Marie Lu

MARIE LU
Seria: Legend
Volumul 2
GENIUL
Original: Prodigy (2013)
Tl[ô]_l_ ^ch fcg\[ _haf_t ^_:

INES HRISTEA
virtual-project.eu
2017
VP - 2
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
REPUBLICA AMERICII
POPULAIA: 7 427 431
VP - 3
1. JUNE
4 IANUARIE. ORA 19:32.

ORA STANDARD OCEAN.
LA 35 DE ZILE DUP MOARTEA LUI METIAS.
Lha gch_, D[s m_ nl_t_n_ \lom] ^ch migh. `lohn_[

f _ []ij_lcn ]o moî[l_, c[l i\l[dcc c mohn
m]f^[c h f[]lcgc. R_mjcl al_ic.
M [jf_] ^_[mojl[ foc c c ^[o f[ o parte de pe
`[ i opc ^_ jl og_^. R[h[ ^_ f[ ogl [ h]_jon
^_d[ m m_ ]c][nlct_t_, ^[l tp]h_n_ f[ `c_][l_
gc][l_ j_ ][l_ i `[]. D[s m_ lc^c] h ][jof i[m_fil,
m_ `l_[] f[ i]bc c m_ ocn h dol ^_ j[l] [l ]on[
ceva prin vagonul de tren car_ m_ f_[ah. Plcp_n_
g[c hnc mncp[ ^_ ftc [`f[n hnl-oh ]if, h
hnoh_lc], [jic jht[ ^_ m[] ^_ j_ ji^_[ c ^_m[a[ ]o
gh][l_ c [j ^chnl_ hic. c c[ oh gchon m-c ^_[
m_[g[ oh^_ _, m c [ô] [gchn_ ] h_-[g ol][n hnl-
oh nl_h ][l_ m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ V_a[m. Tl_] ]n_p[
m_]oh^_ jh m_ l_f[r_[t, mjlcdchchô-se de perete.
f \[n oil j_ gh.
Enc \ch_?
Amn[ [ ^_p_hcn hnl_\[l_[ g_[ ]ihmn[hn.
D[s lc^c] ^ch og_lc.
D[, golgol _f. Ag [pon oh ]ig[l.
Ao nl_]on hio tcf_ ^_ ]h^ [g _p[^[n ^ch Batalla
Hall c [g m]j[n ^ch Lim Aha_f_m. D_ [noh]c, D[s [l_
]ig[lolc ilc ^_ ]n_ ilc h]bc^_ i]bcc. Doj ]_ [g
òacn, jlcg[ ^[n ]h^ [g [jo][n m h_ i^cbhcg ]n_p[
il_, hnl-un triaj abandonat, Day s-[ nl_tcn olfh^.
Ag [pon hili] ] ho f-a auzit niciun soldat, niciun
jifccmn. Doj [mn[, [g jlchm i\c]_cof ^_ [-f ghac[
j_ jl c ^_ [-f mlon[ j_ `lohn_, j_ i\l[dc c j_
jf_i[j_ cg_^c[n ôj ]_ [î[lg_. S_ g[c nl_t_n_ c
VP - 4
[]og hf]lcg[n c momjchh^, ]onh^ ^ch jlcpclc ]o
disperare lucrurile pe care le-[ jc_lôn. D[l g][l
ni[n_ [mn_[ m_ hngjf h n]_l_.
Uh_ilc, ]h^ D[s lgh_ n]on, ][ []og, g hnl_\
^[] ho ]ogp[ [ fo[n-i l[th[. No jin m f jc_l^. gc
l_j_n g_l_o ] gincp_f_ mohn ^_ h[nol jl[]nc]: h
gig_hnof mn[, hc]cohof ^chnl_ hic ho [l jrea avea
[hm_ m mojl[pc_oc[m] j_ ]ihn jlijlco. I[l
[\cfcncf_ foc f_ ]igjf_n_[t j_ [f_ g_f_. h jfom<
ho [ g[c [p_[ j_ ]ch_ m jlin_d_t. c _o plm
f[]lcgc; ^[l hnin^_[oh[ [n_jn ][ D[s m [î[lg c
[\c[ [jic g joh j_ jfhm. Atc-noapte din cauza lui
Offc_. Mc m_ j[l_ ]ogp[ jlimn_n_ m jfha ^ch ][ot[
ohoc ]ch_, ]h^ [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc h_-au ucis
`[gcfccf_, ^[l ho g jin [\ch_. M_nc[m [ ìmn ]_f
care mi l-a adus pe Ollie: era un ghemotoc alb, cu
f[\_ ^cmjlijilcih[n ^_ g[lc, ol_]bc \f_a_ i ochi
]jloc, jfchc ^_ ]fôl. El[ ]_[ g[c ôf]_ c g[c
h_[donil[n `cch j_ ][l_ i ptom_g pl_i^[n. L-am
jlmcn j_ Offc_, j_ \c[nof g_o.
C_ [c pcm[n? c ijn_m] foc D[s.
Ncgc] g_gil[\cf, gc lmjoh^_ _f, ìchô-se.
Ajic, `caol[ c m_ m]bcgihim_n_ j_hnlo ], ^ch
al__[f, c-[ `l_][n ^_ ji^_[ jc]cilof lhcn. Dol_l_[
f `[]_ m m_ h]il^_t_. gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n ^_
]ihnl[]n[c c mohn mo\ gh_]cf_ ]gcc go]bcc
mojfc, ]fcc ^_ nl[cof j_ mnltc. R_mjcl j_ aol,
hnl_nc[n.
Cum m-a lipit de zid, acifi, h [f__< Cn h_m[ [
ìmn h jlcgof foc mlon= J_h[n, gc gon [n_hc[ ^_
f[ aol[ foc c h]_l] m [foha [gchncl_[.
D[s gc `[]_ m_gh ^ch ][j ]nl_ ocf_ p[aihofoc.
Uh^_ mohn_g []og? Al nl_\oc m h_ [jlijc_g, ho?
M lc^c], `_lc]cn ] gc jin h^l_jn[ [n_hc[ mjl_
[fn_ fo]lolc c, mjlcdchchô-g ^_ j_l_n_f_ ][l_ m_
f_[ah, g ocn [`[l, j_ `_l_[mnl[ gc]o [
vagonului. Peisajul nu s-a schimbat prea mult clolc
VP - 5
h_m`lcn_ ^_ \fi]olc-nolh, `[\lc]c, ]iolc ^_ òg c
p_]bcf_ [onimnltc _ljocn_, ]lil[ jfi[c[ ^_ ôj-
[gc[t f_ ^ ho[h_ ^_ [f\[mnlo c gip-]_hoco. h]
mnl\[n_g m_]ni[l_f_-g[b[f[. C[l_ [l[n [jli[j_
c^_hnc] ]o ]_f_ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m. h ^_jln[l_, oh
\[l[d _hilg i]oj dogn[n_ ^ch ilctihn. An_jn jh
]h^ oh Jog\iTlih nl_]_ h t\il j_ fha nl_h c
[noh]c gcd_m] i]bcc ][ m ^cmncha fcn_l_f_ gchom]of_
^ch ]ifof ^_ dim [f _]l[hofoc.
Biof^_l Ccns, N_p[^[, [hoh. Sohn_g ì[ln_
[jli[j_. Pli\[\cf ] nl_hof i m ijl_[m] [c]c i
vreme, dar apoi n-[l nl_\oc m ôl_t_ g[c gofn ^_
nl_ct_]c c ]ch]c ^_ gchon_ ][ m [doha_g h V_a[m.
D[s h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j. S_ [jf_[], ^_tf_[a aol[
^_m[acc ]o jlipctcc c m]ilgih_n_ ôj gh][l_.
Fi[ln_ \ch_. Co ]n [doha_g g[c l_j_^_, ]o [nn
g[c ]olh^ i m-c amcg j_ P[nlcic.
Mi se pare distant. Uneori, D[s gc jip_mn_n_ ][l_
mohn fo]lolcf_ j_ ][l_ f_ p_^_ h ]ig[lolcf_ m[f_
cum a picat Examenul, cum a pierdut-o pe Tess pe
mnltc m[o ]og [ òacn ^_ j[nlof_f_ [hnc_jc^_gc]_. M[c
mohn c []_f_ pcm_ oln_ f_a[n_ ^_ `[jnof ] _ ]_f g[c
]on[n ch`l[]nil ^ch R_jo\fc]. Afn_ilc, ]h^ f
]ojlch^_ i [mn`_f ^_ mn[l_ c ho gc mjoh_ ]_ [ pcm[n,
nco ] [ [pon ]ig[lolc ]o `[gcfc[ foc cu mama sa
m[o ]o Jibh golch^. Pi[n_ ] _ g[c \ch_ ] j_ [mn_[ ho
gc f_ jip_mn_n_. L_ [g _o j_ [f_ g_f_; ho mohn mcaol
] [ jon_[ m f_ ô] c j_ [f_ foc.
Enc binln m-c am_nc j_ P[nlcic, ho? c mjoh
h ncgj ]_ _f m]i[n_ ^ch m[] i \o][n lh]_^ ^_
m]ip_la.
No _ jlcg[ ^[n ]h^ f c[o f[ hnl_\lc jlcpcnil f[
h]jh[l_[ [mn[ [ foc ^_ [ [doha_ h V_a[m, [[ ]
[g alcd ]um abordez subiectul. Ultimul lucru pe care
mi-f îl_m] _ ][ D[s m ]l_[^ ] ho gc j[m ^_ T_mm
m[o ] gc-_ `lc] ^_ i hnfhcl_ ]o `[cgimof aloj ^_
l_\_fc ^ch R_jo\fc].
VP - 6
Tess i-[ olg[n ^_ \ohpic_. O[l_ h-i joh_g h
j_lc]if ^[] h]_l]g m-i fog h[jic?
D[s ho gc lmjoh^_ cg_^c[n. Roj_ m]ip_la h îo
c gc i`_l i \o][n:
I[ c no= N-[c g[c gh][n ^_ gofn.
No, gofog_m]. No-gc jf[]_ ]i][ jldcn, f l_òt
eu politicos.
D[] [ jon_[, gc-[ fo[ ]opchn_f_ h[jic. D[s c
jf_[] jlcpcl_[ c joh_ [ îo[ \o][n h ^_m[a, ôj
][l_, h fchcn_, h]_j_ m c ghh]_ jilc[. C_
jlimnc_, ]_ jlimnc_ g[l_ [g jonon m mjoh= No-mi
jf[]_ ]i][ jldcn. P[l] c [o^ ]_ c nl_]_ foc D[s
jlch gchn_: Sl[][ `[n \ia[n, cu manierele ei
_f_a[hn_< i permcn_ m mnlg\_ ^ch h[m. M îd_h_m]
h ah^ c gc jlijoh ][, ^[n[ pccni[l_, m `co g[c
[n_hn.
Doj ]n_p[ g\o]nolc, D[s gc lmjoh^_:
Nu pot s-i f[m j_ T_mm `l m nco ] _ h
l_aof.
Scaol ] ho ji[n_. D[s ho [l jlmc-o pe niciuna
dintre j_lmi[h_f_ f[ ][l_ ch_, ]o [nn g[c joch j_
[]_[mn `_nc il`[h, ][l_ [ ]l_m]on ]o _f j_ mnltc.
P_ ^_ [fn j[ln_, h_f_a c cgjiln[h[ hnfhclcc ]o
P[nlcicc h ìh^, l_\_fcc h_-[o [don[n j_ gch_ c
j_ D[s m m]jg ^ch Lim Aha_f_m. Sohn gofc c bine
ila[hct[c. Pi[n_ ] nco ]_ `[] [onilcncf_ ]o
fratele mai mic al lui Day, cu Eden. Poate ar putea
]bc[l m h_ [don_ m pch^_]g l[h[ ch`_]n[n j_ ][l_ i
[l_ D[s f[ jc]cil. Dch ^cgch_[[ []__[ `[nc^c], ]h^
doamna comandant Jameson l-[ gjo][n c l-a arestat,
jf[a[ [ ìmn ]h^ g[c \ch_, ]h^ g[c lo. A]og,
jc]cilof foc mnha _ i g[m ^_ ][lh_ m`c[n,
hmha_l[n. Al_ h_pic_ ^_ [mcmn_h g_^c][f. c
ninoc, [p_g i jli\f_g.
P[nlcicc ho h_ pil [don[ ^[] ho-c jfncg. C_-am
jon_[ m f_ ^g?
VP - 7
Ca s `co ]n g[c ]ihpchani[l_, \[a gh[ h
\otoh[l_ c m]in f[ cp_[f _]ihigccf_ hi[mnl_
h_h^_mnofni[l_. P[nlo gcc ^_ \[h]hin_. Amn[ _ mog[
pe care am avut-i f[ gch_ h[chn_ m _p[^g. No-mi
pch_ m ]l_^ ]n ^_ gofn ô] îlof forofoc= c ]h^ g
ah^_m] ] familia mea are o avere de milioane, bani
f[ ][l_ hc]ci^[n ho pic g[c [p_[ []]_m<
D[s [ ^[n a[n[ m]ip_la[ c m_ ah^_n_ f[ ]_-i spun,
mnlhah^ ^ch \ot_.
D[, nco, gc lmjoh^_, nl_]hô-c i gh jlch
jlof \fih^, h]f]cn. D[l ]_ jlijoc m `[]_g? L[ cine
[fn]ch_p[ jon_g m g_la_g?
D[o ^ch ][j h_[donil[n. h jlcpch[ [mn[, [l_
^l_jn[n_; ^_c ho gc îl_m] m-c l_p^ j_ P[nlcic,
ho jl_[ [p_g ^_ [f_m. Anoh]c ]h^ h_-[o [don[n m
_p[^g ^ch B[n[ff[ H[fl, ]h^ D[s _l[ h] f_ch[n,
c[l _o _l[g lhcn f[ ogl, c-[g loa[n m h_ f[m_ m
g_la_g ]o _c h V_a[m. Ag mj_l[n ] h_ pil [don[ c j_
mai departe.
hm h_-au refuzat.
Ne-[c jfncn m-f m]jg j_ D[s ^_ f[ _r_]oc_. No
m p ]lg jh h V_a[m, gc-a spus Kaede. Vino-c h
`cl_= Sif^[cc l_jo\fc][hc munt pe urmele voastre. Iar
hic ho mohn_g ila[hct[c_ `cf[hnlijc]. Fl \[hc, _o
nu-mi mai risc capul pentru voi.
Ph h ]fcj[ [c[, _l[g [jli[j_ ]ihpchm ]
P[nlcicfil f_ jm[ ^_ hic. D[l pil\_f_ foc K[_^_ g-au
[ôm ]o jc]ci[l_f_ j_ jghn. N_ [don[m_l doar pentru
]-c ^ôm_g \[lg[hc_c 200 000 de bancnote, banii pe
][l_ c jlcgcm_g ][ l_]igj_hm j_hnlo ][jnol[l_[ foc
D[s. c ]bc[l c [[, òm_m_g h_picn m ô] goh] ^_
convingere cu ea pentru a-c nlcgcn_ ][g[l[tcc m h_
ajute.
S-i dea voie lui Day s-i p[^ j_ T_mm< S-l ajute
m-c halcd_[m] jc]cilof lhcn< S h_ ^_[ chìlg[cc
]o jlcpcl_ f[ fi]of oh^_ m_ [`f E^_h< Ti[n_ ]b_mnccf_
VP - 8
astea presupun mituirea unor oameni. Ce n-[ `c ^[n m
g[c `c [pon ncgj m c[o hcn_ \[hc h[chn_ ^_ jf_][l_=
Vegasuf _ ]_[ g[c jli[mn [f_a_l_ j_hnlo hic îc,
c mjoh foc D[s h pl_g_ ]_, ]o alcd, gc g[m_t
oglof h ]olm ^_ pch^_][l_. c m-ar putea ca
P[nlcicc m ho pl_[ hc]c g][l m h_ p[^. h]_l] m
g [mcaol ] [g [h[fct[n mcno[c[ ^ch ni[n_
unghiurile.
June, nco ] ho-c ]ihmc^_lc j_ P[nlcic nip[lcc
hinlc. Ac ìmn hp[n m-c olnc. D[l, j_hnlo hic,
_c ]bc[l l_jl_tchn jin_hc[fc [fc[c. h ila[hct[c[
fil [g g[c gofn h]l_^_l_ ^_]n h mn[n. To ho?
No nco ^[] c-[ îlcn m g dcah_[m] jlch pil\_f_
[mn_[. Pol c mcgjfo ho [ jlc]_jon ]_ pl_[o m mjoh:
] jli\[\cf P[nlcicc ho h_ pil [don[, c [noh]c pig
lgh_ \fi][c hnl-oh il[ gcfcn[l. I m_ j[l_ ] _tcn
`cch^] ho [g h]l_^_l_ h _c. I m_ j[l_ ] oh^_p[, h
[^h]of mo`f_nofoc, [g lg[m h] []_[ June Iparis,
]ijcfof ^_ [ol [f R_jo\fc]cc< C h] mohn
]l_^ch]ci[m []_mn_c lc< O `c [^_pl[n? A]og mohn i
ch`l[]ni[l_ c hc]ci^[n ho g pic g[c jon_[ hni[l]_
f[ pc[[ ]ihìln[\cf ^_ ^ch[chn_. Ghôf mn[ gc
f[m oh aif h mnig[], ^_ j[l] h] [ g[c nhdc m
`co ]ijcfof ^_ [ol [f R_jo\fc]cc. Pi[n_ ] h] gc-o
doresc.
D[l ^[] ho g[c mohn ]_ [g ìmn, [noh]c ]ch_ mohn?
Bch_. O m h]_l]g m-c amcg j_ P[nlcic,
conchid.
E fcgj_^_ ] ho pic jon_[ m-f `[] m m_
ltah^_[m].
D[s h]opcch_[t ^ch cap.
M_lmc, gc ijn_n_.
P_ ]bcjof foc `logim [j[l_ og\l[ ohoc tg\_n, ][l_
g [nl[a_ ]o cl_tcmnc\cf[ foc ]fôl, ^[l D[s ho ^
m g g\lc_t_. No gc ][on gh[. No m_ nl[a_ g[c
[jli[j_ ^_ gch_ [[ h]n og_lcc hinlc m m_ mjlcdch_
ohof ^_ ]_ff[fn, ho gc ghac_ jlof, ho gc
VP - 9
ijn_n_ ]opchn_ fchcncni[l_ f[ ol_]b_ c ho c
fcj_n_ `lohn_[ ^_ [ g_[. No gc-[g ^[n m_[g[ ]n ^_
gofn [g [dohm m gc îl_m] m `[] ni[n_ []_mn_
a_mnolc glohn_. h ]fcj[ [mn[, jl_g ]ogp[ mnlchc.
Pi[n_ ] pcmof oln pe care l-a avut a fost cu mine.

