children, without false modesty, like me get there. Health was available for me, though and not powerful, but quite tolerable plus sound secondary education. Sound it was possible to consider it because I acquired and have acquired not only the program rajtsentrovskoj desjatiletki, but also much over it, absorbing hundreds books both art, and scientific... However, where it I again? Us it is valid more for freedom any more did not release... The strange sensation when conducted us on station — sensation of dispassionateness from all other people in a city was engraved in the memory. As wildly it sounds, but the association with prisoners of war arose with itself. We went a column similar to crowd, naturally, without cadence, dressed unless not to a tatter, with old rjukzachkami, the peeled small suitcases, and some even with any antediluvian holdalls, accompanied by sergeants and officers, went on a carriageway, and passers-by, accumulating on sidewalks, considered us. However, to comparison to the captured stirred our behaviour — gloom and the weariness as a whole was not and in pomine: walked vigorously, heatedly, some tried to begin a daring marching song. Still I remember, how I greedy peered into persons of people staring at us as passionately it would be desirable to see at last at least one native, a familiar face, to wave at parting though to one person a hand, to shout: «Good-bye!.» Alas! Three days in a train were remembered vaguely. All road drank. Many have managed to lay up fuel in a city and when vodka has come to an end the trading services have offered dobrohotnye provodnitsy. The enterprising aunts carrying recruits, probably, not vpervoj, have loaded an office compartment boxes with "Moscow" and during a way have peeled us as is sticky, releasing white-headed on double, and in the end even under the threefold price. Us plundered (a vodka bottle — for eight roubles!), and we for a robbery sincerely and from the bottom of the heart thanked. As if lived last day on a this world. This purely Russian: «E-e-e, odnova-a-a we live!» — excused us as though. Yes, absolutely hardly was has not forgotten: nevertheless one strongest impression was engraved in the memory — Baikal. I have immediately pulled out the notebook got by me couple of years back in imitation to writers, and have tried to outline a picture on one-two pages. Here that left then from under mine childly still a shy feather. BAIKAL Someone has screamed: — Baikal! And by an echo it was carried on the car: — Baikal... Baikal... Baikal! All have stuck to carload glasses. Between flat mountains, behind turn silver of water weight has flashed. As though soaking up in itself surrounding space, all spread, represented in all greatness the well-known sea-lake. Exclamations of the people who for the first time have seen Baikal were heard: — Now that's something like it!. Really, a vast object!. Really it does not freeze absolutely?. And the truth though November has come nearer to the end, the vast bulk of Baikal bordered in front of a narrow strip of ice, rushed about and stormed, as if huge fish in a close corf. It was not believed, that such silishchu it is capable to bridle a frost. Some hours, that a train rushed along a surf line, all of us did not depart from windows — big always amazes... * (Yes, goodness knows what... In a writing-book there were many similar inserts — notes, citations, articles and even the stories which as though are not concerning an essence a narration, but, in my opinion, necessary for the maintenance. I have decided to leave them and have allocated with other font.) Have brought us to a strange city, have published, from a car window similar to an architectural breadboard model. There were no suburbs, was not seen uniform houses: at once, modern quarters of many-storeyed houses began with naked steppe. Trees — uniform. The wind as subsequently it has appeared — constant inhabitant Enska, with howl drove a drifting snow between concrete boxes... Melancholy! By the way, me always somehow oppress, disturb soul of a city where absolutely there is no olden time. It was necessary once, already after army, to visit to me in well-known Komsomolske-on-cupid. I long could not realise, that so irritates, disturbs me in shape of a city-legend, and then have suddenly understood — there is no history. The oldest building in Komsomolske — ordinary four-or a five-floor box. It is a pity to me especially children growing in such faceless settlements — many of them risk to grow indifferent to beauty of architecture, to monuments of Fatherland people... In the centre of this just born city of Enska there was a military garrison — a little panel pjatietazhek, surrounded with a deaf two-metre concrete wall with edges of iron rods on top. Metal goal mouths with a roar have parted, and we who have got tired mortally from road and long zagula, even with any impatient vivacity have entered on territory of a new life. I represent, as it is heavy and even it would be terrible to enter into this new life to one and as easily it has become crowd. And it was read on our persons: «Now we will look! Let only will try!.» Who will try? What will try? To explain it is impossible, but each of us has had heard plenty on the citizen much of that interesting about any troubles and the unexpectedness trapping here recruits from the first steps... More shortly, we have entered on territory of a new life. There was a morning. The twelfth hour in a local way. The soldier in garrison was not too much. The person twenty have met us and in eager rivalry, have published (to approach closely to them it was not authorised) shouted: — Whence, youth? — Tambov is? — Children, who from Abakan?. Fellow countrymen were found. It was necessary to see, what enthusiastically-naive happiness persons flashed at these unintentional meetings, especially at those who found out not simply fellow countrymen, and even acquaintances and friends. To us with Vit'ka in this plan has carried: we were noticed at once by our fellow villager and Vitkin close neighbour Genk Mordvinov, called on half a year before us. That genuine enthusiasm which has pushed out a joyful cry from my breast whence undertook: «Ge-e-ena!» — also it has forced me to be hitched up on tiptoe that he has better seen me? And he, such another's soldier's form and such suddenly close the familiar house person, so roughly was delighted to our phenomenon that has broken through an escort and has rushed with me and the Khan to embrace. Hardly, really, business is not has reached tears! Meanwhile us have shifted from a place and have led in soldier's club. In its foyer against two big mirrors there were chairs, and about them two waited the hour homebrew Figaro in epaulets with brilliant mechanical machines naizgotovku. Well they also have amused with stupid strigalnymi devices at the fops who have saved by the big expenses of nerves chubchiki until the last minute. Including over me... By the way, about this foppery. I do not know, to whom as, and me it hardly was did not leave sideways. Here it is necessary to return hardly back, to the past. For that rather short period when I have started to see off in army of the senior friends-friends and to own provodin, in our area three military commissioners were replaced one behind another. The first, lieutenant colonel Brjuhanenko Serafim Afanasevich, kept on this dear post amazingly long, years eight-ten. Many on it were surprised, for companion Brjuhanenko respected by no means for some reason did not respect a post. He took a great interest in such widespread man's hobby, as colouring of own nose in bright shades tomato and baklazhannogo colours by means of spirit dyes. Moreover, a companion the lieutenant colonel was not alien also innocent vzjatochek, the truth, not fleet puppies, unlike the known literary hero, and besides in the form of an entertainment fiery water. Seldom who from soldiers-holiday-makers did not prolong the holiday for five, and even ten days depending on degree of acquaintance Brjuhanenko with parents of the soldier and quantity brought with their party. Serafim Afanasevich at all did not hesitate of the weakness and it is surprising as was not afraid for the reputation and a social standing. It could act publicly, for example, on meeting on 9th of May, it is obvious podshofe when even we, boys, noticed its kachajushche-braided condition of a mind and body, but here — podi you! — all descended to it from hands. How? Why? I speak frankly, I do not know. Then was not surprised, and then when Brjuhanenko silently spent on pension (or — in resignation?), and it has left to native Ukraine, was any more to it. Let it pass! Certainly, this voenkom especially did not carp to doprizyvnikam and to recruits: all voenkomatovskuju job lopatili the lieutenant and the foreman. Into place pituha a crest the major, a surname and furthermore which name-patronymic I have not remembered has come. The matter is that it has served at us (interestingly, serve rajvoenkomy or work?) there is less than half a year. Happens here that. In public any celebration in the regional House of culture consulted, most likely — to read Day of the Soviet Army and Navy fleet because the report left the new commissioner. It was low, thin, spoke silently, and, by itself, about him have started to forget in a hall after first two pages of the celebratory report. Who has plunged into a sleepiness, who in conversations-gossip was started up. Suddenly, fathers! Our lecturer has reeled, zahvatalsja thin fingers for tribune edges, and then has silently lain down near to it on a floor. Many, remembering about Brjuhanenko (though that to similar did not reach), have hurried to be embarrassed, snickers to start up, but from presidium people have jumped up to voenkomu, shouts were distributed: «the Doctor!« Fast »!.» Then only have understood — the person prinarodno comes to an end. The major, fortunately, has not died, but after a heart attack, already, as was found out, the second, too has gone on the deserved rest. Thus, natural was to expect, that to us will send to the place of the military commissioner again either the drunkard, or the patient. Who will direct on official job (namely such it is represented, yes, probably, and actually that is a post rajvoenkoma) the good, efficient and necessary regular officer to armies?. Also there has arrived major Soplov! Kind he resembled the fighter: a short hedgehog on a head, vytesannoe an axe the person, about a case and feet-curbstones — all suppressed absence of a neck, shoulders in width force and power. With similar people even silently to argue it would not be desirable, not that what to become it across a way and to try to row to them. But, strange business, the nesomnennee any person surpasses me physically, intellectually or is moral, the neuderzhimee pulls me to writhe to such person a physiognomy. nachitalsja, probably, everyone... And so, already three times remained without a hairdress and not having got to army, on fourth time I was in a military registration and enlistment office cut, but not «under Kotovsk» as at us were expressed, and «under the Canadian». God knows, that the name of the given homebrew model of our rural barber of uncle Vani meant, in nature it represented short, but quite normal hairdress. Behind the neck is trimmed, whisky is cut, ahead of hair it is more, something like chubchika. The hairstyle on rural concept dorogovato — a fifty-kopeck piece cost. Major Soplov even has not looked plainly. — To be cut. — I was cut, a companion the major. Just. For fifty copecks, — it is underlined politely I have minded. Soplov has lifted on me a puzzled and heavy sight. — I have told — to be cut, as it is necessary. Crewe-gom! Step arsh! I left on a carved wooden porch of a military registration and enlistment office, have sat down on a handrail, have started to get a light. Breath interrupted, matches gasli. Children clapped on a shoulder, laughed: — Has flown on the tractor?. Most of all me oppressed, that the major did not doubt at all — I will obey. I have in a pointed manner waited all minutes ten and have again come into an office. — A companion the major, your order is executed! It has leant back on a back of a chair and some seconds looked at me silently. — Still it was necessary to give a fifty-kopeck piece, — absolutely lishne brjaknul I. The person its beginning to be poured by blood. It zhmaknul kulachishchem on a table-top and with authority pripechatal: — I give five minutes. In five minutes that was cut under zero. Has understood? Persistently considering the socks of its boots shining under a table, I with aspiration have answered: — I am cut, as it is necessary. I will not be cut More... I at all would not be surprised, if Soplov have jumped, matjugnulsja and sadanul-has thrown in me desktop