Ahohof [j[l_ cg_^c[n ôj ]_ [doha_g j_ \of_p[lôf
principal din Las Vegas.
D[] _rcmn oh fi] ^ch V_a[m oh^_ ho [l nl_\oc m
`cg, []_f[ _ \of_p[lôf jlch]cj[f. clolc ^_
JumboTron-olc (]n_ [m_ ^_ f[ i chn_lm_]c_ f[ alta)
mohn [fchc[n_ ^_ i j[ln_ c ^_ [fn[ [ ]_f_c g[c
[afig_l[n_ mnltc ^ch il[. P_ _]l[h_ lof_[t, f[
h_m`lcn, nin `_fof ^_ nclc. F[m]c]of_ ^_ fogchc
il\cni[l_ gnol i\m_mcp tcôlcf_. Cf^clcf_ ^_ [c]c
mohn ^_ îo ilc g[c g[lc ^_]n ]_f_ ^ch Lim Ahaeles.
C_hnlof il[ofoc _ îgch[n ^_ talc_-hilc olc[c c ^_
_hilg_ î]olc ^_ [n_lct[l_ jcl[gc^[f_ (mohn ijn h
nin[f, `c_][l_ [l_ \[t[ jnl[n, c[l f[n_l[f_f_ mohn
h ìlg ^_ nlcohabcolc _]bcf[n_l[f_), ]o fogchc
mnlfo]cni[l_ ][l_ ct\o]h_m] ^ch plòlc. Aerul
^__lnc], jfch ^_ òg, h_ talc_ anf_dof ]o
om]]coh_[ foc. Ac]c ho m_ cm] ol[a[h_ ][l_ m
jinif_[m] m_]_n[. Sohn_g ^_j[ln_ ^_ ilc]_ hm_[gh
l_acoh_ ^_ ]i[mn m[o f[]olc. Tloj_f_ glfoc_m] ^_
f[ oh ][jn f[ ]_ff[fn [f mnltcc (h ìlg[cc
drepnohabcof[l_, ncjc]_ j_hnlo V_a[m). g\l][c h
ohcìlg[ h_[al ]o ôhac \f_og[lch [ mif^[cfil ][l_
pch c jf_[] mjl_ `lihn. h ^_jln[l_, ^ch]ifi ^_
\of_p[lôf ]o talc_-hilc, mohn clolc ^_ [pci[h_ ^_
phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_ ][l_ m_ [[t j_ jitccc, j_ i
jcmn ^_ f[hm[l_ f[n. D_[mojl[ jfon_m] ^clcd[\cf_.
V_a[mof _ oh il[ gcfcn[l, i fog_ [ mif^[cfil.
Ch^ _o c D[s chnlg j_ \of_p[lôf jlch]cj[f,
mi[l_f_ ni]g[c [joh_. N_ h^l_jng mjl_ ]_ff[fn ][jn
[f mnltcc. D[s m_ mjlcdch ^_ oglof g_o, j_ ][l_ c
f[m ni[n al_on[n_[. h]_l]g m h_ [g_mn_]g h
VP - 10
gofcg_. R_mjcl al_o c _ nl[m f[ `[ ^ch ][ot[
ôl_lcc. M mnlôc_m] ^ch lmjon_lc m-f momch `l
m [nl[a_g [n_hc[, hm al_on[n_[ foc g `[]_ m g
]f[nch, ][ c ]og [ `c \on jl_[ gofn.
Cum h_ ^_m]ol]g? g hnl_[\ _f, ijnchô-mi la
ureche, cu buzele-c `c_l\chc fcjcn_ ^_ jc_f_[ g_[.
Nu-gc ^[o m_[g[ ^[] D[s _ hnl-o stare de semidelir
^ch ][ot[ ôl_lcc m[o gc pil\_n_ [[ ^ch ][ot[
]imnog[c_c g_f_, ^[l ho jin m tc] ] g-ar deranja
feluf imn_hn[ncp h ][l_ `fcln_[t ]o gch_. E i
m]bcg\[l_ jf]on ôj ]fnilc[ ]o nl_hof, [nn ^_
mnhd_hcni[l_. D[s [l_ alcd m-c ch ][jof h dim,
jlcpch^ j_ mo\ a_h_f_ fohac c `_lchô-c `[[ ^_
mif^[cc [`f[c hnl-un continuu du-te-vino pe
trotuare. Dch jlc]ch[ ^cm]ihìlnofoc, m_ ìc_n_ h
j[hn[fihc c h b[ch[ gcfcn[l. O [j] mif^_[m]
h_[al c [m]oh^_ jlof \fih^ c i g[l_ j[ln_ ^ch
chip.
D_mnof ^_ \ch_, c lmjoh^. No ocn[: _nc \_[n. c
`_lc]cn. Tl_\oc_ m j[lc giln ôj j[ln_h_l[ n[.
h]_[l] m tg\_nc g[c gofn.
P_ \ot_f_ foc D[s h`fil_n_ oh cg_hm tg\_n `[fm.
D[l _ h]hnnil, ][ hnin^_[oh[.
Ec, b[c^_, m]ogji= Cl_^_[g ] g ^_m]ol]. Di[l i
ch h \l[_ j_ ]_[ g[c ^lao ^[g ^_ j_ \of_p[l^
]og m ho `co giln ôj nch_? No [ln ][ c ]og n_-[
îlc? Ucn_ ]og `[] _o ]h^ n_ îl_m], tc]_ _f,
`]hô-mi ochi dulci.
Al[n [nn ^_ ][l[abcim, ] ho g jin [\ch_ m ho
l^. Uh nl_]nil m_ ocn f[ gch_.
E gofn g[c \ch_ [[<
M nij_m] ]h^ i\l[tof foc D[s gc [ncha_ anof. No
c_c ^ch lif= Cih]_hnl_[t-n_= G[\fihtolcf_ [olcc ^ch
dolof n[fc_c c [f af_th_fil g_f_ tilhc_ h lcngof
j[cfil.
Cog c-e piciorul?
D[s m_ h^_jln_[t joch.
VP - 11
El[ \ch_ jh ]h^ gc-[c [gchncn no ^_ _f, gc
ijn_n_. S_ gjc_^c] hnl-i ]ljnol ^ch j[p[d c
f nl_]_ oh `cil ^_ ôl_l_.
f mnlha g[c n[l_.
D[l i m l_tcmn jh f[ olgnilof jij[m.
No ocn[: îo ^_a_n_ f[ `lohn_ hm_[gh ] pl_c m
ne oprim.
D[, ^[. T_ [hoh ^[] [g jli\f_g_.
Dic mif^[c nl_] j_ fha hic. c _c mohn hmicc
de dame de cogj[hc_: `_n_ tg\cni[l_, gjiî\cn_ ]o
`[lôlc ^_ i]bc m]fcjcni[l_ c n[no[d_ `[]c[f_
_f_a[hn_. Cimnog_f_ ^_ ^[hm[ni[l_, ]o j_h_ licc
false, de-[\c[ f_ []ij_l nlojolcf_. Uhof ^chnl_
mif^[c g p_^_, h]_j_ m l^ c c ][m] i]bcc,
tulburi din pricina alcoolului.
D_ f[ ]_ ]fo\ _nc no, `logi[mi? g hnl_[\, ]o
fcg\[ gjf_nc]chô-i-m_ h aol. No ch gchn_ m-c
g[c `c pton `[[ j_-aici.
hnch^_ gh[ ]nl_ n[fc[ g_[ ^_taifcn, îlhc] m g
[ncha. D[l ho g[c [jo], j_hnlo ] D[s f gjcha_ ]o
putere.
No joh_ gh[ j_ _[=
D[s lhd_n_ c c `[]_ ]o i]bcof mif^[nofoc,
jmnlhô-c gh[ l_f[r[n, ^[l hin[ [g_hchni[l_ ^ch
]onnol[ c pi]_[ foc f `[] j_ ]_ff[fn m ^_[
h[jic. N_ jlcp_n_ ocgcn, \if\ilim_n_ ]_p[ c,
]fnchhô-m_, jf_[] g[c ^_j[ln_ cu prietenii lui.
h]_l] m cgcn `_fof h ][l_ ]bc]in_[o ]_f_ îo
^[g_ ^_ ]igj[hc_ c gc [loh] jlof j_ mj[n_.
D[n[ pccni[l_, chnl h di], oc_l h ol_]b_[ foc
D[s, mlonhô-f j_ i\l[t, ][ c ]h^ [l `c ]_f g[c
bun client din lume. Numai asta ne mai fcjm_n_, i
h]c_l[l_.
Cog [[? `[]_ D[s, lc^c]h^ ^ch og_lc c jch^
]bchocn ^_ ôl_l_. Al `c ìmn i h]c_l[l_ d[fhc].
Tipul de-[\c[ m_ g[c ch_[ j_ jc]ci[l_.
VP - 12
Cf[nch ^ch ][j c ^_]c^ m ho `[] ][t ^_ clihc[
mcno[c_c.
Tl_]_ j_ fha hic oh [f îcf_[ aloj ^_ mif^[c;
\c_cc mohn \_c, afacic c ^_-[\c[ m_ g[c ch j_
jc]ci[l_. (E pil\[ ^_mjl_ [jn_ ]a^_c c îc
fi]in_h_hc, ][l_ [o \[h^_lif_ [olcc ]o _g\f_g_ ^ch
D[ein[, ]__[ ]_ hm_[gh ] ni]g[c [o mimcn ^ch hil^
de vreme ce n-[o [jo][n m c m]himbe banderolele cu
oh_f_ hic, ]o hm_gh_f_ \[n[fcihofoc [`f[n j_ `lihn.)
Bl[_f_ f_ mohn j_nl_]on_ j_ ôj gcdfi]ofoc ]n_ oh_c
dame de companie de la cluburile Bellagio. Fetele
mnlfo]_m]; [o ]ifc_l_ licc c B-uri tatuate pe
\l[. Pli\[\cf ] mif^[cc nc[ mohn ^ch ][tlgcf_ ^_
deasupra cluburilor.
gc p_lc`c] ^ch hio ]imnogof. L-[g n_lj_fcn ^ch
a[l^_li\[ ^_ f[ Soh P[f[]_. L[ i jlcg p_^_l_, [ln ][
ilc][l_ [fn ^[g ^_ ]igj[hc_. h dolof n[fc_c c [f
af_th_fil [g fhci[l_ [olcc, ]o nin micof ^_
zilti[h_. h jlof li][n (f-am vopsit cu un spray),
gjf_ncn, gc-[g jlchm j_h_ c j[hafc]c [olcc. Co
[donilof `[lôlcfil [g ]ihnol[n og\l_ h dolof
ochilor, peste care am aplicat un strat de sclipici.
P_ j[ln_[ moj_lci[l [ i\l[tofoc jh j_ jf_i[j _mn_
pc]n[n oh n[no[d `cilim ]o oh jbi_hcr. Mnmolcf_
licc gc f[m ^_tp_fcn_ \l[_f_ c n[fc[, c[l ]ctg_f_
gc mohn \il^[n_ ]o ^[hn_f.
Cimnogof g_o [l_ hm ]_p[ h jfom `[ ^_
p_gchn_f_ ]_filf[fn_ `_n_.
Uh f[h ]o iafchdi[l_ m]hn_c_ni[l_. Sohn j[lc[f
ascunse printre celelalte podoabe care-gc h]ihdi[l
af_th[ c, ^_ f[ ^cmn[h, j[l oh mcgjfo brizbiz. Nu e
oh fo]lo j_ ][l_ m-f l_g[l]c. D[l, ^ch ncgj h ncgj,
]h^ fogch[ ^_ j_ mnl[^ jijim_n_ j_ iafchdi[l_, _f_
^_pch oh cl[a ^_ m]fcjclc. h nin[f, mohn
treisprezece hoglof mcg\ifc] (h_i`c]c[f, ninoc) [f
P[nlcicfil. E m_gh[fof himnlo j_hnlo _c. Sohn
]ihpchm ] l_\_fcc mojl[p_ab_[t ]ihnchoo \of_p[lôf
VP - 13
jlch]cj[f, ^_]c nco ] pil m_mct[ fhcilof. c,
]h^ m_ p[ hngjf[ [mn[, c pil ^[ m_[g[ ] montem
cei doi pe care i-[o m[fp[n h Lim Aha_f_m.
JumboTron-olcf_ ^ch fohaof mnltcc jlc_ jl_ ^_ i
m_]oh^. Jolghnof [l nl_\oc m l_h]_[j ^ch gchon
h gchon. Ac]c fo]lolcf_ ho m_ j_nl_] ][ f[ Lim
Aha_f_m. L[ V_a[m, dolghnof h[cih[f m_ ^còt_[t ^_
cinci ori pe zi. Pe toate JumboTron-urile, reclamele
m[o nclcf_ m_ hnl_loj c mohn hfi]ocn_ ^_ cg[ach_[
_hilg [ Ef_]nilofoc Plcgi, ôj ][l_, ^ch mcmn_gof ^_
g_a[ì[h_ [f il[ofoc, m_ l_p[lm olgni[l_f_ ]opchn_:
Jol ]l_^ch mn_[aofoc gl__c Republici a Americii,
Electorului Primo, glorioaselor noastre state,
ohcncc gjinlcp[ Cifihccfil, cgch_hn_c hi[mnl_
victorii!
No ]o gofn ncgj h olg, c _o l_]cn[g []_mn
dolghn h `c_][l_ ^cgch_[ c ôj-[gc[t ]o
[]_f[c _hnotc[mg ][ nic ]_cf[fc, binln m
gjc_^c] Cifihccf_ ^_ j_ Ci[mn[ ^_ Emn m jl_c[
]ihnlifof [mojl[ jl_ci[m_fil hi[mnl_ n_lcnilcc ^ch
p_mn. D[l [mn[ m_ hngjf[ h[chn_ m [`fo ]_ lif [o
do][n [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc h gi[ln_[ ]_fil ^ch
`[gcfc[ g_[. A]og ho nco ]_ m g[c ]l_^. S hf_mh_m]
victoria Coloniilor?
JumboTron-olcf_ h]_j m lof_t_ oh \of_nch ^_ nclc.
Sjngh[f[ nl_]_l_ h l_pcmn [ _p_hcg_hn_fil.
gjl_oh ]o D[s, olgl_m] ncnfolcf_ ][l_ m_ mo]]_^
rapid pe ecrane:
REPUBLICA PREIA CONTROLUL

ASUPRA A KILOMETRI DIN TERITORIUL COLONIILOR
N BTLIA DE LA AMARILLO, EAST TEXAS.
AVERTIZRILE DE INUNDAII
PENTRU SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA SUSPENDATE.
ELECTORUL INSPECTEAZ TRUPELE DE PE FRONTUL DE NORD

VP - 14
PENTRU A LE RIDICA MORALUL.
M[dilcn[n_[ nclcfil mohn jl_[ joch chn_resante.

Sohn i\chocn_f_ ncnfolc jlcpcni[l_ f[ mcno[c[ ^_ j_
`lihn, jliahit_ g_n_ilifiac]_, []no[fctlc ^_
f_acmf[c_, [hoholc ^_ ][l[hnch j_hnlo V_a[m.
D[s g \[n_ j_ ogl c gc `[]_ m_gh ]nl_ ohof
dintre ecrane.
CARANTINA DIN LOS ANGELES

EXTINS LA SECTOARELE EMERALD I OPAL.
S_]ni[l_f_ ]o hog_ ^_ jc_nl_ jl_ci[m_? ijn_n_

prietenul meu.
Eo [g lg[m ]o i]bcc f[ _]l[h, ^_c n_rnof [
^cmjlon.
A]ifi fi]oc_m] \ian[hcc, ho?
N-[g c^__ ]_ m-c lmjoh^, `cch^] c _o h]_l] m
jli]_m_t chìlg[c[. S_]ni[l_f_ Eg_l[f^ c Oj[f< S
`c_ i[l_ i al__[f? Olc _jc^_gc[ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m [
^_p_hcn [nn ^_ al[p, h]n m `c_ [hoh[n j_
JumboTron-olcf_ ^ch V_a[m? Nc]ci^[n, ^[l [\mifon
nicci^[n ho [g pton m m_ _rnch^ ][l[hnch[ f[
m_]ni[l_f_ h ][l_ fi]oc_m] ]_c ^ch ]f[m[ moj_lci[l.
Eg_l[f^ m_ [`f fha Ro\s [mn[ hm_[gh ] c
m_]nilof g_o p[ chnl[ h ][l[hnch? c ]og lgh_ ]o
p[]]chlcf_? No _l[o _f_ g_hcn_ m jl_pch [mn`_f ^_
scno[cc? gc [gchn_m] ]_ [ m]lcm M_nc[m h dolh[f_f_
foc: Cn ^_ ]olh^, oh pclom i m m][j_ ^_ mo\
]ihnlif c hc]coh p[]]ch m[o [hncîn ho i m-l mai
ji[n ijlc. gc [gchn_m] ^_tpfoclcf_ `l[n_foc g_o
`[\lc]cf_ mo\n_l[h_, \ifcf_ a[fij[hn_< _jc^_gccf_ la
chn_lp[f_ l_aof[n_. M nl_]_ oh `cil. gc mjoh ]
[onilcncf_ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m pil joh_ ][jn _jc^_gc_c.
S_ p[ mncha_ c [mn[, ][ ni[n_ ]_f_f[fn_.
Alte titluri se succed pe ecrane. Unul, devenit
`[gcfc[l, m_ l_`_l f[ _r_]oc[ foc D[s. Emn_ hmicn
VP - 15
de ig[achcf_ ]o jfonihof ^_ _r_]oc_ ^ch ]oln_[ oh^_
`l[n_f_ foc, Jibh, [ h][m[n afi[h_f_ ^_mnch[n_ foc
D[s, j_hnlo ][ [jic m m_ jl\o_[m] f[ jghn, ]o
`[[ h dim. Plc_n_hof g_o c jf_[] jlcpcl_[.
D[l _ c i ncl_ g[c jli[mjn:
DISPRUT
SS NR: 2001963034
----------------------------
JUNE IPARIS
AGENT, PATRULA ORAULUI LOS ANGELES
VRST/SEX: 15/FEMININ
NLIME: 1,64 cm
PR: ATEN
OCHI: CPRUI
VZUT ULTIMA DAT LNG BATALLA HALL, LOS ANGELES,

CA.
RECOMPENS DE 350 000 DE BANCNOTE REPUBLICANE.
DAC O VEDEI, RAPORTAI IMEDIAT AUTORITILOR
LOCALE.
Amn[ _ ]__[ ]_ m_ îl_n_ ][ i[g_hcc m ]l_[^ h

R_jo\fc]. Ahog_ ] mohn ^cmjlon c ] _c mj_l m
g [ô] h[jic pc_ c h_png[n. C__[ ]_ ho mjoh _
], jli\[\cf, g pil gi[ln. L-am ajutat pe cel mai
hinilco ch`l[]nil [f lcc m m][j_ ^_ _r_]oc_ c j_
P[nlcic m joh f[ ][f_, h ]bcj ^_ ^cp_lmcoh_, i
l_pifn gjinlcp[ ][lnc_lofoc a_h_l[f [f [lg[n_c c [g
nl^[n R_jo\fc][.
No pil hm ][ chìlg[c[ [mn[ m ^_pch jo\fc],
[[ ], ^_ `[jn, g ph_[t. R[jilnof ]ihch_ c i
ìnial[`c_ [ g_[, []__[ ^ch fcpl_nof gcfcn[l. E i jit
VP - 16
^ch `[; ho tg\_m], mohn ]igjf_n h_g[]bc[n (^[] ho
joh_g f[ mi]in_[f \[fm[gof ^_ \ot_), c[l jlof h_alo
f [g jlchm hnl-i ]i[^ ì[ln_ mnlhm. Sn_g[
republicah [olc_ mnlfo]_n_ j_ òh^[fof h_alo [f
b[ch_c. M \o]ol ] n[no[dof ]o jbi_hcrof gc [m]oh^_
[]og dogn[n_ ^ch `[.
Adoha_g jh f[ gcdfi]of \of_p[lôfoc jlch]cj[f
h[chn_ ][ g_a[ì[h_f_ m jlc_ ^ch hio, f[ h]_j_l_[
dolghnofoc. N_ ijlcg. D_ `[jn, D[s m_ gjc_^c] ^ch
hio c _ a[n[-a[n[ m ][^, ^[l ct\on_m] m-l prind
^_mnof ^_ l_j_^_, [mn`_f h]n lgh_ h jc]ci[l_.
O[g_hcc ^_ j_ mnl[^ lc^c] i]bcc mjl_ JumboTron-uri
(]o _r]_jc[ ]nilp[ mif^[c [fchc[c h j_lcg_nlof
chn_lm_]ccfil j_hnlo [ m_ [mcaol[ ] ni[n fog_[
j[lnc]cj). Ig[achcf_ ^_ j_ _]l[h nl_gol, m_ nij_m]
hnl-oh h_alo nin[f, ôj ][l_ [j[l_ jilnl_nof
Ef_]nilofoc Plcgi, [`c[n f[ h[fn l_tifoc_.
Jol ]l_^ch<
Plihoh[l_[ []_mnil ]opchn_, gjl_oh ]o nic
]_cf[fc ^_ j_ mnl[^, [jli[j_ ] gc chô]_ i mn[l_
^_ ]ihìln. Amn[ jh gc [gchn_m] ^_ ni[n_ ]_f_ ][l_
s-[o j_nl_]on h ofncg[ pl_g_. M ah^_m] f[ m_[l[ h
care l-[g jlchm j_ D[s, f[ gig_hnof ]h^ Ef_]nilof c
`cof foc [o p_hcn m g `_fc]cn_ j_lmih[f j_hnlo ] [g
\a[n ôj al[ncc oh ch`l[]nil [nn ^_ `[cgim.
R_g_gil_t cg[ach_[ Ef_]nilofoc, [[ ]og f-am cunoscut.
n portretele de pe JumboTron-olc m_ p^ []_c[c i]bc
p_ltc, []_f[c g[rcf[l jon_lhc] c []_f_[c \o]f_
h_al_< ^[l ho c l]_[f[ _rjl_mc_c c ho[h[
\ifhpc]ci[m [ n_hofoc mo. Pit_f_ [mn_[, h ][l_ [l_
i\l[dcc g\odil[c c jf_mh_n_ ^_ mhn[n_, c ^[o oh
[_l j[n_lh. c _ ^c`_lcn `[ ^_ ]og gc-l amintesc eu.
< Sn_[aofoc gl__c R_jo\fc]c [ Ag_lc]cc<
Blom], dolghnof m_ ijl_n_. P_ mnltc m_ f[m i
n]_l_ ^_jfch, [jic ^ch gofcg_ m_ lc^c] oh ]il ^_
i[jn_ h_ôg_lcn_. M h]lohn. Cco^[n. Nc]ci^[n h-am
g[c pton m m_ hngjf_ [mn[. Nc]c g][l i mchaol
VP - 17
^[n. c [jic, mcmn_gof ^_ JumboTron-uri e proiectat
h [[ `_f h]n ^_`_]n[l_[ ohoc[ ^chnl_ _]l[h_ m nu
le afecteze pe celelalte.
D[s lc^c] jlcpcl_[ mjl_ cg[ach_[ h]l_g_hcn j_
_]l[h_, h pl_g_ ]_ gc_ gc òa i]bcc mjl_ mif^[cc
[fchc[c j_ mnl[^.
Uh []]c^_hn h_g[cpton? `[]_ _f.
R_mjcl[c[ foc a`cn g halcdil_[t. M[c l_tcmn
un pic. Nu putem s h_ ijlcg [c]c.
Clatin din cap.
No. Ucn-n_ f[ mif^[c, c tc], `]hô-i un semn
discret spre ei.
i-[o m]bcg\[n jitcc[. No g[c ch [lg_f_ j_ ogl.
Le-[o fo[n h gchc. S_ jl_an_m] j_hnlo l_[]c[
gofcgcc.
D[s ]f[nch h]_n ^ch ][j. E halcdilnil de palid.
S-[ hngjf[n ]_p[.
Portretul Electorului dispare de pe JumboTron-uri;
_mn_ cg_^c[n hfi]ocn ^_ i hio m_lc_ ^_ cg[achc, ]o
oh \l\[n ][l_-c m_[gh f_cn Ef_]nilofoc î[l ] _
gofn g[c nhl, [\c[ ^[] [ gjfchcn îot_]c ^_ [hc.
Al_ []_c[c i]bc p_ltc c []_f[c jl h_alo, ihôf[n.
hnl-i `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^, gc [gchn_m] ]n ^_
h]hn[n [g ìmn [noh]c ]h^ f-am cunoscut la bal.
Este Anden Stavropoulos, fiul Electorului Primo.
Day are dreptate. S-[ hngjf[n ]_p[ cgjiln[hn.
Electorul Republicii a murit.
O [fn pi]_, ]o nih ijncgcmn, m_ `[]_ [otcn []og
din megafoane:
h[chn_ ^_ [ ]ihncho[ dolghnof, f_ ^g nonolil
mif^[cfil c ]cpcfcfil ch^c][c[ ^_ [-c hfi]oc
[][m jilnl_nof Ef_]nilofoc. Pon_c i\ch_ oh jilnl_n
nou de la sediile loc[f_ [f_ jifcc_c. Ihmj_]ccf_
g_hcn_ m m_ [mcaol_ ^_ ]iij_l[l_[ ôgh_[pi[mnl pil
h]_j_ j_mn_ îo mjnghc.
VP - 18
Vi]_[ [hoh jl_mojom_f_ l_tofn[n_ [f_ ohil [f_a_lc
h[cih[f_. D[l ho jig_h_n_ [\mifon hcgc] ^_ gi[ln_[
Electorului. Sau de promovarea fiului so.
R_jo\fc][ [ nl_]on jol c mcgjfo mo\ ]ihô]_l_[
hiofoc Ef_]nil `l m m_ jc[l^ hc]ci ]fcj, ][ c
]og Ah^_h c n[nf mo [l `c oh[ c []__[c j_lmi[h.
Sohn ]ihòt h]_l] m gc [gchn_m] ]_-[g hp[n f[
]i[f ^_mjl_ [f_a_lc. Ef_]nilof f ^_m_gh_[t
hnin^_[oh[ j_ ]_f ][l_ c p[ olg[, c[l [f_a_lcf_
h[cih[f_ f ]ih`clg. No _ hc]ci moljlct ] Ah^_h _
jlcgof h fchc[ ^_ mo]]_mcoh_. hm n[nf mo m-a
[`f[n f[ jon_l_ t_]c ^_ [hc f[ lh^, ^_ ^ch[chn_ ][ _o
m g h[m]. c []og ho g[c _. Log_[ hi[mnl s-a
m]bcg\[n h î[l ]n_p[ ]fcj_.
L[ `_f ][ gch_ c ][ D[s, i[g_hcc ^_ j_ mnl[^ [o
h_f_m ]_ nl_\oc_ m `[]: ][ f[ oh m_gh[f, ]o nicc
h_ jf_]g ][j_n_f_ h `[[ jilnl_n_fil ^_ j_
JumboTron-olc c l_]cng l_mnof dolghnofoc, [f_
]loc ]opchn_ [o [jlut din nou pe ecrane.
< Ef_]nilofoc Plcgi, afilci[m_fil hi[mnl_ mn[n_,
ohcncc gjinlcp[ Cifihccfil, cgch_hn_c hi[mnl_
victorii!
R_j_ng ]opchn_f_ [mn_[ c[l c c[l, jh ]h^ _f_
^cmj[l ^_ j_ _]l[h_. Ncg_hc ho h^lth_n_ m m_
ijl_[m]. M ocn f[ mif^[cc ^ch fohaof mnltcc.
Mchcf_ fc m-[o h]f_n[n j_ [lg_. h ]_f_ ^ch olg,
ôj oh lmncgj ][l_ jl_[ m ho m_ g[c n_lgch_,
cuvintele dispar, iar JumboTron-urile revin la
i\chocn_f_ ][fojolc ^_ nclc. N_ joh_g ]o nicc ^ch
hio h gc][l_, ][ c ]og hcgcc nu s-[l `c hngjf[n.
D[s m_ gjc_^c]. D_ ^[n[ [mn[, f mcgn ]og nl_gol
c chcg[ gc m_ mnlha_ h jc_jn.
S ho f_chc, c ijn_m].
Sjl_ moljlch^_l_[ g_[, [jli[j_ ] mjoh S ho
f_chc, M_nc[m= h]_l] m f mjlcdch, ^[l D[s
[foh_].
VP - 19
I[ln-g= golgol _f. F[[ c mnlfo]_n_ h]fcn
^_ moî[l_, c[l i]bcc c-c ch_ mnlhc ^_ ôl_l_.
Rc^c] îo ^_a_n_ f[ `lohn_. Snij. No g[c ji[n_. M
ocn ^cmj_l[n h dol. Sohn jl_[ gofc mif^[c c g[c
[p_g h] gofn ^_ g_lm.
No, nl_\oc_ m n_ lc^c]c, c mjoh ]o `_lgcn[n_. S
ho f_chc= O m l_o_nc.
hm, ^_ ^[n[ [mn[, pil\_f_ g_f_ ho g[c [o _`_]n.
h[chn_ m [jo] m f jlch^, D[s ][^_ ^ch jc]ci[l_, m_
mjlcdch i ]fcj h gchc c [jic m_ jl\o_n_ f[
jghn.
VP - 20
2. DAY
Electorul Primo a murit.