hours or have snatched out the pistol (if it happens at voenkomov) and have set in me all holder — before obviously, is directly perceived, I felt boiling of its anger. The word of honour, I, maybe, have obeyed at once to the major if it is not such healthy bull or at least on all hundred were right. But in that and the splinter, that under the law to the recruit was authorised to have a hairdress though and is not longer than two centimetres. Major Soplov on any to the samodurskomu to belief or from surplus of administrative delight in a shower skalpiroval all recruits it is universal and at all even before sending in area. Three times I submitted, and here... Certainly, I have prepared for the worst though did not know — to what. But unexpectedly all has done without consequences, Soplov from me was receded. Most likely, it never in the voenkomovskoj to career did not face before direct insubordination and has simply become puzzled. Pretty often in a life happens so, that huge and self-confident bulls are lost at the first serious repulse. And, if to understand, what it to me could such terrible make if itself was in essence wrong?. So, under the stupid machine of the army hairdresser-executioner I with involuntary any liking recollected major Soplova. And in vain I have not obeyed to it! Then, after a hairstyle, long exhausting expectation, while all our crowd (still crowd lasted!) will pass through «strigalnyj point». Even at many nulyovok for some days the bristle on tops which was subject to unconditional total destruction has had time to arise. It would be desirable to eat. It would be desirable rest. It would be desirable definiteness. From ten smoked successively and on an empty stomach last civilian cigarettes in a mouth the bitter saliva accumulated, but pulled to pitch more and more. In all windows of club persons in grey soldier's caps with ear-flaps with bloody specks of asterisks in foreheads stuck out, and under perekrestem these attentive zaokonnyh sights became disturbing and it is uncomfortable on a shower. We with the Khan all time tried to keep the friend friends and somehow splashes, with an artificial snicker all recollected the house, native land — yesterday. Having cut short the last, have led us to have dinner. The dining room has amazed with the sizes, external and internal similarity with kosharoj or korovnikom: two numbers of columns, forming as though long corridor, supported seeming low a ceiling. From columns to walls in both parties across a hall strong wooden tables with benches lasted. Each table on twenty if it is possible so to be expressed, persons. Long took seats, indifferently chewed, despite hunger — after house dainties it seemed presnovato. Then, very soon, in some days I with disappointment on myself and terrible regrets will recollect this first army dinner, it will dream me at night time and again — each left slice of bread, a meat slice, sugar on a plate... And, certainly, strongest impression of the first day of service — a bath and disguise. The bath building was in a city, it and was city, but stood absolutely near to garrison, steps to three hundred from a check point — a check-point. While we washed, I, looked around, all thought, that this picture not absolutely, but in something, the general colour, shades reminds a bath, so amazingly described in «Notes from the Dead house» F. M.Dostoevskim. Such congestion of clients in a usual bath never to see it was necessary. Other, the slowest, it was necessary to wash literally standing, having attached tazik with water on the edge of the already densely borrowed bench. There were also such ladybirds to which even gangs have not sufficed. Soaps there were all some pieces, and it is impatient, with hails snatched out each other from hands... In this place it was possible to stop and porassuzhdat about what is strange line in many of us — aspiration to push aside the neighbour, to outstrip it, to be pulled out forward. Especially, when we in crowd also do one business. It would Seem, it was clear to each of us, what from a bath we will back go all the same all together, a system so that to fuss?. But in this case the underlying reason spoke easier: we have already started to learn and absorb one of basic postulates of an army life in blood — last-late becomes a whipping boy. Before the beginning pomyvki to us there was a prevention — last five clean a bath. We with Vit'ka, fortunately, have grasped tazik and impressive obmylok for two so to the extreme have not got. Together it is always easier, than to one, and in army it is heavy to singles, especially if the person is lonely not owing to the force and exclusiveness, and, on the contrary, — weaknesses, tihosti and downtroddenness. For such the service really turns to the penal servitude, especially the first army months... However, about it later. I all hurry up and zaskakivaju. It is necessary to tell, that before a bath we up to underwear have thrown all civil clothes in a waiting room — the whole mountain of rags has grown. To us declared, the truth, that interested persons can send the belongings a parcel home. How much I remember, any of us did not become, as we considered, to split hairs. And I, having given in to the general mood, have given up as a bad job — be gone all propadom! Two years not to think of clothes, and there — who knows it... I without a regret have abandoned in the general lots a cap, a jacket, a suit and, already coming in a pair interior of a bath, having looked back, have noticed, how the soldier-kaptyorshchik (the term, certainly, has been acquired later) efficiently rummages in a heap, and my things are already accurately postponed for the bedsheet spread aside. «Yes, — I have thought, — at someone the new life begins, at whom old proceeds!» The same kaptyorshchik, the boring guy with the sad long person and narrow sleepy eyes, gave out us state clothes. All — brand new, identical, unusual. Any game element, theatricality was felt still. All was vnove. There was recovered, with snickers, a dialect. Anybody, appears, did not know sense of the sizes of own body — one boots have got are small, to another the form is great... But here at last all obmundirovalis, have changed. It has turned out a show! All persons, the characters, all separate cheloveki were levelled, indoors gomonila and the weight of people moved homogeneous, as if a beer plenty. It would Seem, just, a quarter of hour ago, in a bath, we too all were outwardly identical — naked, but, surprising paradox, even naked people not so are similar against each other, as people equally dressed. Especially — in the form. At this moment, looking on new odnokorytnikov so amazingly sharply changed by the military form, and having seen myself in the big mirror — the stranger, ushastogo, ridiculous in these kersey rigid boots which I never carried before, in very large trousers-riding breeches and the same baggy jacket-habe which was going to under a belt in an accordion, I definitively and was irrevocably convinced-has realised, that the army life has begun, two years of service have begun to flow. Frankly I admit, heart from this thought was compressed in a cam... It is necessary to mention even one supervision made during that moment. Comparing any of us, recruits, with sergeants or the same kaptyorshchikom, it was necessary to notice striking contrast in clothes, though the form on us like same. And the essence is even not so much that was not available for us yet an epaulet, buttonholes, emblems, badges and other mundirnoj attributes, how much, if it is possible so to say, in breed of the form. On skilled sluzhakah it sat as poured in, tochnyohonko adjusted on a figure, even any elegant, we in the form though it at us crackled-rustled from virgin novelty and, unlike serzhantskoj, faded, pleased a sight with juicy tobacco colour, we in this newcomer obmundirovke were looked by stuffed animals. Probably, at factories where it sewed, there was a firm belief, that in army one come to serve well-fad мóлодцы grenadierial articles. At first sight all is trifles, trifles, the details which are not deserving storing and a mention, but impressions of the first day very strongly were engraved in the memory and have given a spirit to many subsequent impressions, in addition I would like to pass colour of army everyday life, and in this plan conversation on the form very much even to a place. Further I intend in more details to write about all and everything, and now more some preliminary shtrishkov. For example, for two years of service to us gave out the daily form, habe (reduction from a word "cotton") everyone half a year, and never — never! — personally I did not receive it precisely my size. Even when on a label would appear like my parametres, all the same, so to say, in a soldier's blouse and trousers when I put on them, there was each time superfluous space. And once I managed the regimentals complete set at my 46th size... 52nd numbers. It was necessary to me, as usually, manually, by means of an ordinary needle with a thread to take in both trousers, and a jacket completely on all perimetre on kind ten centimetres. That was titanic most laborious work! And about the form, recollecting the first day of service, it was necessary to talk because, alas, very soon at many of us details of this most brand new pure form were replaced with the worn out second-hand articles. Especially caps, belts and boots. Old men persuaded on such exchange quickly. However, about it later. For now it is necessary to finish the story about a starting bottom of an army life. It has ended with a release. Before it we had supper, besides still without ohotki, have stepped for the first time in barracks where three enormous rooms, lasting a suite, have appeared densely hammered two-story iron beds. The foreman roty Yakushev who, unlike the glorified hockey namesake, was small growth, but as it has appeared subsequently, had silyonku and not bad owned boxing bases, has started to call us under the list and to show everyone its cot. To one below, to the following above. I suddenly as it happens to me, have internally rested: I will not agree at all if the lot on a railway second circle drops out. And when under the meanness law so happens, I have very convincingly warned: — A companion the foreman, I cannot sleep at height. I in the car, was a case, have fallen from the second shelf and have strongly broken. In hospital laid... Yakushev has mistrustfully looked in my pure eyes, has hemmed: «Well and replenishment!» — also has graciously placed me below. And Vit'ka Hanov has upward got because of it. First on a shower at me poskryobyvalo, conscience moved but what to do, if all in me rose against is humiliating-ridiculous karabkanija in white drawers somewhere up under a ceiling. And, eventually, the lot could place at once all, more correctly, all to spread out in the places — why to me that has dropped out not? — Look, — offended, the Khan has joked, — on a neck to you I will jump... Then all rest of evening karuselilis continuous affairs-cares. We studied to fill bed on-soldatski (both the bed, and a pillow should have accurate flat sides as at a brick — a problem first arhislozhnaja), signed a solution of bleaching powder from a wrong side of a cap, a soldier's blouse, trousers, overcoats and other components of military equipment in vain hope, that this ugly indelible scribble will relieve us of loss of things, sewed-prishpandorivali undercollars, buttonholes, letters, an emblem and so forth and so forth More shortly when five minutes prior to a release I have unbent a back and all interior has sighed, has suddenly understood, that last time has carefree smoked and enjoyed rest during a ceremony postrizhenija. Since then here some hours it has appeared there is no time neither to miss, nor to have a rest, to think. Really so will be all two years, every day?. — S-s-stanovi-i-is! — vskrik foremen rassyok air, as if switch whistle. With neprivychki fussing and being pushed, we were built in the main pass on platoons. Sergeants-platoon adjusted, hurried, exposed us on a strict formation. — An alignment on-a-a sredinu! To S-S-S-S-S Th! A companion the senior lieutenant, rota for evening checking it is constructed!. The commander roty senior lieutenant Rosedkin whom we already had pleasure to contemplate in a dining room, the system has quickly walked along. * (To admit, when I have seen it fine was surprised. Long thought — to leave or correct, as my namesake as you now will understand, still that tipchik, but nevertheless has decided to hold the word — all names and surnames in notes are left without change.) Behind it it was hung-remained, smelling sweet rather aloud, a cloudlet of spirits steams. The mood at the father-commander, apparently, was is raised-solemnly-major. It has stopped