E]iof g[hc`_mnlcfil j[l_ ][g [h_gc]. T_-ai fi
[n_jn[n ][ ^cmj[lcc[ foc m h_ [ô] oh g[l òh_\lo
^_ jlijilcc, m m_ mcgn ]_p[ j[hc] j_ mnltc, m
`c_ chmncnocn îfco h[cih[f, m p_tc mif^[c
glfoch^ c nlah^ m[fp_ ]nl_ ]_l. Uh jl[thc]
olc[, ^l[j_f_ ]i\iln_ h \_lh, \[hh_l_ [f\_
[nlh[n_ j_ ni[n_ ]f^clcf_. O h_\ohc_ ^_ a_hof mn[.
D[l mohn jl_[ nhl ][ m `c jlchm gi[ln_[ pl_ohoc
Ef_]nil. h [`[l ^_ chmn[f[l_[ h òh]c_ [
mo]]_milofoc îlcn ^_ ^_òh]nof Ef_]nil c ^_ hcn_
[f_a_lc h[cinale simulate, habar nu am cum ar trebui
m m_ j_nl_[] fo]lolcf_.
Pl_mojoh ], jol c mcgjfo, [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc
m_ jl_`[] ] ho m-[ hngjf[n hcgc], mlch^ ^cl_]n f[
olgnilof Ef_]nil. A]og gc [ô] [gchn_ ] [g ]cncn
]_p[ j_ n_g[ [mn[ hnl-unul dintre manualele de la
]i[f. Anoh]c ]h^ pch_ pl_g_[ chmn[flcc hiofoc
Ef_]nil Plcgi, mn[nof nl_\oc_ m f_ [gchn_[m]
i[g_hcfil m m_ ]ih]_hnl_t_ [mojl[ [mj_]n_fil
jitcncp_. Difcof [ô]_ ]o _f mf\c]coh_ c b[im. S
g_lac h[chn_ _mn_ mchaol[ ][f_. D[. htr-[nn m_
n_g_ aop_lhof ][ ho ]ogp[ m nl^_t_ `c_ c ]_[ g[c
gc] olg ^_ h_mcaol[h h `[[ ]cpcfcfil.
D[l ho [g f[ ^cmjitcc_ ^_]n i m_]oh^ ][ m
meditez la asta.
A\c[ [g n_lgch[n ^_ limncn hiof dolghn, ] oh p[f
^_ ôl_l_ h]_j_ m gc ol]_ h jc]cil. h[chn_ m g
jin mnjhc, g ]bcl]_m] c g jl\o_m] f[ jghn,
sprijinindu-g h a_hoh]bcof \oh. Ccp[ mif^[c
hnil] ][jof mjl_ hic. R^ ]n jin ^_ n[l_, ][ c ]og
f[]lcgcf_ g_f_ [l `c ^_ p_m_fc_. Joh_ chnl c _[ h
lif, ^[l p^ n_[g[ ^_ j_ ]bcpul ei.
VP - 21
H[c^_, gc ijn_n_ _[, ^cmj_l[n.
Uhof ^chnl_ \l[_f_ _c mojf_ m_ h]if]_n_ h dolof
g_o c h]_l] m g jlch^ ^_ gh[ hnchm. D_-abia
acum atragem privirile celor din jurul nostru.
Tl_\oc_ m n_ lc^c]c. H[c^_=
Tl_\oc_ m gc [ôh ni[n_ jon_lcf_ ][ m gc jmnl_t
tg\_nof j_ `[. Cih]_hnl_[t-n_ [mojl[ foc Joh_=
D[o m g lc^c], ^[l ][^ ^ch hio. Dol_l_[ _ gofn jl_[
chn_hm. h òhôf i]bcfil gc _rjfi^_[t i fogch
[f\. R_mjcl= gc tc]. N-[c pic_ m f_chc h
mijlocul bulevardului prch]cj[f ^ch V_a[m.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n, mif^[n?
Uh ][jil[f nhl, ]o i]bc ^_ ]ofi[l_[ [foh_fil, mn
h `[[ hi[mnl, ]o \l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_ f[ jc_jn. gc
^[o m_[g[ ] m_ al\_n_, ^[l m_ j[l_ ] ola_h[ ho _
]bc[l [[ ^_ g[l_ h]n m ho m_ ijl_[m] m p[^ ]_ _
]o hic. M jlcp_n_, lc^c]h^ ^ch mjlh]_[h.
T_ mcgc \ch_? Enc [f\ ][ blnc[, \c_n_.
Foac= [mn[ mcgn ] [l nl_\oc m-i strig lui
Joh_. Foac ^_-aici! h] g[c [c ncgj. D[l jlc_n_h[
g_[ g m]on_n_ ^_ _ìlnof ^_ [ ^_m]bc^_ aol[.
I_ln[c-l, domnule! spune ea. N-[g g[c pton pl_oh
]fc_hn ^_ f[ B_ff[aci ][l_ m \_[ [[ ^_ gofn i^[n.
Cf[nch ^ch ][j jfch ^_ [gl]coh_ c, ]o i gh,
c `[]_ m_gh m m_ h^_jln_t_.
Cl_^ ] [l `c g[c \ch_ m p ^[c g[c h mj[n_,
îghof_, [^[oa _[. Cl_^ ]-i m pigcn_.
Sohn moljlchm ^ch hio ^_ ]n ^_ oil l_o_n_ `[n[
[mn[ m m_ nl[hmìlg_ h [fn j_lmih[d. L[ `_f g-a
j]fcn c j_ gch_ ]h^ _l[g h L[e_.
C[jil[fof m_ h]lohn f[ _[, \hocnil, [jic c
h^l_[jn jlcpcl_[ mjl_ gch_. S_ ]ih]_hnl_[t [mojl[
piccilofoc lhcn. D_c _ [m]ohm mo\ g[c gofn_ lhôlc
^_ _mnol, foc nin c l_ch_ [n_hc[.
Mc m_ j[l_ ] ncj[ [mn[ ho jl_[ nc_ ]_ pil\_n_.
Cl_^ ] [l nl_\oc m g_lac f[ mjcn[f.
VP - 22
Rc^c] i gh ][ m ]b_g_ [g\of[h[ ][l_ ni]g[c
nl_]_ j_ mnl[^.
Scutur din cap.
No, p gofog_m], îghof_, ct\on_m] m [lnc]of_t,
]o oh lm [h_gc]. S]ogj_n_[ [mn[ gc-a spus prea multe
\[h]olc. Tl_\oc_ î[l m-mi trag sufletul ôj ][l_
nl_\oc_ m îlg. Sohn_g<
D[l ][jil[fof ho _ [n_hn f[ ]_ c mjoh. hdol h
ah^. D[] [doha_g f[ mjcn[f, h_ pil fo[ [gjl_hn_f_ c
[noh]c pil [`f[ ]ch_ mohn_g: ]_c g[c ]on[c jlim]lcc
^ch R_jo\fc]. No h^lth_m] m g ocn f[ Joh_, ^[l
nco ] m_ ]bchoc_n_ m am_[m] i m]j[l_.
D_i^[n, ]ch_p[ c c_n_ ][jof ^ch mj[n_f_
caporalului.
E o fat j_ ][l_ _o c Joh_ i l_]ohi[n_g cg_^c[n,
^_c ho [g g[c pton-i hc]ci^[n g\l][n hnl-o
ohcìlg l_jo\fc][h cgj_][\cf. L[ an c [nlh
hcn_ i]b_f[lc ^_ jcfin. f i]if_n_ j_ ][jil[f c m_
jimn_[t h `[[ g_[, tg\ch^ ]o chôfa_h.
S[fon= gc spune. Mi s-[ jlon gc_ ] no _nc. T_-
[g olglcn ]og n_ gjf_nc]_[c ^_-a lungul
bulevardului!
C[jil[fof h_ jlcp_n_ h ncgj ]_ `[n[ g m[fn h
jc]ci[l_ c g \[n_ ]o jon_l_ j_ mj[n_. Tl_m[l ^_
ôl_l_, ^[l c hnil] tg\_nof ][l_ pl_[ m mjoh ]
h_ ncg ^_ i p_hc]c_.
Mi-[ ìmn îl ^_ nch_, g ^_]c^ m tc].
Mcfcn[lof a_mnc]of_[t h_l\^nil ]nl_ `[n[ ^_-abia
mimcn.
f ]ohinc?
E[ c ^ j_ mj[n_ jlof h_alo, nohm \i\ c c i`_l
]_f g[c m_ô]nil tg\_n j_ ][l_ f-[g pton pl_i^[n.
D[] f ]ohim], îghof_? Ag ìmn h []__[c
_m][^lcf h jlcgof [h.
gc `[]_ ]o i]bcof.
S_ j[l_ ] c[l c-[ ^[n h j_nc] jlch ]fo\olc.
VP - 23
C[jil[fof, ][l_ c-a pierdut deja interesul,
jo`h_n_ c c ^ i]bcc j_mn_ ][j.
Bc[n ^_ f[ [pc[c_, [[^[l< Ec, [c alcd m ho
mai `[] pl_i m]_h h jo\fc]. M[c ]-gc pch_ m-l sun
pe comandantul vostru.
D_i^[n, j[l_ m c [ô] [gchn_ ] m_ al\_[
oh^_p[ c m_ h^_jln_[t l[jc^.
Rmo`fo ool[n. Ag m]j[n ][ jlch ol_]bcf_ []ofoc.
Doj jf_][l_[ gcfcn[lofoc, `[n[ gc tg\_n_
cucercnil. D_c \l[_f_ c mohn [m]ohm_ ^_ gh_]cf_
fohac, gc ^[o m_[g[ ] oh[ ^chnl_ gchcf_ _c _mn_ h
abcjm. Dch nihof pi]cc h_f_a ] ho m_ \o]ol m h_
p[^.
C[t[lg[ g_[ _ h [jlijc_l_. C_-[l `c m n_
i^cbh_nc joch []ifi? Pic m-c c_c ]o nch_ c
jjoc][ [mn[ hio, mjoh_ _[, [lnh^ mjl_ Joh_.
Kaede. Nu s-[ m]bcg\[n [\mifon ^_fi] `[ ^_ ôj-
[gc[t[ h ][l_ [g ]ohim]on-i, ]h^ [g ]l_ton ] _ i
mcgjf \[lg[hc, ]o n[no[dof _c ]o pc-de-vie cu
nin. E f[ `_f ]og _l[ h[chn_ m [`fo ] _ P[nlcin.
T_ olgg, c lmjoh^.
K[_^_ i [don j_ Joh_ m g ô] j_ i [fn mnl[^.
N_ ]ihô]_ jh h `[[ occ ô\f_, h mncf p_h_c[h,
]o m]ofjnolc _f[\il[n_, [ oh_c ][tlgc [^jimncn_
hnl-un bloc-nolh, [jic h_ nl_]_ jlch `[[ ohoc j[thc]
jfc]ncmcn c h_ `[]_ m nl[p_lmg bifof jlch]cj[f [f
]f^clcc. T[p[hof _ [nn ^_ h[fn, ] g c[ ]o
[g__[f. Soljlch^ ]o ]ifof i]bcofoc, h nl_]_l_,
cg[achcf_ mn_[aolcfil l_jo\fc][h_ c jilnl_n_f_
Ef_]nilofoc Plcgi, ][l_ [nlh j_ j_l_c, hnl_
jcf[nlc. G[l^c_hcc m_ al\_m] ^_d[ m hfi]oc[m]
p_]bcf_ jilnl_n_ ]o ]_f_ hic. K[_^_ h_ ]ihô]_ h ncgj
]_ noloc_ oh cl h_hnl_lojn ^_ `l[t_ ^_ ]igjf_t_h.
Plof _c h_alo _mn_ ]bc[l g[c m]oln []og c nc[n
^l_jn, f[ hcp_fof \l\c_c. Pf_i[j_f_ c mohn ghdcn_
cu fard bleumarin. Abia acug i\m_lp ] mohn_g [jli[j_
^_ []__[c hfcg_. Sif^[cc gcoh ^_ ]ifi-]ifi c
VP - 24
g nin [n_jn ][ ohof ^chnl_ _c m g l_]ohi[m] ôj
ìnial[`c[ ^ch [hohof ^_ ^[l_ h olglcl_. S[o m i
c^_hnc`c]_ j_ Joh_, h ]co^[ ]imnog[c_c. Olc m c
^_[ m_[g[ ] hc]c K[_^_ ho _ oh mif^[n [^_pl[n. S-ar
hjomnc [noh]c [mojl[ hi[mnl c ho [g g[c [p_[ hc]ci
[hm ^_ m]j[l_.
D[l hcg_hc ho c joh_ hnl_\lc h jlcpch[
hi[mnl. Dcgjinlcp, ]bcijn[nof g_o h_ [don m
nl_]_g h_i\m_lp[c: p^ g[c gofc mif^[c ]o \l[_ sau
jc]ci[l_ h abcjm. K[_^_ h_ ]fot_n_ mjl_ [m]_hmi[l_
ho [g g[c g_lm hc]ci^[n ]o fc`nof, j_hnlo ] ho [g
g[c ìmn hc]ci^[n hnl-i ]f^cl_ h ][l_ m ho _rcmn_
hc]coh `_f ^_ l_mnlc]cc ^_ ìfimcl_ [ ]ol_hnofoc
_f_]nlc]. N_ ^g dim f[ _n[dof [f ijnolea. Aici sunt
g[c jochc mif^[c. D_ `[jn, j[l]ola_g i \o][n ^chnl-
oh ]ofi[l `l m h_ hnfhcg ]o hcg_hc.
Ac]c, K[_^_ l_hoh h ]_f_ ^ch olg f[ g[m][
veseliei.
Aln[c ][ hcn_ p[a[\ihtc, glc_ _[ h ncgj ]_
\[n_ oil f[ i o. Pc]cilof f[ h] i mai face
jli\f_g_, ho? Sohn_c n[l_ h]jh[c ^[] [c p_hcn
jh [c]c ôj hic.
Ajic, lhdch^ ]nl_ Joh_, [^[oa:
R_`f_rccf_ ^_ f[ ngj_hccf_ [f_[ ^_ iafchdi[l_< m
g il\_[m], ho [fn[<
Eo c Joh_ m]bcg\g hcn_ jlcpclc òlc_. nco _r[]n
]_ ah^_n_: Cog h[c\[ ji[n_ oh aloj ^_ ch`l[]nilc m
`c_ atôcn hnl-oh[ ^chnl_ ]_f_ g[c g[lc ][tlgc
gcfcn[l_ ^ch V_a[m?
Dch mj[n_f_ occ, m_ [o^_ oh ^_]fc]. K[_^_ i
^_m]bc^_ c chnl h h]j_l_.
Boh p_hcn h ogcf[ hi[mnl ][m= `[]_ _[ ]o oh
gest larg. P_hnlo olgni[l_f_ ]n_p[ tcf_, ]_f joch.
Nu-i rea deloc, nu-c [[?
No nco ]_ g [n_jn[g m p^. O a[] ^_
[îf_m]_hc, ji[n_, m[o i gh ^_ i[g_hc ]o [j[l[nol
c_`nch.
VP - 25
D[l ho; jnloh^_g hnl-i h]j_l_ oh^_ mohn î[l
îo j_lmi[h_. Plcp_m] ^_ dol-gjlejur, surprins. N-am
g[c ìmn hc]ci^[n jh []og hnl-i ][t[lg
l_jo\fc][h [^_pl[n, ^[l ][g_l[ [mn[ ]o mcaol[h _
l_t_lp[n i`c_lcfil h hc]coh ][t R_jo\fc][ h-ar
da-i ohil mcgjfc mif^[c. P_hnlo ] ho _mn_ oh
îlgcnil foha, ]o clolc ^_ j[nolc mojrapuse. Ar putea
`c oh [j[ln[g_hn forim j_hnlo oh[ m[o îo
i`c]c[fcnc. Ercmn chmn[f[c_ _f_]nlc] ^_ cfogch[l_
j_ n[p[h, c[l ni[n_ fgjcf_ [o \_]olc. Pi^_[o[ _
[]ij_lcn ]o jf]c ^_ g[lgol [lachncc c \_d, j_l_cc
mohn pijmcc h ho[h_ [fn_lh[ncp_ ^_ alb-]l_g c lio
h]bcm, ][ pchof. So\ jc]ci[l_f_ ][h[j_f_fil c
g_m_fil m_ [`f ]ipi[l_ ali[m_, licc. P_ unul dintre
j_l_c _ gihn[n oh _]l[h gc]o, j_ ][l_ lof_[t, `l
mihil, []_f[c ][foj ^_ nclc ^còt[n c [`[l, j_
JumboTron-uri.
Ffoc_l oil.
Nu-i deloc rea.
Sol^, ^[l tg\_nof gc ^cmj[l_ ]h^ g ocn f[ Joh_.
So\ n[no[dof ]o jbi_hcr, i p^ ]lcmj[n. D_c jlcpcl_[
c lgh_ h_onl, _ ]f[l ] ho _ ^_fi] \o]oli[m c ]
ho _ f[ `_f ^_ cgjl_mcih[n ]og mohn _o. D_ ]_ [l `c?
Poh j[lco ] [j[ln[g_hnol ei era la fel de frumos ca
mn[. Plcpcl_[ jlc_n_h_c g_f_ [f_[la jlch ][g_l,
_p[foh^ ninof mcmn_g[nc]. Pli\[\cf ] i\m_lp fo]lolc
pe care eu nu le-[ l_g[l][ hc]ci^[n. Al_ oh i]bc
[a_l c [n_hn f[ ^_n[fcc, [[ ]og [o ]_c g[c \ohc
mif^[c l_jo\fc][hc. Uh[ ^chnl_ gchc c-i ch_
[jli[j_ ^_ n[fc_, []ifi oh^_ [l_ [m]ohm_ îo ]ocn_.
O m_]oh^ g[c nltco, [n_hc[ gc _ [nl[m ^_ i `[n
][l_ mn h jc]ci[l_, h mj[n_f_ ][h[j_f_c ^ch gcdfi].
M jlcp_n_ chmcmn_hn, gcdch^ i]bcc ][ c ]h^ [l pl_[
m m_ [mcaol_ ] hnl-[^_pl _o mohn. Gol[ c m_
^_m]bc^_ [ ocgcl_, \ot_f_ _c gc]c c lit ìlg_[t []og
oh ]_l]. Plof c _ jl_[ m]oln ][ m-f g[c ji[n
gjf_nc. f [l_ nohm jh f[ dogn[n_[ ]_`_c, h mncf
VP - 26
\i\, ]coòfcn. Sn[c joch= Ihcg[ gc m_ ijl_n_ jl_ ^_
o clip. N-am recunoscut-i jh []og ^ch ][ot[
coafurii.
Tess.
Ac p_hcn= _r]f[g _[.
h[chn_ m [jo] m-c lmjoh^, T_mm [f_[la f[ gch_
c c [loh] \l[_f_ j_ ôj anof g_o. M
gjf_nc]_m], g[c m ][^ j_ mj[n_, c g ]bchoc_m] m-
gc jmnl_t _]bcfc\lof.
Cbc[l no _nc< No-gc pch_ m ]l_^= Enc [c]c= Enc
bine!
No g[c ah^_m] fcgj_^_. P_hnlo i ]fcj, ho g[c mcgn
hc]c ôl_l_[ ^ch jc]cil. Tin ]_ g[c jin m `[] _mn_ m
]ojlch^ mnlhm n[fc[ foc T_mm, m-gc halij `[[ h
oglof _c c m h]bc^ i]bcc. Pl_mcoh_[ pe care o
mcg_[g h ][j ^cmj[l_ c, ool[n []og, lgh `l
pf[a. Tl[a [^h] [_l h jc_jn, m[polh^ ]fôl[ c
j[lògof ôf]_ [f jlofoc _c. A ìmn fha gch_ h
`c_][l_ tc, ^_ ]h^ [p_[g îcmjl_t_]_ [hc, ^[l, ôj i
^_mjlcl_ ^_ î[l ]n_p[ mjnghc, gc ^[o \lom]
m_[g[ ] jlc_n_h[ g_[ ho g[c _ joni[c][ ^_ t_]_ [hc
j_ ][l_ [g hnfhcn-i j_ []_[ mnl[^ fnol[fhc]. Mc
m_ j[l_ m]bcg\[n. M[c g[nol. c mcgn oh `cil
mnl\nhô-mi pieptul.
M \o]ol m n_ p^, molci[l, c ijn_m]. Alc
bine.
T_mm g mnlha_ c g[c n[l_ h \l[_. gc ^[o m_[g[
] c ch_ l_mjcl[c[; m_ mnlôc_n_ ^ch lmjon_lc
m ho ct\o]h_[m] h f[]lcgc.
K[_^_ _ ]_[ ][l_ hnl_loj_ gig_hnof.
Adoha_= h_ mjoh_ _[. H[c, ] ho mohn_g f[ ij_l_n.
N_ h^_jlng ohof ^_ ]_ff[fn c l^_g mnhd_hcc,
privindu-h_, c[l T_mm m_ n_la_ f[ i]bc ]o îmof
j[fg_c. Ulg_[t oh m]bcg\ ^_ tg\_n_ ]lcmj[n_ hnl_ _[
c Joh_. Ajic m_ hni[l]_ c m_ h^l_[jn con_ mjl_
fi]of oh^_ i [fn j_lmi[h, oh \l\[n, [n_[jn.
VP - 27
K[_^_ ^_m]bc^_ aol[ m mjoh ]_p[, ^[l ncjof c `[]_
m_gh ]o i gh hgho[n m n[]. C__[ ]_ g
moljlch^_. Jo^_]h^ ôj ]n ^_ h`cjn _ K[_^_,
]l_^_[g ] _[ _ _`[ alojofoc. No gc-i h]bcjoc[g
[]]_jnh^ il^ch_ ^_ f[ hcg_hc. hm []og î[l mnlha_
^ch \ot_ c m_ [[t j_ ][h[j_[, h pl_g_ ]_ \l\[nof
m_ lc^c] j_hnlo [ hc m_ [^l_m[. E h[fn, [l_ jli\[\cf
jh h 45 ^_ [hc c i ]ihmncnoc_ ^_mnof ^_ li\omn.
Al_ n_hof ^_ oh ][`_hco ^_m]bcm. c ch_ jlof
]lfcih[n jlchm hnl-i ]i[^ m]oln c jfch ^_
bucle. Pe nas are o pereche de ochelari cu rame
mo\clc, h_al_.
A[^[l, no _nc ]_f ^_mjl_ ][l_ [g [otcn [nn_[,
tc]_ ch^cpcôf. M \o]ol m n_ ]ohim], D[s.
A pl_[ m `[] i `caol g[c \oh, ho î[l m mn[o
[[, ]i]i[n ^_ ôl_l_.
c _o g \o]ol m n_ ]ohim]. c gofog_m] ] h_-
ai primit.
T_ lia m h_ c_lc ] ho p-[g hmicn jh h
V_a[m, ]ihncho _f h ncgj ]_ c [l[hd_[t i]b_f[lcc
j_ h[m. Pi[n_ j[l h_jmnil, ^[l ho-gc jf[]_ m-mi pun
i[g_hcc h j_lc]if ^[] ho _ h_pic_.
c h^l_[jn jlcpcl_[ mjl_ Joh_.
c \hoc_m] ] no _nc ncj[ a_hc[f ]o ][l_ m_
gh^l_[o [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc.
Joh_ h]fch ][jof, a_mnof _c nl^h^ i _ô][c_
[f_[m.
hm ]imnogof no ^_ ^[g ^_ ]igj[hc_ _ ì[ln_
]ihpchanil. H[c, ^_]c, `[]_g oh n_mn l[jc^ jlch ][l_
m ^_gihmnl_tc ] _nc ]_[ ][l_ mjoc ] _ti. Te rog
m h]bctc i]bcc.
Plc_n_h[ g_[ _tcn i m_]oh^, ôj ][l_ c `[]_ j_
plac.
Bl\[nof a_mnc]of_[t ]nl_ ]_[f[fn j[ln_ [
camerei.
i-[]og fip_n_ chn[ ]o ohof ^chnl_ ]ocn_f_ j_
care le ai asupra ta.
VP - 28
Sno^c_t j_l_cc. chn[? Nc]c g][l ho [g ibservat,
]h^ [g chnl[n, ] j_ ohof ^chnl_ j_l_cc ^_ fha o
_ oh j[hio j_ ][l_ mohn nl_c ]_l]olc ]ih]_hnlc]_. hm
Joh_ ho mn j_ ahôlc hc]ci ]fcj. S]i[n_ oh ]ocn ^_
f[ \lo, m_ lmo]_n_ c f [loh] ^cl_]n mjl_ j[hio
`l m ^_m]bc^ i]bcc.
Cocnof m_ h`ca_ h chn f[ î[l ]cp[ ]_hncg_nlc
de centru.
Bl\[nof \[n_ ^ch j[fg_. Ph c K[_^_ m]i[n_ oh
glcn h_^_`chcn, ^_ [jli\[l_, ôj ][l_ c ^ i]bcc
peste cap.
Pentru numele lui Dumnezeu, o aud bolborosind.
Joh_ m_ lmo]_n_ mjl_ hic c [n_[jn lmjohmof
\l\[nofoc. Sohn [nn ^_ i][n, ] [g [gocn. N-am mai
pton h pc[[ g_[ j_ ]ch_p[ ][l_ m ghoc[m] h
`_fof mn[ ]ocnof. c, ]o ni[n_ ] [g olglcn-o pe
Joh_ `]h^ gofn_ fo]lolc ocgcni[l_, [mn[ _ jlcg[ ^[n
]h^ i p^ ìfimch^ i [lg. Ig[ach_[ [mn[ g h]hn
c g h`ci[l h []_f[c ncgj; gc nl_t_n_ [gchnclc
pe care le-[g gjchm hnl-oh ]if h^_jln[n [f
gchcc, ahôlc j_ ][l_ nl_\oc_ m f_ jmnl_t mo\
]b_c_ ^[] pl_[o m-gc g_hch mn[l_[ ^_ ]ih]_hnl[l_
h_]_m[l j_hnlo [-mi vedea de ale mele.
M \o]ol m n_ ]ohim], îghci[l Ij[lcm, mjoh_
\l\[nof, ô]hô-c gchcf_ f[ mj[n_. c []og,
mjoh_c-gc: ]_ p [ô]_ [c]c?
Joh_ c h]fch ][jof mjl_ gch_, [[ ] c[o
]ophnof.
Ap_g h_pic_ ^_ [donilof pimnlo. V lia. Ag p_hcn
ôj T_mm, ^[l h]_l] m-f am_m] c j_ `l[n_f_ g_o,
E^_h. No nco h ]_ m]ij f ìfim_n_ R_jo\fc][ c
hc]c oh^_ _mn_ chon. N_-[g ah^cn ], h [`[l[
[lg[n_c, ila[hct[c[ pi[mnl _mn_ mchaol[ ][l_ [l
jon_[ m i\ch chìlg[ccf_ [mn_[. c, h m`lcn, m_
j[l_ ] [l nl_\oc m g ij_l_t f[ jc]cil.
VP - 29
gc ch lmo`f[l_[ ]h^ l[h[ gc jlipi[] oh hio
mj[mg [aihct[hn. Bl\[nof c ]i\i[l jlcpcl_[ mjl_
jc]cilof g_o c m_ h]lohn, ]ih]_hnl[n.
Sohn ][g gofn_ ]_l_lc, ]ih]fotcih_[t _f. Al
nl_\oc m c_c fi]. No j[lc m n_ ii prea bine pe
picioare.
An_[jn l\^nil m g gc], ^[l, ]h^ p_^_ ] ho
g ]fchn_m], c ^l_a_ af[mof.
Bun, voi v-[c jl_t_hn[n. Cil_]n _mn_ m `[] c _o
[]_f[c fo]lo. Eo mohn Razor c, h jl_t_hn, c ]ihô]
j_ P[nlcic. Sohn fc^_l [f ila[hct[c_c de ceva timp,
^_ ^ch[chn_ ][ pic m h]_j_c m ]l_[c nin `_fof ^_
jli\f_g_ j_ mnltcf_ ^ch L[e_. D[s, h_ mifc]cc
[donilof, hm gc [gchn_m] ] [c l_òt[n chpcn[ccf_
hi[mnl_ ^_ [ hc n_ [fnol[. h l_j_n[n_ lhôlc.
S_ hni[l]_ ]nl_ `_l_mnl_f_ ]ifil[n_ ][l_ ^[o ]nl_
docurile piramidale de aterizare din lungul pistei. De
[c]c, j_lmj_]ncp[ _ ofocni[l_. Dclcd[\cf_f_ hpfocn_
h fogchc jfon_m] j_ ]_lof hijcc. Cn_p[ ^chnl_ _f_
[hî]b_[t ]bc[l h plòf jcl[gc^_fil, ][ hcn_ jc_m_
^_ jottf_. Dch ]h^ h ]h^, p_^_g ìlg[cc ^_ [pci[h_
^_ phni[l_, mcfo_n_ h_al_, ][ [f_ ohil pofnolc, ][l_
^_]if_[t c [n_lct_[t j_ johcf_ ^clcd[\cf_fil. E oh
`for ^_ []ncpcn[n_ h_hnl_lojn. O]bcc gc òa ^_ f[ i
]f^cl_ f[ [fn[. Di]olcf_ jcl[gc^[f_, [ph^ ][h_folc
nc[n_ j_ `c_][l_ `[_n c nl_jn_ mj[n_ j_ go]bcc,
ar fi cel mai simplu de escaladat.
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] Razor [n_[jn ^ch hio oh lmjohm
din partea mea.
M ][g halcdil[ glcg_[ ila[hct[c_c pi[mnl_, c
spun.
D[l []og m_ j[l_ ] ho n_ g[c halcdil_[t, gc ^
el replica.
Cuvintele sunt dojenitoare, dar tonul cu care le
limn_n_, h pl_g_ ]_-c fcj_n_ j[fg_f_ c c [j[m
\ot_f_ ]o plòlcf_ ^_a_n_fil, j[l_ h_f_anil.
Fcch^] [c h_pic_ ^_ hic. Cil_]n?
VP - 30
No jin m-l contrazic.
gc j[l_ lo. No g[c [p_g [fn_ ijcohc. D[l,
crede-g, ^[] h_ l_òtc, i m h_f_a. Ann[ n_ lia,
m ho h_ ^[c j_ gh[ [onilcncfil R_jo\fc]cc, mjoh
_o, ìlhô-g m tg\_m].
La auzul replicii mele sarcastice, Razor ]bc]in_n_.
M ]ih]_hnl_t [mojl[ jli_gch_h_c mnlg\_ ^_ j_ h[mol
foc c g hnl_\ ^[] c f-a spart la un moment dat.
Ihcc[f, [g ìmn n_hn[n m p f[m m ln]cc jlch
V_a[m jh p jlch^ [onilcncf_.
Miôf[ccf_ af[mofoc mo j[l [f_ ohoc [lcmni]l[n
_ô][n, ]o gofn ]b[lcmg.
O m `co ^cl_]n. D[s, [\cfcncf_ n[le nu mai sunt
[nn ^_ p[fili[m_ h i]bcc g_c ]og _l[o ]h^p[. D_-a
fohaof [hcfil, [g l_]lon[n [fc ]igcmcih[lc, c[l []og
c-o spun cu tot respectul [ôa[l_[ ohoc hio
membru echipei noastre nu e o prioritate. Prietena ta
nc_ ^_d[ m_ ijl_n_ c i ch^c] j_ Joh_, jlchnl-o
gc][l_ [ ][jofoc ] P[nlcicc ho ]ihmncnoc_ i
ila[hct[c_ og[hcn[l. N_ ]_lc m n_ [dong ]o ì[ln_
gofn_. To ]_ h_ i`_lc h m]bcg\? No ]l_^ ] [c jl_[
gofc \[hc [mojl[ n[.
Joh_ gc [loh] i jlcpcl_ ]o mo\h_f_m. E [^_pl[n
] g-[ [p_lnct[n [mojl[ []_mnoc [mj_]n ]h^ _l[g h
nl_h, ^[l []og ho g[c jin ^[ h[jic. D[] P[nlcicc h_
l_òt, lgh_g j_ ]ihn jlijlco.
No [p_g gofc \[hc, l_]ohim]. N-[g m pil\_m] h
hog_f_ foc Joh_, ^[l ^[] _rcmn ]_p[, ilc]_, j_ ][l_
_o m-l pot fac_ h m]bcg\of [donilofoc pimnlo, mjoh_-
mi despre ce e vorba.
Razor c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_ j_ jc_jn c m_ ô]_
f[ \[lof ^ch [j[ln[g_hn, oh \f[n `logim fo]l[n h
al[hcn, h][mnl[n h j_l_n_, j_ ][l_ m_ [`f t_]c ^_
mnc]f_ ^_ ni[n_ ìlg_f_ c glcgcf_. c ni[lh ]_p[
`l m m_ al\_[m]. Nic [n_jng. Ch^ cmjlp_n_ ]o
jl_j[l[nof \onolcc, c[ j[b[lof hnl-i gh c m_
h^l_[jn ^ch hio mjl_ hic.
VP - 31
Ercmn ]_p[ ]_ gc-[c jon_[ i`_lc, h]_j_ _f. Dch
`_lc]cl_, [c mimcn hnl-i m_[l ì[ln_ chn_l_m[hn.
Ia o gul ^_ \onol c m_ [[t j_ ][h[j_[.
Doj ]og jli\[\cf ] [c [`f[n ]h^ _l[c j_
mnl[^. Ef_]nilof Plcgi [ golcn [tc, fo]lo f[ ][l_
gofc ^ch ]_l]olcf_ _fcn_c l_jo\fc][h_ m_ [n_jn[o. h
orice caz, fiul lui, Anden, este acum noul Elector al
Republicii. E h] oh jonc c _ ì[ln_ [hncj[nct[n ^_
m_h[nilcc n[nfoc mo.
Razor m_ [jf_[] h `[, limnch^ `c_][l_ ]ophn ]o
alcd, [jm[n.
Rareori s-[ g[c hngjf[n ][ R_jo\fc][ m `c_ [nn
^_ pofh_l[\cf ][ []og. No m_ p[ cpc oh jlcf_d g[c \oh
pentru o revoloc_. D_ [\cfcncf_ n[f_ `ctc]_ h_
jon_g ^cmj_hm[, ^[l _rcmn îo fo]lolc j_ ][l_ no hc
f_ jic ^[, c[l ]_cf[fc ]igcmcih[lc ho. Plcgof:
]_f_\lcn[n_[ n[, mn[nonof no ^_ ][gjcih [f g[m_fil.
c [f îcf_[: j_ h]hnni[l_[ n[ jlc_n_h, tc]_ _f,
[lnh^ ]o paharul spre June.
M ]lcmj_t f[ [otof []_mnil ]opchn_, ^[l i]bcc foc
Razor [o i ho[h [[ ^_ ][f^< Sohn ^_ ]ofi[l_[
gc_lcc. An_jn m [o^ c l_mnof ^_n[fccfil jlcpcni[l_
la propunerea lui.
A `c h]hn[n m p [^jimn_m]. Aghîc [c `c
\ch_ halcdcc. D[s, jon_g m-c [ô]_g oh î]nil
_r]_f_hn c nin hic [g jfnc j_hnlo i ij_l[c_ ][l_
i-[l `[]_ jc]cilof ][ hio. No nco oh^_ _ `l[n_f_
no, ^[l jon_g m n_ [dong m-f am_nc c, _p_hno[f,
^[] [mn[ p îlcc, jon_g m p mjlcdchcg j_ [ghîc
m [doha_c h Cifihcc. h m]bcg\, [p_g h_pic_ ^_
[donilof no j_hnlo oh hio jlic_]n. Fl [fn_
hnl_\lc ^ch j[ln_[ pi[mnl. h[chn_ ^_ [ p ^_tpfoc
ilc]_ `_f ^_ chìlg[cc ^_mjl_ ]__[ ]_ [l olg[ m
`[]_c, nl_\oc_ m dol[c [ghîc ]l_^ch
ila[hct[c_c P[nlcicfil. A]_mn_[ mohn ]ih^cccf_
g_f_. C_ jl_l_ [p_c?
VP - 32
Joh_ m_ ocn ]h^ f[ gch_, ]h^ f[ Razor. Ajic c
gjcha_ \l\c[ h `[.
Sohn ^_ []il^. Vic dol[ ]l_^ch ila[hct[c_c.
Al_ oh oil nl_gol h pi]_, ][ c ]h^ [l
]ihnc_hnct[ jh f[ ][jn `[jnof ] hni[l]_ ]o
[^_pl[n mj[n_f_ R_jo\fc]cc. Eo habcn ]o hiôlc. No
g [n_jn[g ][ Joh_ m c ^_[ []ilôf [nn ^_ l[jc^.
Ag ]l_ton ] p[ nl_\oc m ô] goh] ^_ ]ihpcha_l_ ]o
_[ ][ m m_ [fnol_ oh_c alojlc j_ ][l_ ]o î[l
]n_p[ mjnghc h olg i ol[ ial [c]c ho h][j_
hc]ci og\l ^_ hîc[f. F[jnof ] [ mjom ^[ gc
`[]_ chcg[ m \[n g[c n[l_. D[] Joh_ nl_]_ ^_ j[ln_[
P[nlcicfil, [noh]c hm_[gh ] nc_ ] ho [p_g i
[fn_lh[ncp g[c \oh. c ] `[]_ [mn[ ^_ ^l[aof g_o.
A[ ] mjoh f[ lhôf g_o:
i eu sunt de acord.
Razor tg\_n_, m_ lc^c] ^_ j_ ][h[j_[ c c
h[f j[b[lof, j_hnlo oh ni[mn. Ajic f joh_ j_
gmo[ ^_ ][`_[ c m_ [jlijc_ ][ m h_ mnlha `_lg
gh[.
Anoh]c _ i`c]c[f. O m h_ [don[c m-f [m[mchg j_
noul Elector Primo.
VP - 33
3. JUNE
N-[g h]l_^_l_ h R[til.

N-[g h]l_^_l_ h _f j_hnlo ] ho l_o_m] m jlc]_j
]og ^_ _ jimc\cf m m_ [m]oh^ hnl-oh [j[ln[g_hn [[
^_ `logim. M[c gofn, hnl-ohof ^_mnch[n i`c_lcfil ^ch
V_a[m= Cipi[l_f_ [mn_[, `]on_ ^chnl-oh mic ^_ \f[h
mchn_nc] m]ogj, ]imn ]_f joch 29 000 de bancnote.
hnl-i mchaol ][g_l mohn t_]_ molm_ ^_ fogch
_f_]nlc] c ni[n_ mn[o [jlchm_. Uhcìlg[ foc _
cgj_][\cf c hio. Al_ jh c jcmnif j_lmih[fct[n f[
]_hnol. Dch i_f chirc^[\cf, ]__[ ]_ jli\[\cf f `[]_
ì[ln_ oil, c ]o ^_]il[cohc l_[fct[n_ g[ho[f.
Fl[n_f_ g_o [p_[ c _f jcmni[f_ ^ch [mn_[. Uhof mchaol
]imn ^_ f[ 18 000 ^_ \[h]hin_ h mom. h jfom, [lg[
lui Razor nl_\oc_ m `c_ ^_]i^[n. E cgjimc\cf ][
R_jo\fc][ m c-o monitorizeze pentru a-c olglc
[gjl_hn_f_ i locurile prin care trece. De unde au
P[nlcicc \[hcc c ][j[]cn[n_[ ^_ [ ^_]i^[ _]bcj[g_hn_
[nn ^_ [p[hm[n_?
Ti[n_ [mn_[ g ]ihô] mjl_ îo n_ilcc jimc\cf_.
Plcg[: jli\[\cf ] Razor [l_ i òh]c_ ^_ ]ihô]_l_
h [lg[n[ R_jo\fc]cc, `cch^, ^_ `[jn, oh i`c_l
nl^nil. Cog [fn`_f [l jon_[ [p_[ oh [j[ln[g_hn h
][t[lg, `l m `c_ ^_m]ij_lcn?
A îo[: P[nlcicc mohn mo\p_hcih[c ^_ ]ch_p[
ì[ln_ \ia[n. S `c_ pil\[ ^_mjl_ Cifihcc? Tin ]_ m_
ji[n_<
h ]co^[ nonolil []_mnil momjc]cohc c \hoc_fc,
oferta lui Razor _ ]_[ g[c \oh j_ ][l_ [g jon_[-o
jlcgc. No [p_g \[hc ][ m h_ ]ogjlg [donilof h_]_m[l
^_ j_ jc[[ h_[al c, `l mjlcdch, ho [p_g hc]ci
[hm m f amcg j_ E^_h m[o m [doha_g h Cifihcc.
M[c gofn, hc]c g][l ho mohn mcaol ] mohn_g h
postura de a putea refuza oferta lui Razor. Sigur, nu
VP - 34
ne-[ [g_hch[n h hc]coh `_f, ^[l g hîc_m] ] h_-ar
g[c `c fm[n m h_ hni[l]_g, [[, jol c mcgjfo, j_
mnltc.
Co ]i[^[ i]bcofoc, f p^ j_ D[s ]og [n_[jn
l_[]c[ g_[ f[ ]opchn_f_ _òfoc P[nlcicfil. mi e de
[dohm m-c p^ j[fi[l_[ \ot_fil c ôl_l_[ hncjlcn
j_ `[ mohn î[l îo ^chnl_ gofn_f_ m_gh_ ][l_ gc
ch^c] `[jnof ] _ ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c mf\cn. h ]fcj[
[mn[, ]l_^ ] pc[[ foc ^_jch^_ ^_ h_f_a_l_[ hi[mnl
cu Razor.
S-f [m[mchg j_ hiul Elector, spun. S-[ `]on.
Copchn_f_ g_f_ moh mnlch c h^_jln[n. Pl_ ^_ i
]fcj, gc [gchn_m] ]og f-[g ]ohim]on j_ Ah^_h c j_
ljim[nof foc n[n f[ \[fof jlch ][l_ m-[ ml\nilcn
][jnol[l_[ foc D[s. Mc m_ mnlha_ mnig[]of f[ ahôf
] p[ nl_\oc m f igil j_ Ah^_h. A]og, _f _ Ef_]nilof
R_jo\fc]cc. Doj ni[n_ ]n_ m-[o hngjf[n ]o `[gcfc[
g_[, [l nl_\oc m `co `_lc]cn ] [g i][tc[ m f
o]c^. D[l ho mohn, c[l [mn[ g h_ôg_l_n_.
D[] Razor mi-[ m_mct[n _tcn[l_[, ho i [l[n. D ^ch
cap aprobator.
O m ]b_g ^_ ola_h oh g_^c]. Pli\[\cf ] ho p[
jon_[ m [doha [c]c h[chn_ ^_ gc_tof hijcc; [noh]c
_ il[ ]h^ m_ m]bcg\ nol_f_. P_hnlo ] ho [g ncon ^_
mcno[c[ [mn[ ^ch pl_g_, g[c l_j_^_ ^_-[nn ho m_
poate. hnl_ ncgj, b[c m p ^[c dim ]imnog_f_ astea
c m p m]bcg\[c h hcn_ b[ch_ g[c []nlcc.
c [loh] i jlcpcl_ foc K[_^_. F[n[ mn l_t_g[n ^_
][h[j_[, ]o og_lcc [ôh[c, c jlcp_n_ h]lohn[n, ]o
oh [_l clcn[n. c g_mn_] [\m_hn i opc ^_ jl.
Condu-c f[ ô c ^-f_ îo ohcìlg_ ]ol[n_. Doj
[]__[, pig fo[ ]ch[ c pig g[c ^cm]on[ ^_mjl_ jf[hof
nostru.
Razor c ^_m]bc^_ f[la \l[_f_.
Bch_ [c p_hcn h lhôlcf_ P[nlcicfil, nch_lcc
g_c jlc_n_hc= N_ \o]olg m p [p_g jlchnl_ hic.
VP - 35
c, ocn_ [[, []og mohn_g i`c]c[f ^_-ai lor. Ceea ce
jli\[\cf ] ho _ oh fo]lo ]bc[l [[ ^_ lo; ji[n_ ]
hc]c ho [l `c nl_\ocn m g g[c ]_ln ]o D[s ^ch
jlc]ch[ [mn[. K[_^_ h_ `[]_ m_gh m i olgg j_ oh bif
[fnol[n c h_ ]ihô]_ mjl_ i \[c_ mj[ci[m, ]o
f_mj_tc ^_ g[lgol, ]bcop_n_ ^ch jil_f[h, iafch^,
WC, ][^ c ô ]o j_l_c ^ch mnc]f m[\f[n. No g
jin [\ch_ m ho [^gcl `c_][l_ ^_n[fco. E oh for [c]c
^_ ][l_ hc]c g][l _o ho [g [pon j[ln_, h
apartamentul din sectorul Ruby.
S ho p ffcc ni[n hi[jn_[, h_ mjoh_ K[_^_.
Ihnl[c f[ ô j_ lh^ m[o mcgcc-p ][ [][m c
mjf[c-p gjl_oh ^[] [[ p c[ g[c joch ncgj.
Nog[c m `cc a[n[ hnl-i dogn[n_ ^_ il.
F[n[ gc tg\_n_ f[la (^[l i]bcc ho-c mol^), c[l
lui Day (care s-[ fm[n ]o ni[n al_on[n_[ j_ oglof
g_o) c `[]_ ]o gh[ []_f m_gh ][l_ pl_[ m hm_gh_
So]]_m= Doj ][l_ m_ hni[l]_ c ^cmj[l_ j_ bif,
h[chn_ m [jo] m c lmjoh^. No ]l_^ ] g-a iertat
]o ninof j_hnlo ] c-[g lojn gh[.
Day e gata-a[n[ m m_ jl\o_[m] h m_]oh^[ h ][l_
K[_^_ m_ h^_jln_[t.
Pic m g [doc m g [_t? gc ijn_n_.
Cobor capacul WC-ofoc c f [_t ]o alcd j_ _f. c
hnch^_ jc]cilof n_[`l, [jic mnlha_ ^ch ^chc ]h^
h]_[l] m `[] []_f[c fo]lo c ]o ]_f png[n. c
m][j oh a_[gn.
Tl_\oc_ m l_]ohim], \if\ilim_n_ _f, ] [g [pon
c zile mai bune.
M][l T_mm _ h mcaol[h, c mjoh.
Amn[ c îgif_n_ oh jc] ôl_l_[ j_ ][l_ c-o citesc
h jlcpclc.
D[, i`n_[t _f [^h]. M][l T_mm _ h mcaol[h.
M ]ijf__n_ oh h_[n_jn[n m_hncg_hn ^_ pchipc_.
F[[ foc T_mm [p_[ i _rjl_mc_ [nn de dulce, ca aceea
[ ohoc ig ]o ninof c ]o ninof \oh. I[l _[ c D[s [o
ìmn ^_mjlcc ^ch ][ot[ g_[.
VP - 36
O[l_ _o mohn oh ig \oh? No nco.
f [don j_ D[s m c m]i[n b[ch[ c [j][. Plof
foc foha m_ l_p[lm []og j_mn_ \l[_f_ g_f_.
I[ m g ocn f[ jc]cilof f[=
ha_hoh]b_t, [jic m]in oh ]ocn ^_ f[ \lo. T[c
_mnol[ j[hn[fihofoc jh f[ gcdfi]of ]i[jm_c.
Mo]bcc jc]cilofoc mohn mojfc c h]il^[c. Ch^ c
[ncha jc_f_[, gchcf_ gc nl_gol. Co alcd, nl[a ^_
g[n_lc[f ][ m ^_m]ijl l[h[ \[h^[d[n. P_hnlo o
]fcj, [ghîc h_ ch_g l_mjcl[c[. P_ ncìh _ oh ]_l]
g[l_, ^_ mha_ jli[mjn, h]bcm f[ ]ofi[l_, c[l
^_^_mo\n, l[h[ _ ch`f[g[n c mojol_[t.
M_^c]of f[ [l `[]_ \ch_ m pch ]n g[c l_j_^_,
mjoh. Enc ]ihpchm ] jic m-c `[]c ô mchaol?
D[s c `_l_n_ jlcpcl_[, g\odilhô-se.
Scaol ] jin.
Ridic dintr-i mjlh]_[h.
No _nc h mn[l_ hc]c g][l m mn[c h jc]ci[l_
`l [donil.
Bch_, `[]_ _f c, ôj i ]fcj ^_ _tcn[l_, [^[oa
g\odilhô-m_: Pl_mojoh ] gc-[l jlch^_ \ch_ i gh
de ajutor.
habcn h m_].
h l_aof. Anoh]c p_c chnl[ h ][^, ho f[ ô. S
h_ joh_g j_ nl_[\.
h]_j m ogjfo ][^[ ]o [j ][f^. Ajic c[o ]ocnof
c, h]_n, n[c \[h^[dof hòl[n h dolof lhcc.
Aghîc n]_g. Fc_][l_ ^chnl_ hic c `_l_n_ jlcpcl_[
de a celuilalt. R[h[ [l[n ì[ln_ lo, _ i \o][n ^_
][lh_ pc_ ^_ glcg_[ ohoc jogh. D[s _pcn m m_ ocn_
la ea.
No _ h_pic_ m `[]c [mn[, golgol _f, linchô-c
og_lcc h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ m_ l_f[r[.
Scaol, c lmjoh^ ]o oh tg\_n a[fhc]. O m mn[o
[`[l, fha o, c-i m pch m n_ [don [\c[ ôj ]_
][tc c f_chc.
VP - 37
No, gc lmjoh^_ D[s. Vl_[o m mjoh ] ho _ h_pic_
m n_ [fnolc P[nlcicfil.
Zg\_nof gc ^cmj[l_.
Pc ho jl_[ [p_g ^_ [f_m, ho? Razor ne vrea pe
[ghîc, [fn`_f ho h_ [don ^_fi].
D[s gc [ncha_ \l[of, ijlchô-g ^ch ^_tf_a[nof
cl_nolcfil.
Cog c m_ j[l_ jf[hof fil?
Asasinarea noului Elector?
hnil] ][jof, ]ih]_hnlhô-g [mojl[ cl_nolcfil.
Ajic, ]n ^_ grijuliu jin, f_ mf\_m] f[ `c_][l_
\i][h] j_ lh^. Amn[ _ i hnl_\[l_ f[ ][l_ ho [g amct
h] lmjohmof, [[ ] i i]if_m].
D[l c_ ]og c m_ j[l_? P_hnlo nch_, ][l_ g_l_o [c
`]on nin jimc\cfof m ho lh_nc j_ hcg_hc, ]l_^ ]
nl_\oc_ m `c_ ì[ln_ i][hn.
Sohn ocgcn ] D[s ho `[]_ ^_]n m lc^c]_ ^ch
umeri.
Toate la timpul lor.
Vocea g_n[fc] c moh g[c ôl ^_]n ^_ i\c]_c.
Nc]ci^[n h-[g ]ihmc^_l[n ] nl_\oc_ m igil
mif^[c l_jo\fc][hc. Vl_[o m mjoh ]-c olm], ^[l ho
_c mohn molm[ lofoc. Ec ho `[] ^_]n m olg_t_
il^ch_f_. Co Ef_]nilof, h m]bcg\, mcno[c[ mn
altfel, nu? Nu nco ]_ m tc]< S m][jc ^_ j_lmi[h[
][l_ ]ihô]_ nin mcmn_gof mn[ h_hili]cn gc m_ j[l_ oh
jl_ gc] ^_ jfncn j_hnlo [ jilhc i l_pifoc_. No
crezi?
No jin m ho [^gcl [ncno^ch_[ jlc_n_hofoc g_o. C_
mjoh_ gc m_ j[l_ j_l`_]n fiac]. c ninoc, g hnl_\
^[], h olg ]o ]n_p[ mjnghc, h[chn_ ^_ ni[n_
]n_ fc m-[o hngjf[n ]_fil ^ch `[gcfc[ foc, [l `c
mjom []_f[c fo]lo. No h^lth_m] m [ô] pil\[ ^_mjl_
`[jnof ] c-[g ìmn jl_t_hn[n foc Ah^_h f[ []_f \[f.
E g[c al_o m n_ gj[]c ]o ahôf ] p_c o]c^_ un om
j_ ][l_ ]bc[l f ncc j_lmih[f. c j_ ][l_ f-ai
admirat.
VP - 38
M lia< R_j_n, ho [p_g ^_ [f_m.
D[s mnlha_ ^ch \ot_. nc_ ] ho-i spun exact ce
ah^_m].
Tl_\oc_ m-c `c_ al_o m-f f[c \[fn j_
Ef_]nilof no, ]ihncho _f.
Mchcf_ c [nlh `l pf[a j_ fha nloj.
Eo gc ch jlcpcl_[ h dim c h]_j m-i scot
bocancii.
h ncgj ]_ [_t h]flcf_ ^_ij[ln_, D[s c m]i[n_
d[]b_n[ c h]_j_ m-c ^_m]b_c_ h[mnolcc ^_ f[ p_mn.
Amn[ gc [ô]_ [gchn_ ^_ gig_hnof ]h^ f-[g hnfhcn
jlcg[ ^[n, j_ mnltcf_ ^ch L[e_. P_ pl_g_[ [c[, h
`c_][l_ hi[jn_, c m]in_[ p_mn[ c c-i ^^_[ foc T_mm
][ m i ìfim_[m] j_ jimn ^_ j_lh. Ph [tc, ho f-am
pton hc]ci^[n j_ D[s g\l][n [nn ^_ mog[l. A]og
c ^_m]b_c_ h[mnol_f_ ^_ mom, ^_ f[ ]g[,
dezvelindu-c anof c i j[ln_ ^ch jc_jn. c p^
j[h^[hncpof ^_ f[ an, gih_^[ ^_ îot_]c c ]ch]c ^_
]_hc ^ch Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_, [m]ohm h ][l][m[ h_n_^ ^_
g_n[f. h hnoh_lc]of fchcncn [f p[aihofoc ^_ nl_h,
Day mi-[ jip_mncn ]og n[nf foc [ [ôm-i [][m ^_
undeva, de pe frohn. Doj ]_ c ^_m]b_c_ ofncgof
h[mnol_, m_ ijl_n_ c h]bc^_ i]bcc. Dol_l_[ c _
hncjlcn j_ nin ]bcjof, c[l j_ gch_ cg[ach_[ [mn[ g
m`c_. A]_mn \c[n, ][l_ mn h `[[ g_[, oh jonc
care dintr-i^[n gc j[l_ [nn ^_ pofh_l[\cf, _mn_ ]_f
g[c ]on[n ch`l[]nil ^ch R_jo\fc].
M h^l_jn ^_ mj[n_ c hnch^ gh[ mjl_ ]g[. c
[ncha og_lcc aic. h]_l] m-gc ]ihnlif_t l_mjcl[c[,
m-gc jmnl_t gchn_[ ]f[l, m lgh l[cih[f. D[l,
h pl_g_ ]_ f [don m c m]i[n ]g[[, mcgn ]
fiac][ h]_j_ m-mi joace feste. Trupul lui Day e
gom]ofim c mojfo; ]o _r]_jc[ ]nilp[ ]c][nlc]_,
jc_f_[ c _ moljlchtnil ^_ ][nc`_f[n. Al_ j[nlo
astfel de semne estompate: unul pe piept, altul pe
n[fc_, [jic i fchc_ mo\cl_, jc_tc, ][l_ jilh_n_ ^_
f[ ]f[pc]of[ mnha c m_ ijl_n_ h tih[ ifôfoc
VP - 39
^l_jn, jfom i l[h h ]olm ^_ pch^_][l_, j_ \l[. M
chnoc_n_ ]o jlcpcl_[. E al_o m-l descrii cuiva care
nu l-[ pton: j[l_ _rinc], ho m_[gh ]o hcg_hc, mcgc
] n_ ]ijf__n_. A]og m_ [`f ì[ln_ [jli[j_ ^_ gch_,
[nn ^_ [jli[j_, h]n c jin ^cmncha_ cgj_l`_]coh_[
[]__[ ^ch i]_[hof [f\[mnlo ][l_ _ i]bcof foc mnha.
R_mjcl[c[ c _ `c_l\chn_ c jl_]cjcn[n. Scgn ]og gc
m_ h`c_l\hn i\l[dcc, ^[l ho pl_[o m hnil] ][jof.
Ne-[g \a[n gjl_oh h ]b_mnc[ [mn[, ho? gc
opt_n_ _f. Nic îc< c îl_nc [mn[, ^[?
h hnl_\lcf_ foc m_ abc]_n_ oh m_hncg_hn ^_
pchipc_.
D[, c lmjoh^. Eo [g [f_m ^logof mn[.
D[s g nl[a_ [nn ^_ [jli[j_, h]n h[molcf_ hc m_
ating.
Te iubesc.
c mcgn îlch[ ^ch pi]_ c, ^_ _gic_, chcg[ gc
nl_m[l_ h jc_jn, ^[l, h []_f[c ncgj, j[ln_[
l[cih[f ^ch gch_ g [n_hcih_[t ]ogp[ \[ndi]ilcnil:
E ì[ln_ joch jli\[\cf m `c_ [[. A]og i foh, hc]c
ho nc[ ^_ _rcmn_h[ n[. A[ ] m][j olgni[l_[
l_jfc]:
No, ho g co\_nc. No h].
Day se h]lohn, ^_ j[l] f-[ `c lhcn.
Vil\_m] m_lcim, gc mjoh_ _f ]o \ot_f_ fcjcn_ ^_
ale mele.
N-[g [lg_ m fojn gjinlcp[ [gl]cohcc ^ch pi]_[
foc. c ninoc. Amn_[ mohn î[l ]opchn_f_ ohoc \c[n
gh[n ^_ i îlch nl_]ni[l_. M ìl_t m c
lmjoh^, ^[l pil\_f_ gc hab_[ j_ \ot_. Cog ^_
ji[n_ `c [[ ^_ mcaol? Eo oh[ ho h_f_a ni[n_
m_hncg_hn_f_ [mn_[ hic c ]co^[n_ j_ ][l_ f_ h]_l]
mohn [c]c j_hnlo ] f co\_m] m[o j_hnlo ] c mohn
datoare?
D[s ho gc g[c [n_[jn lmjohmof. gc ghac_
talia, [jic gh[ foc t\ip_n_ j_ mj[n_f_ g_o,
nlahô-g ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c [jli[j_, jh ]h^ [doha
VP - 40
j_ jc]cilof foc h_png[n. I]h_m]. Ajic c fcj_n_
aol[ ^_ \ot_f_ g_f_ hnl_^_m]bcm_. Mh[ c ol] c gc
[ncha_ `[[ c anof; [ncha_l_[ ^_a_n_fil foc _mn_, h
[]_f[c ncgj, [mjl c \fh^. h]_n, c ^_mjlch^_
\ot_f_ ^_ [f_ g_f_ ][ m g mlon_ j_ ]ifof aolcc,
[jic j_ i\l[t c j_ fchc[ g[rcf[lofoc. Pc_jnof g_o _
lipit ferm de al lui, iar coapsa mea atinge
jli_gch_h[ \fh^ [ ifôfoc mo. h]bc^ i]bcc.
Ghôlcf_ gc m_ jc_l^ h\ocn_ ^_ oh b[fio ^_
]fôl. opicof ^_ ^[n_ ]ih]l_n_ ^ch gchn_[ g_[ m_
mnlôc_n_ m [doha f[ mojl[`[.
K[_^_ [ jf_][n ^_ ijn gchon_, ijn_m], ]o
l_mjcl[c[ hnl_nc[n, jlchnl_ mlonlcf_ foc D[s. N_
[n_[jn m h_ hni[l]_g h mo`l[a_lc_ j_mn_ îot_]c
c îo ^_ gchon_.
D[s c gjf_n_n_ ^_a_n_f_ jlch jlof g_o c, ]o
\fh^__, gc nl[a_ ][jof j_ mj[n_, ^_tp_fchô-mi
anof.
L[m-c m h_ [n_jn_, gc ijn_n_.
c mcgn \ot_f_ mlonhô-gc ôf]_ anof fiecare
atingere a lor e g[c [jm[n ^_]n jl_]_^_hn[, g[c
h_l\^ni[l_, g[c chmcmn_hn, g[c `fgh^. Ajic aol[
foc i ][on ^ch hio j_ [ g_[. Pc_l^_ c ofncg[ `lg
^_ [oni]ihnlif, fmhô-m_ h pic[ ohil jilhclc
chmnch]ncp_ c mf\[nc]_. T_ co\_m], chmcmn \ot_f_
foc m g ]ihpcha. Ann ^_ n[l_ g-[g hgoc[n, h]n
mohn j_ joh]nof m g jl\o_m]. Ag g[c mlon[n c
[fc \c_c h nl_]on< ^[l D[s g `[]_ m g mcgn ][
c ]og [l `c jlcg[ i[l. C[ c ]h^ fog_[ m-ar fi
nijcn, jc_lthô-c ni[n cgjiln[h[.
Brusc, Day se desprind_ ^_ gch_ c a_g_ oil, ^_
ôl_l_. f p^ ]og mnlha_ ^ch i]bc, [jic nl[a_ [^h]
[_l h jc_jn, ]onl_golhô-se. Inima mi se zbate cu
jon_l_ h jc_jn. Diai[l_[ ^chnl_ hic m_ lcmcj_n_, c[l
ahôlcf_ gc m_ fcgj_t_m]. gc [gchn_m], h`cilhô-
g, oh^_ mohn_g c ]_ nl_\oc_ m `[]_g. Ucn[m_g c ]
apa curge ][^[ _ [jli[j_ jfch, hnch^ gh[ c
VP - 41
lmo]_m] li\ch_nof. Scgn ^[f_f_ l_]c [f_ ji^_f_c mo\
a_hoh]bc. c nin nlojof gc-_ mnl\non ^_ òlhc]nolc.
Enc jl_ancn? mjoh, h]_l]h^ m-mi revin.
Day h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j, `l oh ]ophn. Mig_hnof
himnlo ^_ j[mcoh_ [ nl_]on; mnlfo]cl_[ ^ch i]bcc foc
s-a domolit.
Tilh h ][^ hcn_ a_f ^_ ô c [acn [j[ jh ]h^
m_ ìlg_[t mjog. Ajic c[o ohof ^chnl_ jlimi[j_f_
[nlh[n_ h \[c_ c-f hìl h dolof taliei lui Day.
A]og olg_[t j[ln_[ mnhd_hcni[l_. D[s \d\c_ j_ mo\
jlimij c-c ^_m]bc^_ j[hn[fihcc, c[l _o f [don m
i-c m]i[n. Plimijof []ij_l nin ]_ nl_\oc_ m lgh
[m]ohm, hm eo nin hnil] jlcpcl_[ hnl-o parte.
f [don j_ D[s care nu mai are pe el nimic altceva
^_]n jlimijof c j[h^[hncpof m m_ lc^c]_ h
jc]ci[l_ c, ôj ]n_p[ h]_l]lc, ct\on_n_ m-c
pl_ jc]cilof mhnim h ][^, ]o [donilof g_o. A]og
_f m_ ji[n_ fm[ oil h [j. Ag alcd m-c ch
jc]cilof lhcn ^_[mojl[. D[s mnlha_ ^ch ^chc, ][ m
ho olf_ ^_ ôl_l_. Ch^, h m`lcn, m_ [[t h ][^,
obrajii i se umezesc de lacrimi.
gc c[ ]ch]cmjl_t_]_ gchon_ m-f mjf j_ ]ilj c j_
][j. Ch^ n_lgch, f [don m m_ lc^c]_, ^[l ch i]bcc
h]bcc jh ]h^ c c[ oh jlimij ]ol[n j_ ][l_ c-l
hì[l h dolof n[fc_c. Ghôf ] [ jon_[ m
^_m]bc^ i]bcc ]bc[l h ]fcj[ [mn[ c m-f p^ aif, h
`[[ g_[, `[]_ mha_f_ m-mi alerge mai repede prin
pch_. Ph f[ olg, ]og [l[n oh \c[n aif? M
_h_lp_[t `[jnof ] g\odil[l_[ g_[ _mn_ pctc\cf.
Apoi momentul s-[ ôm; g[c nl_] ]n_p[ gchon_ jh
l_o_n_ m ]i\i[l_ ^ch ][^ ]o [donilof g_o. Doj
[]__[, jlc_n_hof g_o lgh_ [_t[n j_ ][j[]of
]fim_nofoc, c[l _o g h^l_jn ]nl_ o[ \cc. A\c[
[]og i\m_lp ] ]ch_p[ [ hnl_^_m]bcm-i c h_-[ fm[n
îo ohcìlg_ gcfcn[l_ hic. Sohn mj_]c`c]_ nloj_fil
terestre, cu nasturi cu efigia statului Nevada. Ce
VP - 42
mnl[hco m `co c[l mif^[n l_jo\fc][h. D[l c[o
uniformele.
D[s m]bc_[t oh tg\_n.
M_lmc. C_ \ch_ _ m `cc ]ol[n=
So`_lch[ j[l_ m c l_[ô] h g_gilc_ ]_f_ g[c
ali[thc]_ [gchnclc ^ch ofncg_f_ mjnghc. Ti[n_
_giccf_ c mohn pctc\cf_ j_ ]bcj. A]og tg\_nof c m-a
hdogncn. E ][ c ]og [jli[j_ ni[n `_lc]cl_[ foc
D[s [ ^cmjlon h hi[jn_[ h ][l_ f-a pierdut pe John,
c[l ^ch _[ ho [ g[c lg[m ^_]n i `lhnol j_ ][l_ i
jmnl_[t, h ]_[ g[c g[l_ j[ln_, j_hnlo E^_h c T_mm.
h m_]l_n, mj_l ] _rcmn i jlnc]c] c j_hnlo gch_.
ntoarce-n_ ]o mj[n_f_ c g\l[]-n_, c mjoh. c
[n_[jn-g [`[l. O m g gc] l_j_^_.