directly against me and, continuously moving with hands, rubbing palms, breaking with a crunch the fingers and rocking from a heel on a sock, some seconds significantly slid a sight there-here on our persons. We, in turn, forcedly considered given daddy new by the charter. The senior lieutenant or as in army it is accepted to reduce, starlej had a noble exterior: beautiful enough, any cine person, though, however, fairly already rumpled, but rather by sight the strong-willed. Growth hardly below an average, with a paunch. At once it became clear, that nervishki at Rosedkina are rather weak — at it not only without the reason hands fussed, but also the lips unpleasantly twitched, all time were bent and shook. Subsequently we could be convinced quite, that we komroty (however, it soon from us has disappeared) has appeared not only the neurasthenic, but also the ordinary coward, the near person and the bitter drunkard. Only therefore I afford already at the description of the first minutes of acquaintance to it such not absolutely respectful tone. (Never I will forget, as once, month two later, I made out in the company office which are an office of officers roty, the wall newspaper when it was declared in fair podpitii Rosedkin in the late evening. We in similar cases already guessed, that it has again fought with the half and will spend the night in barracks. It has given me pair of councils as me to draw, has ordered to be brief faster, has sat on a chair, poikal. Then suddenly to it in a head the idea to guide in office marafet has jumped. It has cluck the man on duty, has opened a secret box in a wall and ordered to take out from it away collected "stuff". The fellow has started to take out mixed vodka, wine and beer bottles in which any strange liquid floundered about from a hiding place. Not at once I have understood, what is it, and when has understood it was amazed bezrazmernosti shamelessnesses starleja. This animal, appears, drinking in office, was wetted in the emptied bottles and stored them in a hiding place — that here constantly strange smell was felt. But amazed not so much that the adult civilised person so is disgustingly nasty, how much that it does not hide it, does not consider it necessary to hide. Or he in general for people did not consider us?.) So, senior lieutenant Rosedkin, CHao as we begin to name it, with any pleasure of a predator in a look has inspected recruits and has said not absolutely firm language short, but the experienced speech: — Well, what, splinters, farewell freedom? Kha!. The first words were uttered by it quite easy, with a smile any even is indulgent-good-natured, but then is unexpected zavozbuzhdalsja, has cried, and from it speech of its beginning it is strange to interrupt, between words from its throat the unexpected sound — kha was suddenly pulled out! — something an average between cough and a snicker. — Here to you not the house native — kha! — and mummy forget! At me that the discipline was — kha! And especially for those who of hemp, I speak — kha! — if whom I will see, who in barracks smokes — kha! — I will kill! I that, should because of you the remark from the commander — kha! — to listen? No, splinters, at me conversation short — kha! Time and — chao!. It is easy to imagine, with what bewilderment and even osharashennostju we listened to this delirium of not overslept person. Some children, in a back rank, more cheerfully, even sprinkled in a fist, hardly constraining themselves, that not zaregotat. But cheerful was a little... However while to reflect it has appeared there is no time. The foreman forward has acted, and the acrobatics has begun. The problem consisted in the following: on command we should for few seconds pull off from ourselves the form, all it akkuratnenko, in a certain order to combine on stools that stood in pass before each cot, nearby precisely on lineechke to expose boots, beautifully having reeled up on tops portjanki, to spread bed, to dive under a blanket and to calm down. When Yakushev has chopped off: «A-a-atboj!» — the end of the world has begun. To me then, later, when all of us had already mushtrovaja a skill, it was possible to observe time and again from the party similar performances, but even then the show impressed. And in the first day, really, all it was looked by the present circus. A crush, vskriki, matjugi in a low voice, ohi, ahi, melteshnja hands, feet, jumps on the second circle, someone has suddenly broken, has tastefully crashed down in pass... But only there has come what-any silence and «last from Mohicans» has masked in bedsheets — the tin voice of the foreman has ordered: — Rota-a-a!. A pas-and-adem! The cinema has twirled in the opposite direction. For the first day of service Yakushev has magnanimously regretted us — only three times we have made lifting and four times operation "release". Several bald recruits, the most sluggish and unlucky, have sent to wash floors (then we will very soon learn to say this word so: a floor), and we, the others, lucky beggars, at last have been admitted on sladchajshee appointment to uncle Morfeem. Only I have intended, having extended rubber finitenesses to dream, think, formulate more accurately the relation to new conditions as someone relentless has densely slammed me a soft thick feather-bed and bystrenko have strangled. I have fallen in a dream, as in unconsciousness. The chapter II The most sweet dreams for all my former and remained life dreamt me, probably, in army, including in the first night. And can, so simply it seems that pobudka in barracks was made in most nesusvetnuju wound, and consequently the dream interrupted on the most interesting place, still for a long time was remembered. From all barracks dreams, more correctly, plots, two were most brightly fixed in memory. Besides the first of them — I wake up at home, in the soft bed, behind an open window the sunlight curls and somewhere in a distance upoyonno the cock wails, I tjanus-stretch and I wait, when mum from kitchen will call me to have breakfast — pursued me literally. This simple plot first arrived in my dream of times, and even two in a week. And then, having stirred up in five forty five mornings from a vile roar of the foreman or the person on duty on rote, I in the first seconds especially sharply felt absurd and affectation of the new existence actually. The second sleepy plot has sparkled in army nights only once, month