N_ hni[l]_g h mo`l[a_lc_, ]o i hnltc_l_ ^_ [jn_
minute. Razor c K[_^_ h_ [n_[jn. T_mm mn mchaol
j_ oh ]if [f ][h[j_f_c, ]o a_hoh]bcc [ôc h ^l_jnof
\l\c_c. N_ jlcp_n_ ]o i _rjl_mc_ jl_][on. O m_]oh^
g[c nltco, mcgn [lig ^_ joc f[ ]ojnil, ]o ][lni`c.
O]bcc gc òa mjl_ g[m, ^_ oh^_ h_ g\c_ j[nlo
`[lòlcc jfch_ ]o gh][l_, [l[hd[n_ `logim. h]_l] m
ho gc nl^_t ì[g_[, ^[l mnig[]of gc ]bcilc_.
Er]_f_hn, _r]f[g Razor, molthô-ne; privirea
foc hnltc_ [mojl[ g_[. C_ \ch_ [ln[c [ghîc=
Ajic m_ hni[l]_ mjl_ D[s c ]f[nch ^ch ][j.
Ag ]ig[h^[n m hc m_ [ô] hcn_ gh][l_, ^[l,
j_hnlo ] no i m `cc ij_l[n h olgni[l_f_ il_,
nl_\oc_ m [c mnig[]of aif. gc j[l_ lo, nco ]
nl_\oc_ m-c `c_ ì[g_. Joh_, n_ lia m n_ m_lp_nc=
c D[s _ ]o i]bcc f[ gncare.
Mchoh[n, gilgc_ _f.
M [fnol ]_filf[fc f[ g[m, h ncgj ]_ jlc_n_hof
g_o m_ hnch^_ j_ ][h[j_[, h ]_[ g[c ]ihìln[\cf
jitcc_ h ][l_ ji[n_ mn[. D[o m gc c[o `[lòlc[ c
m g ô] m g [_t fha _f, ^[l T_mm `[]_ [mn[
h[chn_[ g_[ c m_ ]oc\l_n_ j_ g[lach_[ ][h[j_f_c,
VP - 43
[mn`_f h]n mj[n_f_ m c m_ fcj_[m] ^_ D[s. h ncgj
]_ ghh] h n]_l_, f[ g[m, gjl_oh ]o Razor c
K[_^_, [loh], ^ch ]h^ h ]h^, ]n_ i jlcpcl_ mjl_
][h[j_[. D[s c T_mm ^cm]on c l^ ]o `[gcfc[lcn[n_[
oamenilor cal_ m_ nco ^_ [hc \ohc. M ]ih]_hnl_t
[mojl[ gh]lcc, ^_c mlon[l_[ ^ch \[c_ gc [l^_ h]
buzele.
Ag hogl[n h ah^ ]ch]c gchon_ jh ]_, h m`lcn,
Razor c[ i aol ^_ \onol c m_ f[m j_ mj[n_. f
olgl_m] ]o [n_hc_, h] hnl_\hô-g ^_ ]_ ohof
^chnl_ fc^_lcc P[nlcicfil, _òf oh_c alojlc j_ ][l_
hnin^_[oh[ [g [mi]c[n-i c^_cc ^_ \lon[fcn[n_, _ [nn
de politicos.
Dighci[l Ij[lcm, gc mjoh_ _f, ]n ^_ gofn_ ncc
despre noul nostru Elector?
Scutur din cap:
M n_g ] ho jl_[ gofn_.
Lha gch_, K[_^_ jo`h_n_ j_ h[m, ^[l ]ihncho m
hòf_]_.
Dar l-[c ]ohim]on, chmcmn Razor, m]ih^ f[
fogch fo]lof j_ ][l_ _o mj_l[g m-f ch [m]ohm. h
m_[l[ []__[, f[ \[fof ila[hct[n j_hnlo ml\nilcl_[
][jnollcc foc D[s. c-[ mlon[n gh[. Cil_]n?
Prietehof g_o c hnl_loj_ ]ihp_lm[c[ ]o T_mm. M
l_jfc_t h ^_`_hmcp.
Razor hm ho j[l_ m gc m_mct_t_ ^cm]ihìlnof.
Ah^_h Sn[plijiofim _ oh nhl chn_l_m[hn, ]ihncho
_f. Rjim[nof Ef_]nil f co\_[ ì[ln_ n[l_. A]og ]
Anden e Elector, senatorii nu se scgn ni]g[c h f[laof
fil. M[m_f_ mohn òlci[m_ c ho f_ j[m hc]c ]n h_alo
mo\ ohabc_ ^[] Ah^_h _mn_ [fn`_f ^_]n jl_]_^_hnof
Ef_]nil. Ih^c`_l_hn ^_ ^cm]olmolcf_ j_ ][l_ f_ p[ ch_
][ m f_ `[] j_ jf[], i[g_hcc ho pil p_^_[ h _f
[fn]_p[ ^_]n oh ch^cpcd bogat, care habar n-are cum
m f_ [fch_ mo`_lch_f_. Sohn jilhcc gjinlcp[ foc,
j_hnlo ] [ j_lgcm bcnocl_[ foc D[s c _r_]oc[ foc,
j_hnlo ] ho [ [pon hc]ci i\c_]c_ gjinlcp[
VP - 44
jifcnc]cfil n[nfoc mo, hc]c gjinlcp[ `[jnofoc ] [
ìmn jom i l_]igj_hm j_ ][jof foc Joh_< c fcmn[
]ihncho. D_òh]nof Ef_]nil c ]ihnlif[ [lg[n[ ]o i
gh ^_ `c_l. h Ah^_h i[g_hcc p^ î[l oh jlchcil
][l_ [l_ [hm[ m []]_[^ f[ jon_l_ c m ^_pch i
]ijc_ [ n[nfoc mo. A]_mn_[ mohn mf\c]cohcf_ j_ ][l_
pl_g m f_ _rjfi[ng c [[ [doha_g f[ jf[hof himnlo.
S_ j[l_ ] ncc i alg[^ ^_ fo]lolc ^_mjl_
nhlof Ef_]nil. D_ [m_g_h_[, m_ j[l_ ] ncc i
alg[^ ^_ fo]lolc ^_mjl_ ]__[ ]_ m-[ hngjf[n f[
\[f, c lmjoh^.
No jin m gc g[c l_jlcg momjc]cohcf_.
Pl_mojoh ] [mn[ m_ ^[nil_[t `[jnofoc ] c no [c
ìmn chpcn[n []ifi h m_[l[ l_mj_]ncp. hm_[gh ]
_nc i`c_l l_jo\fc][h, ^[l ]o oh al[^ ho mo`c]c_hn ^_
h[fn ][ m `cc jlcgcn h [o^c_h f[ Ef_]nil.
Sno^c_t ]ipi[l_f_ \ia[n_ c ][nc`_f[n_ ^ch ][g_l c
blaturile din granit.
mn[ _ ^_ `[jn [j[ln[g_hnof no ^_ m_lpc]co, ho?
Razor pare cumva deranjat de aprecierea privitoare
f[ al[ôf mo (][ ^_ i\c]_c, ho [g chn_hcih[n ][
pil\_f_ g_f_ m moh_ dcahcnil), ^[l nl_]_ l_j_^_ j_mn_
[]_mn fo]lo, lth^.
V^ ] `[ ^_ nch_ ho pic jon_[ m ch m_]l_n_.
Enc i `[n ^_im_\cn. Ec \ch_, hog_f_ g_o [^_pl[n
este Andrew DeSini. Sohn ]ig[h^[hn c ]ihô] nl_c
^chnl_ j[nlof_f_ ][jcn[f_c. P[nlcicc mohn ]_c ][l_
mi-[o ^[n hog_f_ ]ihmjcl[ncp. M i]oj ^_ ila[hct[l_[
misiunilor acestora de mai bine de zece ani.
c D[s, c T_mm f [m]ofn []og ]o gofn chn_l_m.
Enc i`c_l l_jo\fc][h, l_j_n D[s nof\ol[n, `l
m c c[ i]bcc ^_ f[ Razor. Un comandant din
][jcn[f. Hg< D_ ]_ c [doc j_ P[nlcic?
Razor h]opcch_[t ]o i gc][l_ ^ch ][j, [_thô-
c ]i[n_f_ j_ g[m c fcjchô-c j[fg_f_ oh[ ^_
]_[f[fn.
VP - 45
Pl_mojoh ] [l nl_\oc m h]_j jlch [ p ^[
^_n[fcc ]o jlcpcl_ f[ giôf h ][l_ òh]cih_[t
hnl_[a[ mnlo]nol. E[ _rcmn ^_ [jlircg[ncp nl_ct_]c
^_ [hc. L[ h]_jon, _l[ oh aloj ^_zorganizat de
l_\_fc. h ofncgcc ]ch]cmjl_t_]_ [hc, m-au mobilizat
h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ ]l_[ i mnlo]nol c ^_ [-c ^_`chc
][ot[ j_hnlo ][l_ fojn.
Dch ]n_ nco _o, p_hcl_[ foc Razor a transformat
totul, intervine Kaede. Liderii se schimbau tot
timpul, ial ìhôlcf_ _l[o g_l_o i jli\f_g. D[nilcn
f_anolcfil foc Razor ]o Cifihccf_, [g h]_jon m
jlcgcg g[c gofc \[hc ][ hc]ci^[n.
gc [gchn_m] ], hnl-[^_pl, h ofncgcc îc [hc,
[n[]olcf_ P[nlcicfil ^ch Lim Aha_f_m c-au dat lui
M_nc[m g[c gofn \n[c_ ^_ ][j ^_]n ^_ i\c]_c.
Razor [jli\ ^ch ][j ]opchn_f_ foc K[_^_.
N_ fojng m ohcg Cifihccf_ c R_jo\fc][, m
l_[ô]_g afilc[ ^_ [fn ^[n [ Sn[n_fil Uhcn_.
O]bcc c m]hn_c[t binlc.
c mohn_g ^cmjoc m `[]_g ilc]_ ][ m h_ [ncha_g
_fof.
Vechile Sn[n_ Uhcn_< D[s gc-[ jig_hcn ^_ _f_ ]h^ [g
fugit din Lim Aha_f_m, ^_c j_ [noh]c _l[g h]
m]_jnc] h jlcpch[ [mn[. A]og fo]lolcf_ ho g[c mn[o
[[.
Cog òh]cih_[t ila[hct[c[? f hnl_\.
c olglcg j_ ]_c ][l_ [o n[f_hn_f_ c [\cfcncf_
de care [p_g h_pic_ c h]_l]g m-c l_]long, gc
lmjoh^_ Razor. D_ i\c]_c, ncg ]og m-i convingem,
^_c, h ][tof ohil[, ôl_[t ]_p[ g[c gofn.
F[]_ i j[ot ][ m-c h]fch_ j[b[lof h ^cl_]c[
lui Day.
Sohn ]ihmc^_l[n ohof ^chnl_ fc^_lcc P[nlcicfil.
Suntem î[l ]cp[ ]o mn[nonof mn[. Lo]lg ^ch
chn_lcil c jl_ancg gcmcohcf_ l_\_fcfil. K[_^_, [c]c
^_ `[, _ jcfin.
VP - 46
K[_^_ `fonol i gh, h ncgj ]_ ]ihncho m \[a_ h
ea.
Ni s-[ [fnol[n ôj ]_ [ ìmn _rg[nlc]of[n ^_ f[
A][^_gc[ Fil_fil A_lc_h_ ^ch Cilonii. Chirurgul lui
D[s _ g_^c], c[l nhl[ hi[mnl T_mm _ g_^c] h
^_p_hcl_. M[c [p_g c fojnnilc, ]igcmcih[lc, mjcihc,
b[]e_lc, ^[g_ ^_ ]igj[hc_< P_ nch_, Joh_, n_-[ nl_]_
h lhôlcf_ fojnnilcfil, ^_c [\cfcncf_ n[f_ n_
l_]ig[h^ c j_hnlo [fn_ ][n_ailcc. I[l D[s, `cl_n_,
e cel mai bun comisionar pe care l-[g pton pl_i^[n.
Razor mol^_ c c n_lgch \onol[.
T_bhc] pil\ch^, pic îc [l nl_\oc m ch[oaol[c i
][n_ailc_ ^_ mch_ mnnni[l_. A ]_f_\lcncfil. h
`_fof mn[ i m h_ `cc ^_ ]_f g[c g[l_ ìfim c
tocmai de aceea nu v-[g [loh][n h[jic h mnl[^.
C_ `logim ^ch j[ln_[ n[, c ^ l_jfc][ D[s. C[l_ _
planul?
Razor `[]_ oh a_mn ]nl_ gch_.
Mai devreme, te-[g hnl_\[n ]n ^_ gofn_ ncc
despre Electorul nostru. Azi mi-[o nl_]on hcn_
tpiholc j_ f[ ol_]b_. S_ mjoh_ ] Ah^_h [ ìmn ì[ln_
impresionat de tine la bal. Cineva l-[ [otcn hnl_\h^
^[] ho m-[l jon_[ m `cc nl[hm`_l[n f[ i j[nlof ^ch
][jcn[f. Ccl]of ]bc[l tpihof ] pic[ m n_
chmnloc[m] j_hnlo lifof ^_ pccnil Plch]_jm [f
Senatului.
Viitor Princeps?
Cf[nch ^ch ][j, ]ijf_cn ^_ []_[mn j_lmj_]ncp.
Pli\[\cf ] _ î[l oh tpih. Nc]c g][l t_]_ [hc ^_
instruire nu mi-ar fi de-[dohm ][ m `co jl_ancn
pentru asta.
La auzul cuvintelor mele, Razor ct\o]h_n_ h lm.
Ce e oh Plch]_jm? chn_lpch_ D[s, c[l h af[mof foc
m_ mcgn_ i oh^ ^_ clcn[l_. No nic mohn_g hcn_
]ohim]nilc [nn ^_ \ohc [c ila[hctlcc c_l[lbc]_ [
Republicii.
VP - 47
E fc^_lof S_h[nofoc, f fgol_n_ Razor relaxat,
`l m-f jlcp_[m]. E [abcin[hnof Ef_]nilofoc.
Ahnc][g_l[ jon_lcc c, oh_ilc, ]bc[l g[c gofn. A[ m-a
hngjf[n [^_m_[, ôj ]_c t_]_ [hc ^_ chmnlocl_
obligatorie. De altfel, mama lui Anden a fost ultimul
Princeps.
Ihmnch]ncp, [loh] i jlcpcl_ mjl_ D[s. Snlha_ ^ch
^chc, _ ]lcmj[n, c[l []_mn_ ^_n[fcc gc mjoh ] [l
jl_`_l[ m ho nc_ ]_ jl_l_ [l_ Ef_]nilof ^_mjl_ gch_
m[o ^[] g p_^_ ^l_jn pccni[l_[ foc j[ln_h_l. gc
dreg glasul.
Zvonurile astea sunt exagerate, insist eu, pentru
] ^cm]oc[ g `[]_ m g mcgn f[ `_f ^_ ch]ihìln[\cf
][ c D[s. Cbc[l ^[] [l `c [^_pl[n, [ `c î[l ohof
^chnl_ ][h^c^[cc f[ òh]c[ ^_ Plch]_jm c jin m p
a[l[hn_t ] ]_cf[fc [l `c [f_c ^chnl_ m_h[nilcc ]o
_rj_lc_h. D[l ]og [c ^_ ah^ m n_ ìfim_nc ^_
chìlg[c[ [mn[ h jf[hof no jlcpcnil f[ [m[mch[n?
Crezi ] i m<
K[_^_ g hnl_loj_, lth^ taiginim.
Te-[c licn, Ij[lcm, gc mjoh_. c mol^_ c^__[
] Ah^_h m-[ h^laimncn ^_ nch_?
Nu! exclam eu, un pic cam prea repede.
Scgn ]og h]_j_ m-gc [l^ `[[, ^_c mohn ^_mnof ^_
mcaol ] _ ^ch ][ot[ clcnlcc pe care mi-o produce
Kaede.
L[ h[c\[, ho g[c `c [[ ^_ [lia[hn= gc mjoh_.
Ah^_h _ oh ncj [lnim, ][l_ ^_ch_ gofn jon_l_ c [l_
^_ oh^_ [f_a_< E hilg[f m n_ mcgc `f[n[n. Sohn
]ihpchm ] D[s h_f_a_<
Razor g m]on_n_ ^_ oh lmjohm, h]lohnhô-se la
ea.
K[_^_= T_ lia<
F[n[ m_ \imog`f c c h^l_[jn ^ch hio [n_hc[
[mojl[ gh]lcc. Eo g ocn mjl_ ][h[j_[. D[s c
[chn_n_ i]bcc h n[p[h. Doj i m]oln j[ot, Razor
]ihncho:
VP - 48
Nc]c g][l []og Ah^_h ho ji[n_ m `c_ mcaol ] nin
]_ [c `]on gjinlcp[ R_jo\fc]cc [ ìmn chn_hcih[n.
Dch chìlg[ccf_ j_ ][l_ f_ [l_ ji[n_ \hoc ] [c ìmn
fo[n imn[nc] [noh]c ]h^ [ _p[^[n D[s. S[o ] [c
ìmn ìl[n m c n_ [fnolc foc D[s. Ercmn
mo`c]c_hn_ h_]ohim]on_ h mcno[c[ [mn[ j_hnlo ][ _f
m chmcmn_ ][ aop_lhof m n_ nl_[] h lhôf
j_lmi[h_fil ^cmjlon_ c ho h ]_f [f nl^nilcfil, [f
]_fil ]on[c ^_ [onilcnc. I^__[ _ olgni[l_[: Ah^_h
_ chn_l_m[n ^_ nch_ c [mn[ hm_[gh ] f jic
ch`fo_h[.
D_]c pl_c m g hnil] ^_ oh^_ [g p_hcn? f
hnl_\.
Cupchn_f_ g_f_ lmoh ^_ j[l] [l `c hmicn_ ^_
_]io. Co ]i[^[ i]bcofoc, i p^ j_ T_mm ìchô-se pe
][h[j_[, ]o oh [_l h_gofogcn. Bot_f_ c nl_gol ^ch
pricina cuvintelor nerostite.
Razor ]ihmcgn_ ]o i gc][l_ ^ch ][j.
Er[]n. L[ h]_jon pic[g m ìfim_m] spioni din
lhôf j[nlof_fil g_f_ l_jo\fc][h_ ][ m g [jlijcc ^_
Ah^_h, ^[l []og [p_g i [fn_lh[ncp g[c \oh. P_ nch_.
To c p_c mjoh_ Ef_]nilofoc ] P[nlcicc pil h]_l][
m-f o]c^, ^[l jf[hof j_ ][l_ c-l vei expune va fi
`[fm. h ncgj ]_ ni[n fog_[ me va concentra asupra
foc, hic pig chcc[ [n[]of ]ihìlg jf[hofoc l_[f.
_fof himnlo ho _ î[l m-f igilg j_ Ah^_h, ]c m
lc^c]g hnl_[a[ [l gjinlcp[ foc, [mn`_f h]n
l_acgof l_jo\fc][h m `c_ ]igjligcm ]bc[l c h ][tof
h ][l_ jf[hof himnlo _o_[t. Amn[ _ ]__[ ]_ jon_c
face voi doi pentru noi. Am primit rapoarte conform
]lil[, h olgni[l_f_ îo mjnghc, hiof Ef_]nil p[
p_hc j_ `lihn, ][ m m_ joh f[ ]ol_hn ]o ]_f_ g[c
l_]_hn_ chìlg[cc c m jlcg_[m] l[jilnof ]ifih_cfil
m-i Dirijabilul AR Dynasty va decola spre front
gch_, f[ jlcg_f_ il_ [f_ [gc_tcc, c ni[n_
^_n[[g_hn_f_ g_f_ m_ pil [`f[ f[ \il^. D[s m_ p[
g\[l][ gjl_oh ]o gch_, K[_^_ c T_mm. Nic pig
VP - 49
ila[hct[ [^_pl[nof ]igjfin, c[l no f p_c [nl[a_ j_
Ah^_h ^cl_]n h ]olm.
Razor c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_ c h_ [n_[jn
l_[]ccf_.
h m`lcn, D[s c l_am_n_ pi]_[.
P_hnlo Joh_, i m `c_ _rnl_g ^_ j_lc]ofim, mjoh_
_f, h^l_jnhô-m_ j_ ][h[j_[. Cog jic m `cc mcaol
], ôj ]_ [lg[n[ i p[ jlch^_, p[ `c ôm h `[[
Electorului? D_ oh^_ ncc ] ho pil h]_j_, jol c
mcgjfo, m i nilnol_t_, ][ m mni[l] chìlg[cc ^_ f[
ea?
Ac h]l_^_l_ h gch_= nco ]og m _pcn mcno[c[
asta. N-[g ocn[n hc]c ^_ `l[n_f_ no< D[] Joh_
l_o_n_ m chnl_ h ]_l]of [jlijc[cfil Ef_]nilofoc,
e posibif m [`f_ ]bc[l _[ oh^_ m_ [`f E^_h.
L[ [otof pil\_fil mnil[, i]bcc foc D[s m_
fogch_[t, c[l T_mm f mnlha_ ^_ ogl.
Cn ^_mjl_ nch_, D[s, h-[g g[c pton [[ oh
][n[fct[nil [f g[m_fil ]og _nc no. ncc ] gi^[
pijmclcc oh_c opc_ ^_ jl h ]ofi[l_[ lic_ [
^_p_hcn, j_mn_ hi[jn_, i [^_pl[n ^_]f[l[c_
jifcnc]? ]bc]in_n_ Razor. Amn[ hm_[gh m [c
jon_l_. Cl_^ ] [c []og f[ `_f ^_ gofn ch`fo_h ][
Ef_]nilof. Pi[n_ ]bc[l g[c gofn. D[] l_ocg m amcg
i ][f_ m h_ ìfimcg ^_ `[cg[ n[ j_hnlo [-i mobiliza
pe oameni, la momentul asasinatului, Congresul va fi
ch][j[\cf m g[c ijl_[m] l_pifoc[.
c ]_ [hog_ [c ^_ ah^ ]o l_pifoc[ [mn[? f
]b_mncih_[t D[s.
Razor m_ [jf_[] h `[, c[l j_ ]bcj c [j[l_ i
_rjl_mc_ binln, \[ ]bc[l jfch ^_ mj_l[h.
Vl_c m ncc ^_ ]_ g-[g [fnol[n P[nlcicfil? Dch
[]_f_[c gincp_ j_hnlo ][l_ no [c []cih[n gjinlcp[
R_jo\fc]cc. Ec nco ]n ^_ gofn [c mo`_lcn, ]o nicc
[g pton ]_ m[]lc`c]cc [c `]on j_hnlo `[gcfc[ n[ c
nin ]bchof j_ ][l_ [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc c f-au
jlc]chocn. Joh_, [g pton ]n [c mo`_lcn c no,
VP - 50
]ihncho Razor, h]fchh^ ][jof mjl_ gch_, c[l _o g
]lcmj_t: ho pl_[o m gc m_ l_[gchn_[m] ]_ c m-a
hngjf[n foc M_nc[m. hnl_[a[ n[ `[gcfc_ [ ìmn
^cmnlom ^_ h[coh_[ j_ ][l_ ]h^p[ [c co\cn-o. Am
pi_lôn clof ]_fil ][l_ hc m-[o [fnol[n ^ch gincp_
similare.
D[s c-[ hnilm c[l jlcpcl_[ mjl_ n[p[h ^ch gig_hnof
h ][l_ Razor a adus vorba despre familia lui. Nu
jfha_, ^[l, ]h^ T_mm f c[ ^_ gh, c mnlha_
j[fg[ h dolof ^_a_n_fil _c.
Lumea de dih]ifi ^_ al[hc_f_ R_jo\fc]cc ho _
j_l`_]n, ^[l []ifi _rcmn hnl-[^_pl fc\_lnc c
ijilnohcnc, c[l nin ]__[ ]_ hic nl_\oc_ m `[]_g
_mn_ m fmg []_[mn fogch m [doha c h [l[
hi[mnl. R_jo\fc][ _mn_ h jl[aof nl[hmìlglcc; _
nevoie doar de un impuls.
Razor m_ lc^c] j_ dogn[n_ ^ch m][oh c c ô]_
gh[ f[ jc_jn.
Nic jon_g ^[ []_mn cgjofm. R_pifoc[ p[ ô]_ f[
jl\ocl_[ R_jo\fc]cc, c[l hic, gjl_oh ]o Cifihccf_,
jon_g joh_ mnjhcl_ j_ _[ c i jon_g l_]f^c ]ihìlg
ohoc jf[h gl_. Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_ pil l_h[n_. O[g_hcc
pil nlc fc\_lc. D[s, `lcilof no p[ ]l_n_ hnl-o
fog_ g[c \oh. M_lcn m h_ lcm]g pc_cf_. M_lcn m
murim pentru asta. Nu-c [[?
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] pil\_f_ foc Razor [o [nchm i ]i[l^
m_hmc\cf h mo`f_nof foc D[s, ]]c c-[o [ôm h i]bc
i mnlfo]cl_ [ ]l_c chn_hmcn[n_ g ocg_n_.
E ]_p[ j_hnlo ][l_ g_lcn m gilc, tc]_ jlc_n_hof
meu.
c _o [l nl_\oc m `co _hnotc[mg[n. hm, ho nco
^_ ]_, ]bc[l c []og, ahôf ] R_jo\fc][ [l jon_[ `c
^cmnlom gc chô]_ i mn[l_ ^_ al_[. Pi[n_ ] mohn
h] hî]nlch[n ôj [nc[ [hc h ][l_ c^_ifiac[
l_jo\fc][h gc-[ ìmn \a[n j_ an. S_hncg_hnof hm
j_lmcmn, hmicn ^_ oh p[f ^_ loch_ c ^_ ol ^_
sine.
VP - 51
Tin ]_ gc _l[ `[gcfc[l [ ^cmjlon.
VP - 52
4. DAY
Di]nilc[ c `[]_ [j[lcc[ ôj gc_tof hijcc,

[acnhô-m_ j_ gon_n_. M jl_an_n_. Razor nln_ i
g[m ^ch mo`l[a_lc_ hnl-unul din dormitoarele mai
gc]c, oh^_, h ]ifolc, mohn ^_jitcn[n_ g[f^l_ ^_
cutii cu provizii de toate felurile bl[h, ]oc_,
[al[`_ ^_ blnc_, \cî[h_ ^_ [j, ni[n_ fo]lolcf_ f[
care te-[c jon_[ ah^c mohn []ifi. Di]nilc[ c K[_^_
hnch^ j_ dim i ìfc_ ali[m ^_ jf[mnc]. Ajic g f_[a
^_ g[m ]o hcn_ ]ol_f_. Doj ][l_ mohn jl_ancn_ ]o
alcd chmnlog_hn_f_ g_n[fc]_. Pc]cilof gc-e expus.
Sha_l_[t. h nin ncgjof mn[, Joh_ mn fha gch_ c
i jlcp_n_ j_ î]nilc, ][ c ]h^ mojl[p_ab_l_[ _c
p[ jl_p_hc ilc]_ al__[f j_ ][l_ ][^lof g_^c][f [l
putea s-i `[]. Eo [n_jn h_l\^nil. Fc_][l_ ]fcj
][l_ nl_]_ g [ô]_ g[c [jli[j_ ^_ amcl_[ foc E^_h.
De fiecare ^[n ]h^ g ah^_m] f[ _f, pil\_f_ foc
Razor g lm]if_m]. No nco ]_ m ]l_^< Pi[n_ ] [l `c
nl_\ocn m g [fnol P[nlcicfil ]o [hc h olg.
h ][fcn[n_[ _c ^_ [mcmn_hn, T_mm li\in_n_
_`c]c_hn jlch h]j_l_. Doj ]_ m-[ mjf[n, c nl[a_
j_ gchc i j_l_]b_ ^_ ghoc, [jic c hnch^_
î]nilc_c chmnlog_hn_f_, c[l ]h^ ho [l_ hcgc] ^_
`]on, jol c mcgjfo olgl_n_ ]ih]_hnl[n jli]_ôl[.
It\on_n_ m-i _pcn_ j_ Joh_. Dch _rjl_mc[ _c gc ^[o
m_[g[ ] _ ì[ln_ nof\ol[n, ^[l ho mo`f i pil\. D_-
a lungul cih_c, ]n [ mn[n j_ ][h[j_[ fha gch_, [g
^cm]on[n ì[ln_ l_f[r[c, ^[l []og ]_p[ m-a schimbat
hnl_ hic îc. No-gc ^[o m_[g[ ]_ [hog_. D[] h-[ nc
]og mn[o fo]lolcf_, [ jon_[ tc]_ ] T_mm _
h^laimncn ^_ gch_. D[l mn[ _ oh ah^ [[ ^_ \ct[l,
] gc-l h^_jln_t l[jc^ ^ch gchn_. T_mm _, jl[]nc],
mil[ g_[ g[c gc], `_nc[ il`[h ^ch m_]nilof Ncg[<
VP - 53
Ann î[l ] ho g[c _ i `_nc. A]og c^_hnc`c] j_
chipul ei semne ]f[l_ ^_ g[nolct[l_: ho g[c _ [[ ^_
\o]f[n, i\l[dcc j[l] c mohn g[c mojc, c[l i]bcc
nu g[c mohn [[ ^_ g[lc j_ ]n c nc[g. M hnl_\ ^_
ce n-[g m_mct[n m]bcg\lcf_ [mn_[ g[c ^_pl_g_. N-a
ìmn h_pic_ ^_]n ^_ ]n_p[ mjnghc ^_ ^_mjlcl_
j_hnlo ][ _f_ m-gc ^_pch _pc^_hn_. Pli\[\cf ] mohn
][g n[l_ ^_ ][j<
R_mjcl, [o^ fha gch_ pi]_[ foc June, care trage
[^h] [_l h jc_jn, ][ j_hnlo [-gc [ln[ ]og m_ `[]_.
R_hoh m g[c h]_l] m ^_tf_a gcmn_lof ][l_ i
h]ihdi[l j_ T_mm c gc ^[o m_[g[ ] gc ch_[g
lmo`f[l_[.
ncc ]n i m ôl_t_? i hnl_\ j_ June.
Scgchô-gc n_hmcoh_[ ^ch pi]_, g \[n_ ool_f j_
gh, ][ m g fchcn_[m]. I[l j_ gch_ g h]_[l] oh
m_hncg_hn ^_ pch. D[] h-[ `c ìmn _o, June ar fi
[]og h ^log mjl_ Cifihcc.
Cn_p[ il_, gc lmjoh^_.
Ajic n[]_, ]]c f p_^_ j_ Razor foh^-o deoparte pe
î]nilc. S_ `[]_ jf[n[ [jic h_f_a_l_[ m_ h]b_c_
]o i mnlha_l_ ^_ gchc. T_mm i [don j_ î]nilc m-
c joh g[m][, ôj ][l_ gc `[]_ m_gh ] ninof _ h
l_aof. June ]i\i[l ^ch hio i]bcc mjl_ gch_.
De ce nu mi-[c mjom ] f-ai cunoscut pe Elector? o
hnl_\ h i[jn. Vil\_[c ^_mjl_ _f ][ ^_mjl_ oh
mnlch.
Cbc[l _ oh mnlch j_hnlo gch_.
June [n_[jn i m_]oh^, ][ c ]h^ m-[l ah^c ^_
îo ilc f[ ]_ olg_[t m mjoh.
Pol c mcgjfo h-[g pton ]_ m_hm [p_[ m-c tc]
asta. Nu-l cunosc de-[^_pl[n_f_[ c ho mcgn hcgc]
pentru el.
R_g_gil_t mlonof himnlo ^ch \[c_, [jic jilnl_nof
hiofoc Ef_]nil c gc-i h]bcjoc j_ June g[c g[nol,
mnhô-c [fnolc, h ][fcn[n_ ^_ pccnil Plch]_jm [f
S_h[nofoc. L[ \l[of ]_foc g[c \ia[n \l\[n ^ch
VP - 54
R_jo\fc]. I[l _o ]ch_ mohn? Uh joha[ d_aim, oh
p[a[\ih^ ]o îo \[h]hin_ h \otoh[l. c gc h]bcjoc
] i pic jon_[ `[]_ j_ `[n[ [mn[ m lgh ]o gch_
ôj ]_ [g j_nl_]on î[l ]n_p[ mjnghc gjl_oh?=
h jfom, m_ j[l_ ] [g jc_lôn ^ch p_^_l_ `[jnof ]
June apalch_ oh_c `[gcfcc ^_ _fcn ], j_ pl_g_[
]h^ _o m]ilgih_[g ôj l_mnolc ^_ gh][l_ jlch
tomberoanele din Lake, ea participa la petreceri
mcg[h^c]i[m_ c \[h]b_n_ ]o j_lmi[h_ ^ch []_f_[c
]_l]olc ][ nhlof Ef_]nil. S `c_ [mn[ jlcg[ ^[n
]h^ gc-o imagch_t h ]igj[hc[ ohil \l\[c ^ch _fcn[
l_jo\fc][h? Dchnl-i^[n, g mcgn ][ ofncgof `l[c_l
`cch^] c-[g mjom ] i co\_m]. D_ j[l] [ jon_[ m i
`[] m m_ h^laimn_[m] ^_ gch_ ][ c ]og [l `c i
`[n ^_ lh^, ^_ j_ mnl[^. Olc]og, _[ ho gc-[ mjom ]
g co\_n_.
Ph f[ olg ^_ ]_-gc j[m? N-[l nl_\oc m mo`l [[
^_ n[l_. S[o [l nl_\oc? O[l_ ho _rcmn fo]lolc g[c
cgjiln[hn_ h f_anol ]o ][l_ m-mi fac griji?
M_^c]of m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ gch_. Joh_ g mnlha_ ^_
gh; ho gc pch_ m-i dau drumul. June chiar este
dintr-i [fn fog_, c ninoc, [ l_hoh[n f[ nin j_hnlo
mine. Uneori iau asta ca pe un lucru de la sine
h_f_m, hm g hnl_\ ]og ^_ [g noj_of m g
hîc_m] ^_ _[, ]h^ ho m_ `_l_n_ ^_ hc]coh j_lc]if
^_ ^l[aof g_o. Al jon_[ ì[ln_ oil m g jlm_[m].
D[l ho i `[]_. Eo [g [f_m ^logof mn[, gc-a spus.
M_lmc, c tc].
Amn[ _ nin ]_ ct\on_m] m limn_m].
Joh_ m_ ocn f[ gch_, ôj ][l_ g mlon oil j_
buze.
Tinof i m m_ n_lgch_ ]n [c ]fcjc. c [jic i m
jic m _m][f[^_tc ]f^clc c m alergi pe ziduri la
`_f ^_ l_j_^_ ][ h[chn_.
M[c hnltc_ i ]fcj, ôj ][l_ m_ lc^c] h
jc]ci[l_ c f_ `[]_ m_gh ^ch ][j î]nilc_c c foc
T_mm. Ajic jf_[].
VP - 55
h]bc^ i]bcc c nl[a [_l h jc_jn, ]onl_golhô-g.
Di]nilc[ m_ [jlijc_. Dch ohabcof mn[, ho i p^ j_
T_mm. Ec, ilc]n ^_ al_[ [l `c ij_l[c[, ho ji[n_ m
î[l g[c gofn ^_]n [noh]c ]h^ [g ìmn gjo][n h
picior, nu?
Di]nilc[ gc []ij_l aol[ ]o i ]lj og_^. h]_j
m jfon_m] jlchnl-oh noh_f foha c hnoh_]im.
S]hn_c. Agchnclc ]_ pch ^_ ^_j[rte.
Sn[o ]o Jibh f[ g[m[ hi[mnl gc] ^ch mo`l[a_lc_.
Sohn_g m]f^[c h fogch[ jfjcni[l_ [ nl_c foghlc.
Eo [g hio [hc. Ef, j[cmjl_t_]_. M[m[ m_ ]f[nch f[
`_f ][ hnin^_[oh[ unul dintre picioare e atins de
jonl_tc]coh_ c [jli[j_ ] ho nl_]_ foh h ][l_ m ho
\[n_g ]n_ oh ]oc m[o ]n_ i j[h ^ch ][lnih ôl h _f
][ m-c jl_fohacg pc[[. h `[[ foc Jibh mn ^_m]bcm
i ][ln_ ali[m. Cih]_hnl[l_[ f `[]_ m mn_[
h]lohn[n. M[c ]cn_n_ oh lh^, m_ h]ol] f[ îo
]opchn_ c, [jic, ]o l\^[l_, nl_]_ f[ olgnilof lh^.
P[lc ì[ln_ i\imcn, c mjoh. Al nl_\oc m n_ ô]c
h j[n. M[g[ i m m_ moj_l_ ^[] p_^_ ] ho n_-ai
]of][n h].
S n_lgchg j[ach[ [mn[, golgol _f, [m]ofnhô-g
î[l j_ dogn[n_. Amn[ ^[] ho pl_c no m n_ ô]c h
pat.
M h^l_jn de spate.
No mohn i\imcn, g h]jh_t _o.
N_ [jf_]g gjl_oh [mojl[ j[achcfil, c[l Jibh
]cn_n_ olgnilof lh^ ]o pi]_ n[l_:
h D_hp_l, mjoh_ _f l[l, ôj< h]b_c_l_[<
]ihmnlo]c_c< Zcôfoc ^_ Nil^, Ef_]nilof Plcgi< [< [<
Ahoh[n, mjoh _o, ][ m-l ajut.
Ahoh[n< i`c]c[f< ] _ i ch`l[]coh_<
Jibh m_ ijl_n_ [c]c ]n_p[ m_]oh^_, ôj ][l_
]f[nch ^ch ][j c i`n_[t.
Contra, intervin eu.
Fl[n_f_ g_o m_ h]lohn, jlcpch^ m]lcmof.
VP - 56
Enc mcaol? No ji[n_ m `c_ ]ophnof ]il_]n. Bch_
[noh]c< Cihnl[< Cihnl[ mn[nofoc, m jnlohtc<
Jibh m_ ijl_n_, m_ f[m j_ mjn[lof m][ohofoc c m_
`l_[] f[ i]bc.
Ac ^l_jn[n_, D[hhs, gc ijn_n_. Pi[n_ ] [l
nl_\oc m g ô] f[ ]of][l_.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n?
V^ fcn_l_f_ ^_ j[l] [l `c ghdcn_.
Fratele meu ofteaz c \[n_ ]o ^_a_nof h ì[c[ ^_
Hlnc_.
M c[ ]o [g__[f.
H[c= N_ ijlcg ôj lhôf mn[.
i i-f [ln j_ ]_f f[ ][l_ m-[ ijlcn, [jic am_m]
]ophnof ][l_ c-[ ^[n \nc ^_ ][j.
h ][jcn[f, mjoh. C _ i ch`l[]coh_ ]ihnl[
mn[nofoc m jnlohtc h ][jcn[f `l m i\cc g[c
h[chn_ oh j_lgcm gcfcn[l i`c]c[f.
Jibh tg\_n_ l_chon h ncgj ]_ c ]cn_m] `l[t[
cursiv.
O m n_ ^_m]ol]c ^_ gchoh_ f[ Er[g_h, gc mjoh_ _f
ôj ]_ n_lgch. c no, c E^_h. D[] [g l_ocn _o m
m][j ^_ _f, no i m-l treci cu brio. Ai o minte brici,
joncof_.
Ridic din umeri la auzul acestei laude.
No mohn jl_[ h]hn[n ^_ c^__[ ^_ [ g_la_ f[
liceu.
Al nl_\oc m `cc= M][l no p_c [p_[ [hm[ [mn[.
c, ^[] n_ ^_m]ol]c \ch_, _ jimc\cf ][ R_jo\fc][ m
n_ l_j[lnct_t_ c f[ i `[]ofn[n_ c m n_ \[a_ h
[lg[n. I[l fo]lolcf_ [mn_[ h-[o ]og m ho n_ h]hn_.
Blom], ]ch_p[ h]_j_ m \[n f[ o ]o jon_l_. S[l
^_ j_ m][oh c Jibh g gjcha_ h mj[n_f_ foc.
Cine _? mnlca _f.
Bncf_ ^_pch c g[c jon_lhc]_, jh ]h^ mohn
h_picn m gc [mnoj ol_]bcf_. M[g[ [j[l_ h
mo`l[a_lc_, chhô-f h \l[_ j_ E^_h, ][l_ _
mighilim. N_ hnl_[\ ]_ m_ hngjf. Jibh `[]_ oh j[m
VP - 57
h `[, mjl_ chnl[l_, ][ c ]og [l pl_[ m lmjoh^.
h[chn_ m [jo]_ m [doha []ifi, o[ m_ ^ ^_ j_l_n_
c i j[nlof [ jifcc_c ^ \oth[ hohnlo. Plcg[ _ i
`[n ]o jlof foha, mnlhm h ]i[^, c ]o i m]fcjcl_
[olc_ h i]bcc h_alc. Nog_f_ mo _ Joh_.
Sohn_c [l_mn[c, h_ mjoh_, j_hnlo [m[mch[l_[
gloriosului nostru Elector.
Doj ][l_ lc^c] [lg[ c f gjo] j_ Jibh. Apoi pe
g[g[. Eo olfo ]n g ch_ aol[, olfo ^_-gc plm
jfghcc. Tinof m_ `[]_ h_alo.
Dol_l_[ gc mnljoha_ nin ]iljof, ][ i f[g. A]og [g
t_]_ [hc. Sohn ^ch hio h f[\il[nilof Sjcn[fofoc
C_hnl[f ^ch Lim Aha_f_m, h]oc[n gjl_oh ]o oh nco
]n_ [fn_ j_lmi[h_. Tic mohn_g f_a[c j_ ]n_ i n[la
c il\cc ^_ fogchcf_ `foil_m]_hn_. Di]nilc ]o gnc
j_ `[ mn[o [jf_][c ^_[mojl[ g_[. Mcd_m] i]bcc ][ m
g ocn f[ _c. D_ ]_ g ch nl_[t? Logchcf_ mohn [nn
^_ jon_lhc]_, h]n mcgn ]< gchn_[ gc m_ m]oòh^
htr-oh i]_[h ^_ ]_[.
V^ \cmnolc_f_ ^ch gchcf_ fil. S]bcg\ hnl_ _c
]opchn_ j_ ][l_ ho f_ g[c ^_mfo_m]. Scgn ]_p[ l_]_ c
g_n[fc] j_ a_hoh]bc, ôj ][l_, h olgni[l_[ m_]oh^,
mj[n_f_ gc m_ [l]oc_n_, c[l _o ^[o m olfo. D[l ^ch
aol ho gc c_m_ hc]coh moh_n. Vl_[o m f_ mjoh m ho
gc g[c ij_l_t_ a_hoh]bcof. C_p[ gc mnljoha_ ]_[`[
c ôl_l_[ gc [loh] h [_l ni[n_ ahôlcf_,
[h_[hncthô-f_. No g[c p^ hcgc] [fn]_p[ ^_]n oh [f\
orbitor.
D_m]bc^ i]bcc. Z[] hnchm hnl-oh mo\mif hnoh_]im,
unde mi s_ j[l_ mojlnil ^_ ][f^. Plch ho nco ]_
hngjf[l_ h_g[c[otcn, mohn h pc[. gc pch_ m
jfha ^_ ôl_l_, ^[l nco ] nl_\oc_ m ho `[] hc]coh
zgomot. h dolof g_o p^ mcfo_n_ hnoh_]i[m_. Mofn_
^chnl_ _f_ mohn hnchm_ j_ dim, h_gc][n_. P_mn_ nin
gcoh i[g_hc h ni[n `cl_[, g\l][c h b[f[n_
g_^c][f_. Ihmj_]n_[t gc]cf_ gipcf_ ^_ j_ ji^_[.
An_jn h n]_l_, ]o i]bcc hnl_^_m]bcc, jh ]h^
VP - 58
nic ]_c ][l_ m_ ìc_m] ^_ ]ifi-]ifi jlm_m]
h]j_l_[. M lc^c] h jc]ci[l_ c gc m`cc oh ]l[]
de la j[hn[fihc ][ m gc \[h^[d_t a_hoh]bcof
hmha_l[n. M gjf_nc]_m] jlch \_th c jcjc j_l_cc
jh ]h^ am_m] i o ][l_ ^ [`[l, ôj ][l_ g
nlm] j_ i [f__ îmhc]. P_m] f[ fogch c, ^_ ^[n[
[mn[, Joh_ _ []ifi, ]ol[di[m; gc hnch^_ i gh
ferm, [donhô-g.
H[c^_, gc ijn_n_, ]ojlchthô-g ]o \l[of j_
ôj gcdfi]. M ch mnlhm fcjcn ^_ _[.
Ne-[g \a[n gjl_oh h ]b_mnc[ [mn[, ho?
Pilhcg j_ mnl[^, fmh^ h olg f[\il[nilof
spitalului.
D[l nic i[g_hcc ^_ j_ ^log [o jlon ihôf[n, ^_ un
\fih^ ì[ln_ ^_m]bcm, ][ [f foc E^_h c ]n_ i opc