through three after the service beginning, but it has really sparkled, as shot flash in night, and was printed in memory forever. Though in general anything, apparently, the especial. Has simply dreamt, that to me the officer rank — the second lieutenant is suddenly appropriated. And here in a dream I ostensibly primerivaju in any studio just sewed new form — an overcoat with an asterisk on each epaulet, an officer cap with a cockarde... And here me sleeping, somehow otstranyonno, somewhere there, in a certain awake sector of a brain depth and temperature felt as me in a happiness dream have amazed. If I in the life only was happy three-four instants really, to soul paroxysms, one of these instants — a dream how I from the private soldier deprived of civil rights salabona, dirty, tired to death, hungry, have turned to the officer. The same, possibly, the fantastic Cinderella has tested, becoming in a uniform instant the princess. Time and again then other heavy minutes I, having seized the moment, strong stuck together eyelids and dived into depths of the subconsciousness that at least in weak reflexion and on scanty second to return sensations of that fantastic desired dream. As would be intolerable to live in this world, not be to make from time to time at the person of possibility runaway from a reality in memory and imagination spaces, in the internal sovereign world!. In first three weeks of service we passed a so-called course of the young fighter. Though at once it is necessary to tell, that words "fighter", "soldier", "soldier", «the defender of the Native land», in general, not so approach to strojbatovtsu, to the sapper, but from a song, as is known, a word you will not throw out. Thus, three weeks we could not worry especially. And the reasons for excitements were available. We with Vit'ka Hanovym all were afraid, that us can separate, scatter on different rotam, and even to regiments. In addition rather disturbed thoughts on a forthcoming meeting with old men — somehow it will be possible to save the advantage, not to be humiliated, not to concede to fear? These fears, it was possible to guess, had under itself real soil. Commanders of platoons and the foreman persistently instructed us, for example, that we from barracks without need were not put out, and if on need and especially at night it is obligatory accompanied by the person on duty on rote (that is, of course, unreal — the sergeant could not run all night long with us through all parade-ground in a toilet), or at least group and it is obligatory without caps and belts. Similar instructing of calmness to us, naturally, did not add. However, these first days while special incidents done not happen. As I have then understood, even most criminal of criminal starosluzhashchih knew, that for the offended recruit who, first, yet has not comprehended laws of a new life and on stupidity can complain of the offender to the officer, and secondly for which with a head sergeants and the foreman educational roty answer, for this offended rekrutika it is possible to obtain seriously. But incident has happened unexpectedly with me and through my fault in our isolated world of 5th roty. Approximately for the fourth day of service when it was started turning next in the evening, becoming already habitual, a "lifting-release" roundabout, I have decided to rebel slightly. I in general have appeared to reconcile difficultly with many usages which I was obliged, having put on the soldier's form to observe. Got used on an ox to full independence (mother last years even did not try to bridle me), povadivshijsja to defy the independence, pride, more ostentatious, and the genuine hypertrophied sensitivity, I perceived much of the barracks ordinary as absurd, wildness, an arbitrariness, nonsense, absurdity, petty tyranny — a nonsense. Well sergeant Konev, our platoon wishes to achieve that, forcing us, already sweaty, malicious and tousled, in ninth time to jump from beds and convulsively to get on on itself the form? Well what, I thought, a difference, we will put on for twenty seconds or for a minute?. In due course I have understood, that much in the army ordinary becomes specially with an overclamping, with a stock, with a tipping over that as it is possible more correctly, more reliably, more strongly and to bring faster the soldier on the necessary action, ritual, to accustom it to constant and strong pressure of discipline. One of the main corner stones of military service — discipline, implicit submission to the senior on a rank, strict following to the letter of the charters, all military laws. In this sphere as if the representations developed by centuries about mission of the person, its individuality, an ox, consciousness would be cancelled. You — only a small screw of the difficult mechanism, you are obliged to do that to you will tell, you cannot dare to have the judgement. To set aside! A-a-atboj!. A pas-and-adyom!. To me it became very boring, when I in ninth time tightened a belt of trousers, convulsively caught bright pugovichki on soldier's blouse sleeves... And what, if?. I have quickly looked, where there is sergeant Konev. It seemed — far. I have in a moment crumpled portjanki which took away most of all time at lifting, and have put them under the mattress. Then has jumped bodrenko into cold boots, has risen in a system and mentally with a fair share of sarcasm has thrown to the address of the unruly platoon: «Here to you!» Also has been punished. Konev, old sluzhivyj a wolf as if waited for this minute. It, cunningly-contemptiously smiling, has bypassed a system, has gone deep into a row-spacing of cots, was not too lazy to rise on the komandirskie knees and has glanced under ispod the first circle. From disappointment it would be desirable zatopat bare feet in boots: it is necessary, so does not carry! In a second I and more one fellow in points, too very clever, on expression of the sergeant, faced to a system on a rack "quietly". — For attempt of a deceit of the commander of a platoon, — with obvious pleasure Konev with authority uttered, — to military builders to the private soldier such and ordinary such the extra duty appears. Namely — tomorrow morning, after a breakfast to brush thoroughly a regimental toilet to shine. Clearly? Anything to itself, cheerful the businessman! And here next morning when in military station has become it is deserted, when the staff our 5th