lic_, ][l_ jol c mcgjfo m[l_ h i]bc. Fc_][l_ o j_
fha ][l_ nl_]_g _ g[l][n ]o oh X g[l_, ^_m_h[n ]o
mjl[s lio c nc[n j_ gcdfi] ^_ i [ nl_c[ fchc_. Amn[
hm_[gh ] fog_[ ^_ [c]c _ \ifh[p. C nic [o
]ihnl[]n[n i ìlg gon[hn [ pclomofoc. Rn]cg j_
mnltc tcf_ hnl_ac [[ gc m_ j[l_ , printr-un aer
pm]im, ^_ tc]c ] _ g_f[m. C[on ][m[ g[g_c. Uh^_p[
^_j[ln_, p^ il[_f_ m]fcjcni[l_ ^ch Cifihcc c j[l]
mi-ar transmite chemarea, promimcoh_[ oh_c pc_c g[c
\oh_. O m c ô] []ifi j_ Jibh, j_ g[g[ c j_ E^_h.
h m`lcn, pig m]j[ ^ch ab_[l_f_ R_jo\fc]cc, pig `c
liberi.
h ]_f_ ^ch olg, [doha_g f[ o[ g[g_c, ^[l, ]h^ i
deschid, sufrageria e pustie. Mama nu e acolo. Nici
Jibh. L-[o gjo][n mif^[cc, gc [gchn_m] \lom].
Plcp_m] hnl-i j[ln_, ^[l Joh_ [ ^cmjlon c []og mohn
mchaol h jl[a. N-[ g[c lg[m ^_]n E^_h. C[l_ t[]_ h
j[n. Ch^ g [jlijcc ^_ _f mo`c]c_hn ]n m g ji[n
[otc, ^_m]bc^_ i]bcc c hnch^_ gchcf_ mjl_ gch_.
Dar o]bcc `lcilofoc g_o ho g[c mohn [f\[nlc. Sohn
h_alc, `cch^] clcmolcf_ c mha_l_[t.
VP - 59
M hnil] h]_n, h]_n ^_ nin, ^ch \_th. Joaof[l[
gc jofm_[t f[ `_f ][ [noh]c ]h^ gc l_pch ôj oh[
^chnl_ gcal_h_f_ g_f_. nco ] [g pcm[n, ^[l ho gc
mai amintes] [fn]_p[ ^_]n m_ht[c[ mnlocni[l_ ^_
ali[t, ][ c ]og ]_p[ h`cilnil [l jh^c h mj[n_f_
oh_c oc h]bcm_. So\ ][j, ]ch_p[ gc-[ h^_m[n i
j_lh. Dch \l[ gc c_m_ oh no\, ][l_ m-[ ^_mòl[n
j_ ji^_[. No p^ hcgc] ]f[l. M ]bchoc_m] m gc
limpezesc v_^_l_[, ^[l ho l_o_m] m ^cmncha ^_]n
g[lach_[ j[nofoc, ]ipilof c cg[ach_[ oh_c `_n_ ][l_
mn ]o ][jof j_ j[n. S[o, ]_f joch, ]l_^ ] _ i `[n.
O ]fcj, gc m_ j[l_ ] [l jon_[ `c E^_h, ] ji[n_ f-au
m[fp[n P[nlcicc c f-[o [ôm h]i[]_.
D m_gh_ ] m_ nl_t_n_. A]og p^ ] _ T_mm.
H_c, c ijn_m].
M[c gofn \if\ilim_m] ^_]n pil\_m].
Ce s-[ hngjf[n? Uh^_ _ Joh_?
T_mm g c[ ^_ gh, m_ lc^c] h jc]ci[l_ c, h
graba de a-gc lmjoh^_, m_ jinc]h_n_:
Te-[c nl_tcn= Enc< Cog n_ mcgc?
Toropit.
h]_l] m-c [ncha `[[. h] ho mohn j_ ^_jfch
]ihpchm ] _ [c_p_[.
T_mm jlcp_n_ h mj[n_, mjl_ o[ îlgcnilofoc, ][ m
m_ [mcaol_ ] ho _ hcg_hc []ifi. Ajic lc^c] oh ^_a_n
h ^l_jnof \ot_fil.
Nu-c `[]_ alcdc, gc ijn_n_. N-i m n_ mcgc
[[ gofn preme. Medicul mi s-[ jlon ^_mnof ^_
gofogcn. Colh^, i m `cc ][ hio c [noh]c i m jon_g
m jilhcg mjl_ `lihn, ][ m-f igilg j_ Ef_]nil.
E i][hn m [otc ]ophnof [ igil t\olh^ ^_ j_
\ot_f_ ]ocp[ ][ T_mm. O `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^ g[c
nltco, l_[fct_t ] jc]cilof ho g g[c î[l_ [\mifon
^_fi]. h]_l] m g lc^c] ][ m g ocn f[ _f c T_mm
gc [[t j_lh_ f[ mj[n_, ][ m jin mn[ h òh^. Ci\il
jlcpcl_[ mjl_ jc]cil. Ajli[j_ ] gc _ `lc] m
cercetez locul.
VP - 60
T_mm m_ [[t fha gch_ c gc ^_m`[]_ `_ele albe,
][l_ []ij_l tih[ oh^_ [ ìmn l[h[. So\ \[h^[d mohn
jf]c fo]ci[m_ ^_ i_f. h fi]of a_hoh]bcofoc g_o m_
[`f oh [fnof, g_][hc]. Pf]cf_ g_n[fc]_ gc []ij_l
dogn[n_ ^_ ]i[jm. F[] i]bcc g[lc, ]ihn_gjfh^
[hal_h[dof. h fi]olcf_ oh^_ g_n[fof c jc_fea se
hnfh_m], j_ ]i[jm c j_ a[g\, mcgn ] _f_g_hn_f_
m_ g\ch j_l`_]n. Ercmn î[l hcn_ gc]c j_n_ ^_
li_[ c, j_ g[lach_, jc_f_[ _ oil ch`f[g[n. O]bcc
mi se umezesc.
N_l\^ni[l_, T_mm \[n_ ^[l[\[h[ ]o ^_a_n_f_ j_
jnolc c c go] \ot[ ^_ mus.
Ec? C_ mcgc?
Ncgc]. No g î[l_ ^_fi].
Trec cu un deget nesigur peste metalul rece,
h]_l]h^ m g i\choc_m] ]o c^__[ ] hcn_ _f_g_hn_
mnlch_ gc-[o ìmn chm_l[n_ h jc]cil.
Di]nilc[ [ `]on nl_[\[ [mn[? Ch^ pic jon_[ m
merg din nou? Chiar s-[ pch^_][n [[ ^_ l_j_^_?
T_mm m_ og`f oh jc] h j_h_.
Eu am ajutat-i j_ î]nilc. h olgni[l_f_
îomjl_t_]_ il_ ho nl_\oc_ m n_ gcnc jl_[ gofn. C[
m [c\ ncgj ohao_hn_f_ m jnloh^ h jc_f_ c m-c
`[] nl_[\[.
T_mm mol^_, c[l tg\_nof c `[]_ m [j[l []_f_
gc]c h]l_cnolc ^ch dolof i]bcfil, ][l_ gc mohn [nn
de familiare.
E i ij_l[c_ ^_ lonch j_hnlo mif^[cc lhcc j_
`lihn. E alit[p, [[-c? Doj [mn[, [l nl_\oc m jic
m-c ìfim_nc hilg[f jc]cilof, \[ ]bc[l g[c \ch_
^_]n h[chn_. Di]nilc[ j_ ][l_ [g [don[n-i _ ]_f_\l
h mjcn[f_f_ ^_ j_ `lihn, ^[l g[c fo]l_[t c j_
fha, f[ h_alo. I[l mn[ [ ìmn oh hili]. Cn [ mn[n
aici, mi-[ [ln[n c ]og m [_t f[ fi] \l[of lojn [f
foc K[_^_. C[ m m_ pch^_]_ g[c l_j_^_.
M hnl_\ ]c \[hc [o ]b_fnocn P[nlcicc j_
ij_l[c[ [mn[. Ag g[c pton mif^[c ]o [mn`_f ^_
VP - 61
jlin_t_, ][l_ jin `c gc]c ]n oh jnl_f ^_ i_f j_
j[ln_[ moj_lci[l [ \l[ofoc m[o ]n oh jc]cil hnl_a.
No ji[n_ m `c_ i ij_l[c_ c_`nch c, do^_]h^ ôj
]og [l[n jc]cilof g_o, î]nilc[ [ ìfimcn ohao_hn_
^_ ot gcfcn[l. D_d[ gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n ^_ gofn jon_l_
i m [g h jc]cil ôj ]_ g pic l_]oj_l[ c ] pic
jon_[ m g ^_jf[m_t g[c l[jc^. c [mn`_f m-f am_m]
g[c ]olh^ j_ E^_h.
D[, c lmjoh^ foc T_mm. E alit[p.
gc mo]_m] joch anof ][ m-mi focalizez privirea
[mojl[ occ îlgcnilofoc, ^[l gc][l_[ g [g__n_. D_
[]og ][jof gc \o\oc_ ^_ ôl_l_. D_ j_ bif, [o^ hcn_
voci.
C_ `[] ]_cf[fc?
T_mm m_ ocn c[l j_mn_ ogl, ôj ][l_ hni[l]_
ochii la mine.
Dcm]on ^_mjl_ jlcg[ `[t [ jf[hofoc. Eo ho
j[lnc]cj f[ _[, ^_]c mn[o j_ no.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h g [don m g hnch^. Ulg_[t i
n]_l_ ]co^[n. h] ho g-[g i\chocn ]o hiof _c
[mj_]n. T_mm c ^ m_[g[ ] i jlcp_m] [^gcl[ncp c,
ôj i m]oln _tcn[l_, gc tg\_n_ d_h[n.
Doj ]_-i m m_ n_lgch_ ]o ni[n jip_mn_[ [mn[,
pl_[o m g_lac ]o gch_ h Cifihcc, ^[? tc] _o.
T_mm mol^_. Tof\ol[n, h]_j_ m gc h_n_t_[m]
jnolcf_ h ncgj ]_ _o pil\_m].
D[] ninof p[ ^_]ola_ ]ihìlg jf[hofoc
P[nlcicfil, c[l mn_[aof l_jo\fc][h m_ p[ jl\oc, ho
pl_[o m `cg jlchc h gcdfi]of b[imofoc. M l_`_l f[
Eden, la Joh_, f[ nch_ c f[ gch_. Ac h_f_m,
molci[l?
Pom_of ^_ _hnotc[mg [f foc T_mm m_ i`cf_n_. Cijcf[
_tcn.
No nco ]_ m tc], D[s, lmjoh^_ _[, [loh]h^ c[l
o prcpcl_ mjl_ o.
D_ ]_? c-_ `lc] ^_ P[nlcic m[o ]_?
No< Ph []og m-au purtat frumos cu mine.
VP - 62
Anoh]c ^_ ]_ ho pl_c m pcc? i hnl_\ ]o pi]_
m]ton.
Pon_lcf_ [o h]_jon m g f[m_ ^ch hio c ho jl_[
jin ch_ jc_jn ]_cc ][l_ h]_j_ m g hpfoc_.
Ch^ _l[g h L[e_, nin ncgjof tc]_[g ], ^[] i m
[p_g i][tc[, i m òacg h Cifihcc. T[n[ gc-[ mjom ]
fi]of f[ c i`_l<
< Ojilnohcnc c fc\_ln[n_, nco, g hnl_loj_
T_mm, ]fnchh^ ^ch ][j. Di[l ]<
< C<?
Uh[ ^chnl_ gchcf_ _c [foh_] c m_ ]oc\l_n_ hnl-
[ g_[. E c[l i ]ijcfc, ][ [noh]c ]h^ [g amcn-i h
m_]nilof Ncg[ ]onh^ jlch nig\_li[h_. O[l_ T_mm ^_
[]og g[c _ []_f[c ig? No g[c [l_ j[fg_f_ []_f_[
gcncn_f_, ^_c _o h] jin m c f_ ]ojlch^ ]o ninof
hnl-[f_ g_f_. Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h c lc^c] i]bcc mjl_
mine.
D[s< gc `[] alcdc j_hnlo nch_.
M ocn f[ _[ h_ôg_lcn.
L[ ]_ n_ l_`_lc? L[ ij_l[c_?
T_mm ]f[nch ^ch ][j h]il^[n.
No. gc `[] alcdc j_hnlo nch_ ^ch ][ot[ foc June.
Ihmjcl [^h], [n_jnh^-i m ]ihncho_, c n_ghô-g
de ceea ce va spune.
Vi]_[ foc T_mm ][jn hcn_ ch`f_rcohc ]co^[n_, j_
][l_ jh []og ho c f_ ]ohin_[g.
Pc< D[] Joh_ g_la_ ]o hic< A^c] nco ]n ^_
[n[[n _nc ^_ _[, ^[l, ]o î[l ]n_p[ mjnghc h
olg, _[ _l[ gcfcn[l l_jo\fc][h. N-[c pton ]og me
ocn oh_ilc? Al_ i _rjl_mc_ ^_ j[l] c-ar fi dor de
fi]of j_ ][l_ f i]oj[ h c_l[lbc[ R_jo\fc]cc, ^_
j[l] [l pl_[ m m_ hni[l] []ifi m[o ]_p[ ^_ a_hof
mn[. D[] h]_[l] m h_ m[\in_t_ jf[hof m[o m_
hni[l]_ gjinlcp[ n[ ]h^ mohn_g j_ ^log, mjl_
Cofihcc? P[nlcicc c c[o ^_d[ gmolc ^_ mcaol[h<
h]_n_[t=
VP - 63
Sohn ^_mnof ^_ moljlchm ^_ ]n ^_ jon_lhc] c ^_
iritat mi-[ moh[n pi]_[. Ph []og, hc]ci^[n ho [g
g[c lc^c][n nihof f[ T_mm c gc l_al_n cg_^c[n
cgjofmcpcn[n_[. Scgn a_fitc[ h `c_][l_ ]ophn j_ ][l_
f limn_n_, [g l_g[l][n `_fof h ][l_ [lnc]of_[t
hog_f_ foc Joh_, ^_ j[l] f m]ocj, ][ c ]h^ [l
pl_[ m m][j_ ^_ i\fca[c[ ^_ [-f jlihoh[.
h_f_a ] [o nl_]on î[l ]n_p[ mjnghc ^_ ]h^
s-[ hngjf[n ninof. c _ hilg[f ][ Joh_ m g[c [c\
gig_hn_ ^_ h_mcaol[h. Cil_]n? D[l, ]o ni[n_ [mn_[,
_[ ho g[c _ ]l_^ch]ci[m R_jo\fc]cc, c[l j_lc]if_f_ h_
jh^_m] c ^[] lgh_g `l _[, j_ ]ihn jlijlco. Joh_
[l_ [\cfcnc j_ ][l_ hc]cohof ^chnl_ hic ho f_
jim_^. P_hnlo hog_f_ foc Dogh_t_o, ea m-a scos din
Batalla Hall= Pi[n_ m h_ ch h mcaol[h.
T_mm mnlha_ ^ch \ot_.
c ]_ jl_l_ [c ^_mjl_ jf[hof j_ ][l_ c f-au
jl_ancn P[nlcicc? Cog lgh_ ]o l_f[c[ _c ]o
Electorul?
C_ l_f[c_?
Rc^c] mf\cn gchcf_, h]_l]h^ m jl_nch^ ]
detafcof mn[ ho ]ihn_[t.
F[]_ j[ln_ ^ch di]. Nc]c g][l ho-f nc_ jl_[
bine.
T_mm lc^c] ^ch og_lc.
h ]olh^ i m-f nc_, ijn_n_ _[. V[ nl_\oc m
m_ [jlijc_ ^_ _f mo`c]c_hn ]n m ji[n m-l
manipuleze.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h f[m i]bcc h dim.
Vin cu tih_, D[s. A g_la_ ]o nch_ ilcoh^_. Ag
plon î[l m-c [ô] [gchn_ ^_< _[. h _p_hno[fcn[n_[
h ][l_ ho [c jlcpcn fo]lolcf_ c ^ch j_lmj_]ncp[
asta.
Tinof i m `c_ h l_aof, ct\on_m] m mjoh. Ac
h]l_^_l_ h gch_.
h m`lcn, n_hmcoh_[ m-a risipit. Chipul lui Tess
m_ l_f[r_[t, l_]jnh^ []_[ ôf]_[ `[gcfc[l, c[l
VP - 64
clcn[l_[ g_[ m_ _p[jil f[ `_f ^_ l_j_^_ j_ ]n m-a
instalat.
hnin^_[oh[ [c [pon alcd ^_ gch_, c mjoh
tg\ch^. M_lmc, molci[l.
T_mm l^_.
Cch_p[ nl_\oc_ m p[^ c ^_ nch_, ho?
Apoi gc `[]_ m_gh ]nl_ gh_]cf_ mo`f_][n_.
Ajliji, g \o]ol ]-c pch_ ohcìlg[. gj[]b_n[n,
jl_[ jl_[ g[l_, ^[l m_ j[l_ ] _ hog[c \oh.
c, j_ h_[n_jn[n_, m_ [jf_[] c g mlon m]oln j_
i\l[t. Ajic, [jli[j_ h []__[c ]fcj, m[l_ ^_ j_ j[n.
E lic_ ni[n f[ `[. T_mm g-[ g[c mlon[n j_ i\l[t
]h^ _l[ g[c gc], ^[l [mn[ _ jlcg[ ^[n ]h^ [g
mcgcn ]_p[ h jfom h a_mnof _c. h]_l] m gc ^[o
m_[g[ ]og [ l_ocn ][, h g[c joch ^_ i foh, m
^_j_[m] j_lci[^[ ]ijcflc_c c m ^_pch oh ig h
ni[n `cl_[. To_m] mnhd_hcn. hnl_ hic îc m_
mn[\cf_n_ i l_f[c_ hio, mnl[hc_.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h c l_nl[a_ gh[. h fi] m m_
ocn_ f[ gch_, c h^l_[jn jlcpcl_[ mjl_ o.
I[ln-g. Al nl_\oc m n_ i^cbh_nc. Tl_] j_ f[
nch_ g[c nltco, h]_[l] m n_ ]olci la loc.
A]og gc ^[o m_[g[ ] T_mm nl_\oc_ m `c ìmn ]_[
care ne-[ fm[n ohcìlg_f_ h \[c_. Pi[n_ ] g-[ pton
mlonh^-i j_ Joh_. F[] oh _ìln m ]hnl_m]
mcno[c[, ^[l ]_[[ gc-[ ]ojlchm gchn_[; h]_l] m-i
mjoh ]_p[ h[chn_ m jf_]_, ^[l _[ [ c_cn ^_d[ c [
^cmjlon j_ bif.
VP - 65
5. JUNE
ORA 05:45.
VENEZIA.
PRIMA ZI CA MEMBR OFICIAL A ORGANIZAIEI
PATRIOILOR.
Ag [f_m m ho lgh h ][g_l h ncgjof ij_l[c_c;