educational roty has started to politzanjatijam in a warm and pure Lenin room, we, two homebrew intellectuals, malicious infringers of military discipline, have gone to re-educate themselves work. I remember, once on the citizen one my already served friend told, how it also in the first army days for any fault have forced to scrape out a toilet bowl a safety razor edge. Listening then memoirs of the friend, I internally about myself grinned — I and under the threat of execution have not fallen to the such... And here the destiny took me for shkirku and has stuck with a nose into a similar vile situation. We strode with ochkarikom (I cannot recollect at all, what is his name, very soon after that day with it there was a tragedy, it was komissovan, about this case — later) to a place of the labour feat, and I vainly tried to call Anton Pavlovicha Chekhov's immortal council to the aid of the consciousness — in each situation to find positive sides and never to forget about sense of humour. Alas, what here, to hell, humour! Regimental toilet — yes such details will be excused to me! — represented itself the antediluvian wooden construction similar to a shed. These bitter December days in it something was created unimaginable (primitive cold nuzhnik on one thousand with superfluous muzhiks!), and absolutely it was impossible to believe or, more correctly, it would not be desirable to believe at all, that it it is possible, moreover only together, to result in a decent kind. That somebody nevertheless should clean it, somehow it was not thought. More shortly, having stuck few times lomikom in the ugly frozen together flows, I was sharply straightened and have started to struggle with the organism, but unsuccessfully — I have jumped out on street and during one moment have said goodbye to a breakfast. My partner has appeared more feasibly spirit, but also it in a minute-other had to retire. And here I, having become angry, have felt in myself the same a condition, as in not in such an old episode with major Soplovym. Lines me poberi! To shoot will not shoot, and there — that will be, will be!. However, if fairly to tell, as well as in a case with voenkomom, I, having dared at all and everything, on any consequences, at heart, however, in its most undercover, on Dostoevsky, windings, hoped for happy end of the revolt. In five minutes we with the fellow sufferer have squeezed by turns sidewise in Lenkomnatu where our platoon sergeant Konev an equal voice read to dozing lucky beggars «the guard duty Charter». By the way, at once I will tell, that sergeant Konev (behind the back — the Horse or Marshal Konev) as we then have better learnt, has appeared quite good enough guy, without need the power and a seniority, unlike many other things platoon and old men, did not show. Appearance it had the effective: ognenno-red and densely freckled. In features it was looked through by something monkey's, but weigh its shape as a whole involved — a strong wide figure, slightly curve brawny feet fitted by dexterously sitting form pesha (half-woollen — was considered as the glamour between sergeants and demobilisations), a good-natured smile on chubby, a bow, lips. Very much was proud of the military bearing and considerably liked, when him called Marshal Konev. It character was quiet, but is obstinate, could flare up unexpectedly and then it became similar to a furious red lion. Once, when platoon ours dosluzhival last days, on spring, it somehow in the evening, after a release has started to lift Majsuradze, painfully hot and sensitive Georgian, on a floor. So quite often happened: has come, probably, the person on duty by a part and has rebuked, somewhere to it the mote on a floor has met. The sergeant has decided to lift the first comer under a hand. Majsuradze has snapped: — I vchera soaps! Skolka mozhna? Ne pajdu!. — I at-ka-zy-va th! — has started to insist platoon and has pulled down from the sapper a blanket. — CHego nada?! Ne pajdu-u-u!. — has begun to squeal Majsuradze and suddenly has begun to kick. And here Konev has flashed. Its person has instantly become crimson, it shivering hands has pulled off from itself(himself) a heavy soldier's belt and, clinging for the top circle, burning itself, the beginnings whipped Majsuradze on what popadja. The scene left wild... But, certainly, when we, two not taken place zolotarja, for half a year have squeezed before into a door of the Lenin room under clear eyes of the commander, we still, so to say, and did not suspect possible consequences of our disobedience. Before it, on road ourselves and each other calmed ourselves: we, say, yet have not accepted the oath, the present soldiers yet we are not, so — what demand from us? Of course, sergeant Konev has got to rather uneasy situation. He at first could not realise at all, that here these two chuhnarika, yet not begun plainly to serve, have already rebelled and do not submit to it — to the sergeant! To the commander! To the grandfather! — Yes you know, what for it it is possible in disbat to ring out? Yes for the such!. Our woken up brother-soldiers watched event, having concealed breath. Soon Konev has understood, that from the created deadlock to move back it is necessary to it, us with ochkarikom it was easier to move the bulldozer, than to shift from a place. We, having buried eyes in a floor, repeated one: — We cannot... At us stomachs patients... — Good, — it is significant, with threat, rescuing komandirsky the authority, has stretched at last platoon, — you still will regret, on a toilet ask. And now — to listen to the order: from now on within two weeks will be together drait a floor in a platoon. In the morning and in the evening. With brushes and soap. I have taken breath. To admit, I nevertheless was afraid, knowing the character, that the scene will be tightened and will take any silly turn. And a floor... Well, a floor drait is, undoubtedly, more pleasantly, than to take up a post of the nightman. And here this sexual epopee has begun. By the way to tell, in barracks in general the ordinary phenomenon — idealnejshaja cleanliness. Floors washed several times in day in the different ways — simply rags or also brushes with soap. Besides once a week, on Saturdays general cleaning was necessarily arranged: with vybivaniem mattresses and pillows, washing of walls, windows, drainem door handles. Besides cleanliness prompting, on the one hand, was required by hygiene rules, with another — was the most widespread and accessible method of punishment: for the slightest fault of the soldier threw on a floor. And it is no wonder, that polomojshchikov in barracks at any time it was found in preresidual quantity. So, I have started to comprehend this rather important course of army sciences. Right after a breakfast while all our messmates went on regimental construction, and then on politzanjatija or drill, we with ochkarikom hurried in barracks. It was necessary to have time to grasp at least one bucket and pair of rags — neither that, nor another on a crowd of everyday floor polishers did not suffice. Then we armed still with pair pieces of a simple laundry soap and shoe pure brushes. Also began the lesson. Timber floors in barracks, once krashennye in blue colour, poistyorlis, soldier's boots have beaten out extensive bald spots in passes. We, polomojshchikov, a problem also consisted in the following: these bald places to scratch off the soaped brushes so that the tree sparkled protogenic yellowness. In it specific army search saw besides. To a word I will mention, that for two years at me floors in barracks and have not painted, as if someone very much would not like to make their washing for sappers fast, easy and pleasant employment. To admit fairly if in the first days, remembering a dreadful toilet, I drail a floor even, it is possible to tell, with pleasure and passion then this employment bored me, began to weigh rather. For twenty years of a life lived before almost, the next all two years of service I could not be engaged in such quantity polomojstvom as these two weeks, and, I hope, till the end of a life it is not necessary. Though, it is necessary to note, prodraiv without small three ten times ragged boards of barracks floors, I became quite qualified polomojshchikom... However, whether it is time further? There has come day of acceptance of the oath. The gala day for recruits as fathers-commanders adjusted us. I so enthusiastically also have named an article which in the evening of this day in a paroxysm of uneasy feelings nakropal on the leaflets which have been pulled out from a writing-book in a section, and has sent in the regional youth newspaper. To an appeal I have had time to publish in "rajonke" two verses on unhappy love to a coffin and zametulku about bad job of our House of culture so the hand was, it is possible to tell, is slightly filled. But I hoped a little, that regional "molodyozhku" the theme will interest, simply it would be desirable to splash out feelings on a paper, at least and in vain. However to me, probably, it was possible to interest edition of "the Komsomol banner» dashing vivacity of tone, or at them there is absolutely nothing it has appeared to put in spetspolosu for recruits and soldiers "Patriot" so the note washing has become history of the Soviet press. Here it literally: THE GALA DAY In service of each soldier there is a day which is remembered, probably, for all life — day of acceptance of the oath. Behind a course of the young fighter. And volume days of the doctrine were heavy. Comprehended drill elements, studied Charters of Armed forces of the USSR, have acquired the first political employment. And here there has come this day. It solemn not only for soldiers of young replenishment, but also for starosluzhashchih. This day — celebratory. For it carefully prepare. Recruits once again repeat the text the oaths which have served year-two clean regimentals, boots, file dazzling undercollars. Since morning all staff of division is built on a parade-ground. Ranks of soldiers fade. The orchestra rings a march. Along numbers the relic — a part banner is carried by. The commander says short speech. Dedication ceremony in soldiers of the Soviet Army begins. Over the fallen asleep system powerful, stamping words of the oath are distributed: — I, the citizen of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics, joining the ranks of Armed forces, take the oath and solemnly I swear to be the fair, brave, disciplined, vigilant soldier... The young soldier worries, its voice from pressure unexpectedly breaks, the throat compresses a spasm. But weight of the weapon in a hand operates uspokaivajushche, it overcomes excitement, and here is already distinct, sharp, with full responsibility he says: — I am always ready to act by order of the Soviet government on protection of my Native land — the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics and as the soldier of Armed forces I swear to protect it courageously, skilfully, with advantage and honour... These oath words were said by our brothers and fathers in the Great Patriotic War. Our grandfathers gave a similar oath, protecting revolution gains in a fire of civil war. Now such oath is given also by us are defenders of our socialist Native land. The soldier reads final severe words of the oath: — If I break this my solemn oath let I will be comprehended by a severe penalty of the Soviet law, general hatred and contempt of workers. Other soldier, then following takes the oath. And again also oath words are again distributed. The system has fallen asleep on a rack "quietly". Last soldier of young replenishment takes the oath, and the silence is split by a ringing march of an orchestra. The official part has ended, but a holiday in a full heat. Amateur performances concerts, cinema, a celebratory dinner supplement it. On persons of young soldiers the print of the gone through excitement does not disappear. Days, weeks, months of soldier's hard service will begin to flow. From the diffident, clumsy beginner the tightened, skilled soldier who with a warm smile will recollect day of acceptance of the oath gradually turns out. The publication of my opus in the newspaper had two consequences: zampolit parts the lieutenant colonel Mild had with me private conversation in which course has scolded me for independence, all has asked henceforth sent in edition before to show to it («Is not present, no, do not think, Sasha, what is it censorship so it will be better so it is necessary...»), and also from my consent the lieutenant colonel Mild has switched on me in edition of the regimental radio newspaper that has rather raised my army status. And the second: sappers have stuck to me pleasant enough on hearing klikuhu — the Writer. (P. 2)>>>
çç ● èè
© Rosedkin Sergey Nikolaevich, 2001
E-mail: emp-reports@fustercluck.com