T_mm, `cl_n_, [ mn[n, ][ m i [mcmn_ j_ î]nilc.
Ig[ach_[ foc D[s t]h^ ch]ihnc_hn j_ g[m, ]o `[[
j[fc^, fcjmcn ^_ _rjl_mc_, gc-ar fi amintit prea
gofn ^_ hi[jn_[ []__[ h ][l_ mnn_[g [jf_][n j_mn_
nlojof h_hmo`f_cn [f foc M_nc[m, j_ [f__[ ^_ fha
mjcn[f. Pl_`_l m ho c f[m j_ P[nlcic m gc p[^
mf\c]cohcf_. A[ ] g ch ^_j[lte de ei; stau pe una
dintre canapelele din sufragerie.
Pmnl_t ^cmn[h[ c ][ m jin m g ah^_m] ]og
trebuie la planul pe care Razor f [l_ j_hnlo gch_<
O m `co [l_mn[n ^_ mif^[cc l_jo\fc][hc.
O m am_m] i ][f_ m i\ch i hnl_p_^_l_ hnl_
patru ochc ]o Ef_]nilof c i m c ]nca h]l_^_l_[.
O m c l_f[n_t `[fmof jf[h ^_ [m[mch[l_; gc pic
i\ch_ [mn`_f [ghcmnc_l_[ j_hnlo ni[n_ ch`l[]cohcf_
pe care le-[g ]igcm gjinlcp[ mn[nofoc.
Ajic i m f [nl[a ]nl_ fi]of h ][l_ m_ p[ ]igcn_
asasinatul.
mn[ _ lifof g_o. S g ah^_m] f[ _f _ oh[; m
l_o_m] m f ô] f[ \oh m`lcn _ [fn[. gc mno^c_t
gchcf_ c g hnl_\ ^[] mohn jl_ancn m gc f_
ghd_m] ^_ mha_, ^[] mohn jl_ancn m c[o pc[[
]ocp[. C_ gc mjoh_[ M_nc[m hnin^_[oh[? Pochc
oameni omi[l ^ch gincp_ hn_g_c[n_, Joh_. hm gc
[gchn_m] c ]_ gc-[ tcm D[s h \[c_. S m][jc ^_
j_lmi[h[ ][l_ ]ihô]_ nin mcmn_gof mn[ h_hili]cn gc
VP - 66
m_ j[l_ oh jl_ gc] ^_ jfncn j_hnlo [ jilhc i
l_pifoc_. No ]l_tc?
Republica l-[ fo[n j_ M_nc[m ^_ fha gch_. M
ah^_m] f[ Er[g_h_, f[ gch]cohcf_ ][l_ hpfoc_
gi[ln_[ jlchcfil g_c. L[ _jc^_gccf_ jlipi][n_
^_fc\_l[n. Dch \fi]of mn[ ^_ for, p^ mn[^cihof oh^_
mohn momchon_ Er[g_h_f_ h V_a[m. E h mj[n_f_
talc_-hilcfil, mnlfo]ch^ h ^_jln[l_. Pochc i[geni
igi[l ^ch gincp_ hn_g_c[n_, ^[l ^[] _ m _rcmn_ oh
[mn`_f ^_ gincp, [noh]c mn[ [l nl_\oc m `c_, ho?
Mchcf_ gc nl_gol oil. Mc f_ gjl_oh_t ][ m f_
fchcn_m].
E fchcn_ []og h [j[ln[g_hn. Razor a plecat din nou
([ c_cn f[ il[ 03:32, g\l][n ]o ohcìlg[ ]igjf_n),
c[l K[_^_ gic_ f[ ]_ff[fn ][jn [f ][h[j_f_c. E
[nn ^_ fchcn_, ] c ]_f g[c gc] taigin c-[l lhc
[otof. Doj i pl_g_, gc h^l_jn [n_hc[ ]nl_ _]l[hof
gc]o ^_ j_ j_l_n_. Al_ mihilof ijlcn, ^[l olgl_m]
^_mòl[l_[ i\chocn [ nclcfil. Ap_lncmg_hn_ ^_
choh^[c_, ^_ òlnoh. Ol_f_ ^_ mimcl_ c ^_ jf_][l_
[f_ ^clcd[\cf_fil. Vc]nilccf_ j_ `lihnof gjinlcp[
Cifihccfil. Uh_ilc g hnl_\ ^[] []_mn_ nlcogòlc ho
mohn c _f_ chp_hn[n_ ^_ [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc, ^[]
hic ]ncag m[o, ^_ `[jn, jc_l^_g lt\icof. Tcnfolcf_
]ihncho m ]ola. I[n oh [hoh jlch ][l_ jijof[c[ _
[p_lnct[n ] ilc]_ ]cpcf jlchm ] c-a vopsit o
opc ^_ jl h lio p[ `c [l_mn[n j_ fi].
Fforof ^_ nclc m_ hnl_loj_. Ch^ p^ olgni[l_[
cg[ach_, lgh h]l_g_hcn: hiof Ef_]nil _ j_ ][f_ m
momch jlcgof mo ^cm]olm jo\fc].
Etcn, [jic [loh] i jlcpcl_ mjl_ K[_^_. P[l_ ]
î[lg_ ôm. M lc^c], nl[p_lm_t ncjncf ][g_l[ c nl_]
oh ^_a_n j_mn_ _]l[h ][ m-l dau un pic mai tare.
Sonorul e aproape de minimum, ^[l gc _ ^_ [dohm ][
m [o^ ]_ m_ mjoh_. M ocn ]og Ah^_h (m[o, g[c
^_al[\, Ef_]nilof Plcgi) j_n_ ]o _f_a[h mjl_
ji^cog. S[fon ^ch ][j i\chocnof aloj ^_ l_jiln_lc,
VP - 67
[]l_^cn[c ^_ aop_lh, ][l_ m_ [`f h `[[ foc. Al[n
_r[]n [[ ]og gc-l amintesc: _ p_lmcoh_[ g[c nhl [
n[nfoc mo. Pi[ln i]b_f[lc ]o l[g_ mo\clc. c ch_
][jof mom, hnl-i jit [lcmni]l[nc]. E hp_ghn[n
cgj_][\cf, h ohcìlg[ ^_ a[f, h_[al, ]o `cl [olco
c ]o îo lhôlc ^_ h[mnolc mnlfo]cnilc.
A venit clipa marilor schcg\lc. Hinll_[ hi[mnl
_mn_ jom f[ h]_l][l_ g[c gofn ][ hc]ci^[n, c[l
lt\icof ]o ch[gc]of [ [nchm joh]nof ^_ chn_hmcn[n_
g[rcg, limn_n_ _f.
Vil\_n_ ^_ j[l] n[nf foc h-[l `c golcn, ^_ j[l]
el ar fi fost dintotdeauna Electorul Primo.
Ag ]nca[n ofncg_f_ nl_c \nfcc c [g jom
mnjhcl_ j_ nl_c ^chnl_ il[_f_ ^ch moôf Cifihccfil.
N_ [`fg f[ oh j[m ^_ pc]nilc_ c ho p[ g[c nl_]_ gofn
jh ]h^ R_jo\fc][ m_ p[ hnch^_ jh f[ O]_[hof
Anf[hnc]. A]_mn[ _mn_, `l olg ^_ hîc[f, ^_mnchof
nostru. Ah^_h ]ihncho, [mcaolh^ jijof[c[ ^_ ìl[
gcfcn[l [ R_jo\fc]cc c jligch^ m l_pch ]o
[hoholc jlcpcni[l_ f[ m]bcg\lcf_ j_ ][l_ îl_n_ m
f_ `[]. Cch_ nc_ ]n ^ch ni[n_ [mn_[ mohn [^_pl[n_?
Vi]_[ c m_[gh ]o [ n[nfoc mo. I[l _o g nl_t_m]
]o]_lcn ^_ mch]_lcn[n_[ j_ ][l_ i mcgn h _[< Ah^_h
[l_ îot_]c ^_ [hc. Pi[n_ ] _f ]bc[l ]l_^_ ]__[ ]_
mjoh_ m[o ji[n_ ] î[l _ ì[ln_ jlc]_jon h [-c
[m]oh^_ hîc_fcf_. M hnl_\ ]_ mcgn_ h f_anol ]o
gi[ln_[ n[nfoc mo c ]og ^_ _ h mn[l_, f[ astfel de
]ih`_lch_ ^_ jl_m, m m_ mnjh_[m] mo`c]c_hn ]n
m c di[]_ lifof. Ihô\cn[\cf, Cihal_mof _ îlhc]
m-f g[hcjof_t_ j_ nhlof Ef_]nil, m nl[a mìlcf_
^ch ]ofcm_, m f gon_ ^_ ]ifi ]ifi j_ []_mn \c[n, ][
j_ i jc_m j_ n[\f[ ^_ [b. D[] _ [^_pl[n ]_ gc-a
spus Razor, jli\[\cf ] m_ lòc_m] tcfhc]. D[]
l_òt ][n_ailc] m-c [m]ofn_ j_ m_h[nilc, hm_[gh ]
Ah^_h _ f[ `_f ^_ [pc^ ^_ jon_l_ ]og [ ìmn c n[nf
lui.
VP - 68
C[l_ mohn g[c _r[]n ^c`_l_h_f_ ^chnl_ Ah^_h c
ljim[nof Ef_]nil? C_ ]l_^_ _f ] [l nl_\oc m ^_pch
R_jo\fc][? c, [jliji, _o ]_ ]ihmc^_l ] [l nl_\oc m
m_ hngjf_ ]o _[?
R_ô] f[ t_li mihilof _]l[hofoc c g h^_jln_t.
No n_ ah^c jl_[ gofn f[ Ah^_h ][ j_lmi[h= No jin
m g l[jiln_t f[ _f ][ f[ igof j_ ][l_ olg_[t m f
ucid.
hnl-oh m`lcn, ]h^ jlcg_f_ l[t_ [f_ lmlcnofoc
h]_j m m_ l_p_lm_ h ][g_l, T_mm c_m_ ^ch îlgcnil
]o p_mn_[ ] D[s _ nl_[t c pcic.
S_ mcgn_ \ch_, c mjoh_ _[ foc K[_^_. A]og ji[n_
mn[ h ][jof i[m_fil c, h ]n_p[ il_, [l nl_\oc m
fie caj[\cf m m_ gcn_ jlch ][m.
Ajic ^ ]o i]bcc ^_ gch_, c[l tg\_nof c ^cmj[l_.
< Pic m n_ ô]c f[ _f, ^[] pl_c.
K[_^_ gcd_n_ oh i]bc, lc^c] ^ch og_lc c m_ ]of]
f[ fi]. Eo c hnil] foc T_mm ]_f g[c jlc_n_him tg\_n
^_ ][l_ mohn h mn[l_, ôj ][l_ nl[a [_l [^h] h
jc_jn c i c[o ]nl_ îlgcnil.
D[s mn hnl_ j_lh_ c _ []ij_lcn jh f[ jc_jn ]o i
jnol ali[m. gc h]bcjoc ] _ i\imcn, ^[l, ]h^ g
p_^_ chnlh^, nin gc `[]_ ]o i]bcof un gest care
gc `[]_ chcg[ m gc nl_m[fn_ ^_ \o]olc_. Plof c
mn gjlnc[n j_ j_lh_, ][ oh hcg\ mnlfo]cnil. h
ji[f [l_ ]n_p[ [al[`_ ^_ blnc_ hîcn_, fo[n_
dintr-i ]onc_ ^ch ]if (^_]c ]bc[l m-a ridicat din
j[n=). S_ j[l_ ] ni]g[c g_n_l_[ ]_p[ ^ch _f_.
Rmo`fo ool[n ]h^ gc ^[o m_[g[ ] ho g[c [le
dureri.
Boh. M \o]ol m p^ ] nlc_nc.
c _o g \o]ol m p^ ] nlc_m], gc lmjoh^_ _f.
M olgl_n_ ]o jlcpcl_[ h ncgj ]_ g [_t j_ j[n,
fha _f.
Ag l[n[n ]_p[ ]n [g jc_lôn ]ihn[]nof ]o
realitatea?
VP - 69
D[. Ac l[n[n mìlc_fcf_ foc K[_^_ ôrmind pe
][h[j_[. P_hnlo ]ch_p[ ][l_ m_ [m]oh^_ ^_ [onilcnc,
`[n[ [mn[ `[]_ ][g gofn afac_ ]h^ î[lg_.
D[s l^_ m]oln. M gchoh_t m-f p^ [nn ^_ p_m_f,
[ph^ h p_^_l_ mn[l_[ foc ^_ mjclcn ^ch ofncg_f_
mjnghc. Plcpcl_[ gc [foh_] mjl_ fi]of ohde, sub
jnol[, nl_\oc_ m `c_ tih[ ij_l[n.
Cum e?
D[s ^ jnol[ f[ i j[ln_. D_^_mo\n, []ifi oh^_ [
ìmn l[h[, mohn jf]c ^_ g_n[f fo]cim (i_f c
aluminiu). Medicul i-[ hfi]ocn a_hoh]bcof ]igjligcm
]o ohof jlin_nc], [[ ] []og [jlircg[ncp i nl_cg_ ^cn
jc]cilof foc _ `]on ^ch g_n[f. gc [gchn_n_ ^_
mif^[cc hnilc ^_ j_ `lihn, ]o j[fg_, \l[_ c
jc]ci[l_ ]o jlin_t_ ]o jf]c g_n[fc]_ ][l_ hfi]oc_m]
jc_f_[. Di]nilc[ _ jli\[\cf _rnl_g ^_ `[gcfc[lct[n
]o lhcf_ ^_ lt\ic. E ]f[l ] l_f[ccf_ j_ ][l_ le
are Razor ][ i`c_l [o `[]cfcn[n i\ch_l_[ ohil
produse extraordinar de scumpe, precum unguentele
ìfimcn_ []og j_hnlo D[s. c hnch^ jlc_n_hofoc g_o
j[fg[ ^_m]bcm, c[l _f c [[t gh[ hnl-a mea.
Cog f mcgc?
D[s ]f[nch ^ch ][j, ][ c ]h^ ho c-[l p_hc m
]l_[^.
No mcgn hcgc]. gc mcgn nin jc]cilof g[c oil c
ho g g[c î[l_ ^_fi].
Uh molm g_]b_l_m] c h`fil_n_ j_ `[.
De-[\c[ ^_ []og, co\cni, i m p_tc ]o [^_pl[n ]og
jin _o m g ][l j_ ]f^clc. G[n[ ]o a_hoh]bcof
j[l[^cn ][l_ g h]_nch_[= C_ ][îo gchoh[n ^_ tco[
mea!
Ziua ta? N-[g ncon. L[ gofc [hc ]o hnltc_l_,
c mjoh tg\ch^.
O]bcc gc òa f[ [al[`_f_ ^_ blnc_ lcmcjcn_ h
poala lui.
Ce faci acolo?
<
VP - 70
D[s [jo] ohof ^chnl_ i\c_]n_f_ f[ ][l_ [ nin
g_n_lcn c ][l_ [l[n ][ oh ]_l] g_n[fc].
Mi-[g `]on c _o ^_ fo]lo, ][ m-gc nl_[]
vremea.
Rc^c] gc]of ]_l] f[ fogch, [jic gc c[ gh[ c gc
joh_ i\c_]nof h j[fg.
E un cadou pentru tine.
f mno^c_t ]o g[c gofn [n_hc_. E `]on ^ch j[nlo
[al[`_ ^_m`]on_, gjf_ncn_ ]o alcd, oh[ h dolof
[fn_c[, hnl-i mjcl[f. C[j_n_f_ mohn fcjcn_, [mn`_f
h]n [al[`_f_ m ìlg_t_ oh ch_f gcncn_f. Filg[ _
mcgjf. B[ ]bc[l [lncmnc]. Ccn_m] co\cl_ c _ìln
gcafim h pifon_f_ g_n[fofoc, h jilcohcf_ []_f_[
mici unde degetele loc D[s [o gi^_f[n mlg[ c[l c
c[l, jh ]h^ [o ]ol\[n-i [[ ]og nl_\oc[. D[s [
`]on ch_fof mn[ j_hnlo gch_. Mc-f joh j_ ^_a_n c
\cdon_lc[ [foh_] oil. E mjf_h^c^. Sohn _gicih[n,
mohn [nn ^_ `f[n[n, h]n [g lg[m `l ]opchn_. No
gc [ô] [gchn_ ofncg[ ^[n ]h^ [g jlcgcn oh ][îo
g_n_lcn ^_ [fn]ch_p[ [hog_ j_hnlo gch_.
D[s j[l_ ^_t[gacn ^_ l_[]c[ g_[, ^[l c [m]oh^_
^_]_jc[ h mj[n_f_ ohoc bibin ^_ lm l_f[r[n.
nco ] pic, \ia[cc, [p_c nin `_fof ^_ nl[^ccc
c], ^[l, h m_]ni[l_f_ ml[]_, fiai^h_f_ c a_mnolcf_
^_ [`_]coh_ ][g [[ m_ `[].
Liai^h_f_? Scgn ] chcg[ gc nl_m[l_. No g jin
[\ch_ m ho tg\_m].
Co ch_f_ ^ch [al[`_ ^_ blnc_?
O, ho= Vic[g î[l m-mi exprim curiozitatea. Dar
[[ j_m] g_l_o: gc ^[o m_[g[ jl_[ nltco ]t de
sarcastice par vorbele mele.
D[s li_n_ joch, c[l _o g hòlcc j_ gch_ hmgc
j_hnlo ] [g ^[n c[l ]o \n[-h \[fn.
Co ]_p[ `]on ^_ gh[ n[, g ]il_]n_[t _f hnl-o
]fcjcn.
L[m i]bcc h dim, _pc^_hn d_h[n, c[l _o g mcgn
ilc\cf j_hnlo ] f-am `]on m m_ mcgn [[.
VP - 71
gc j[l_ lo ] ho [l[n jl_[ \ch_, ijn_n_ D[s.
A pl_[ m `c jonon m `[] ]_p[ g[c `logim j_hnlo
tine.
No, ho, f hnl_loj, h]_l]h^ m l_j[l ]_ [g mjom
g[c ^_pl_g_. Sch]_l, gc jf[]_.
gc nl_] ^_a_n_f_ j_mn_ ch_fof gchom]of, cu
jlcpclcf_ [chncn_ [mojl[ foc, ][ m ho `co h_picn m
g ocn h i]bcc foc D[s. O ]l_^_, i[l_, ] mi]in_m]
] ch_fof ho-i destul de bun pentru mine? Zi ceva,
Joh_= Olc]_= P_ aol gc m_ l_p[lm oh jinij ^_ pil\_:
Aal[`_f_ mohn `]on_ ^ch i_f a[fp[hizat neplacat
]o [fn g_n[f. D[l _ oh g[n_lc[f \oh, m ncc, g[c
l_tcmn_hn ^_]n [fn_ [fc[d_. E `f_rc\cf c ho
loach_n_. c<
M ijl_m] ]h^ l_g[l] jlcpcl_[ îd_hcni[l_ [ foc
Day.
gc jf[]_, c l_j_n.
C_ lmjohm c^cin, Joh_= Tin ]_ g[c fcjm_n_ _ m-i
dac i j[fg< M mcgn c g[c j_hc\cf ]h^ gc [gchn_m]
], ^_ `[jn, ]bc[l f-am pocnit cu un pistol peste
`[. C_ lig[hnc]=
Co jf]_l_, gc mjoh_ D[s, h^_mhô-c h \otoh[l
]n_p[ [al[`_ j_ ][l_ h] ho f_ ^_m`]om_.
Rgh_g n]oc oh ncgj ^_mnof ^_ h^_foha[n. No gc
^[o m_[g[ ]_ c-[l `c îlcn m-c mjoh, ^[l jli\[\cf ]
n-[l `c plon m-c hcl jlijlc_ncf_ `ctc]_ [f_
[al[`_fil ^_ blnc_. No nco ]_ m `[], ^[l g nl[a
g[c [jli[j_ ^_ _f c gc fcj_m] ][jof ^_ jc_jnof foc.
P_hnlo i ]fcj, D[s j[l_ fo[n jrin surprindere, dar
[jic, ]o \fh^__, g c[ h \l[_. A[, []og _ g[c
\ch_. h]bc^ i]bcc. gc nl_]_ i gh jlch jl, c[l
a_mnof foc gc ^ `cilc. gc haôc m g f[m òl[n
^_ i ]fcj ^_ l_p_lc_: gc cg[ach_t ] D[s gc
olgl_n_ ]o ^_a_nof fchc[ \l\cei, apropiindu-c `[[
de a mea.
hm D[s m_ [jf_[] c gc ijn_n_ f[ ol_]b_:
C_ jl_l_ [c ^_mjl_ jf[hof P[nlcicfil?
VP - 72
Rc^c] ^ch og_lc, [fohahô-gc ^_t[gacl_[. C_
c^ci_hc_ ^ch j[ln_[ g_[ m pcm_t, hnl-un moment ca
mn[, f[ oh mlon ^ch j[ln_[ foc D[y!
i s-[ mjom ]_ nl_\oc_ m `[]c?
No. D[l mohn ]ihpchm ] p[ _rcmn[ oh [hoh
nl[hmgcm f[ hcp_f h[cih[f, ]_p[, jlch ][l_ m m_
mjoh ] mohn h] pco. h ìh^, m_ jl_mojoh_ ]
nl_\oc_ m `[] [acn[c_, m ]ihô] g[m_f_ mjl_
l_pifn, ho?
D[s l^_ m_], ^[l ]bcjof foc ho ^_a[d p_m_fc_.
No ]ihn_[t. F[] ilc]_ j_hnlo [ [doha_ f[ E^_h.
A[ _.
Plc_n_hof g_o g lc^c], [mn`_f h]n m mng `[
h `[.
No nco ^[] h_ pil fm[ m ]igohc]g hnl_ hic.
Vi]_[ c ]i\i[l [nn ^_ gofn, h]n ^_-[\c[ ^[] f
mai aud.
Pf[hof moh \ch_, ^[l ^[] m_ hngjf ]_p[<
Sohn mcaol ] pil mn[ ]o i]bcc j_ gch_, f
hnl_loj. Razor _ i`c_l l_jo\fc][h. D[] ninof m_
ô]_ ^_ lj, ji[n_ m am_[m] i ][f_ m g m]i[n ^_
[]ifi. h ]__[ ]_ jlcp_n_ ]igohc][l_[ ^chnl_ hic<
Pl_i]oj[n, gc go] \ot[.
O m am_m] _o ]_p[.
D[s gc [ncha_ \l\c[, nlahô-g nin g[c [jli[j_
^_ _f, jh ]h^ h[molcf_ hc m_ [ncha.
D[] m_ hngjf ]_p[, ^[] n_ ltah^_nc, ^[]
[c h_pic_ ^_ [donil, m-gc ^[c ^_ ncl_. Ac h_f_m?
Cuvintel_ foc gc ^[o `cilc j_ cl[ mjchlcc.
Bch_, c ijn_m].
h]opcch_[t, ^h^ m]oln ^ch ][j, [jic m_ nl[a_
hnl-o parte, sprijinindu-se pe perne. Eu oftez.
Enc jl_ancn? g hnl_[\.
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] hnl_\[l_[ [l `c nl_\ocn m `c_ g[c
_rjfc]cn, ^[l _f ho g[c [^[oa hcgc]. Enc jl_ancn
m-f o]ctc j_ Ef_]nil?
M mnlôc_m] m mol^.
VP - 73
M[c jl_ancn ^_-[nn h-i m `co hc]ci^[n.
Sng [[ i j_lci[^ ^_mnof ^_ foha, jh ]h^
fogch[ ][l_ m_ l_p[lm h ][g_l j_ `_l_[mnl ^_pch_
jon_lhc] c [otcg dolghnof ^_ ^cgch_[ lmohh^
j_mn_ nin il[of. Ao^ o[ ^_ f[ chnl[l_ ^_m]bcthô-se
c h]bcthô-m_ c pi]_[ foc Razor. P[cc m_ [jlijc_
de dormitor.
Razor pl ][jof j_ o ni]g[c ]h^ g h^l_jn ^_
mj[n_ c g lc^c].
Ce-c `[]_ jc]cilof? f hnl_[\ pe Day.
Mch[ c _ f[ `_f ^_ ][fg ][ hnin^_[oh[, c[l i]bcc,
h mj[n_f_ f_hncf_fil, mohn fcjmcc ^_ ilc]_ _rjl_mc_.
D[s f m[fon ]o i gc][l_ ^ch ][j.
E bine.
Er]_f_hn= _r]f[g Razor, ]o oh tg\_n _gj[nc].
Dighci[l Ij[lcm, mj_l ] [c [pon i][tc[ m petreci
mo`c]c_hn ncgj ]o jlc_n_hof no. Pf_]g hnl-i il.
Ag ]l_ton ] î]nilc[ pl_[ m g i^cbh_m]<,
h]_j_ D[s.
Scuze, i-i l_n_[t Razor. Avem un dirijabil de
jlchm. Tinoc, ^_i][g^[n, ho-c ìl[ jl_[ gofn
piciorul.
VP - 74
6. DAY
h[chn_ m jf_]g, P[nlcicc g [don m-mi schimb

h`c[l_[.
K[_^_ g noh^_, [mn`_f h]n []og jlof gc [doha_
jh f[ og_lc, [jic gc pijm_n_ opc_f_ \fih^_ hnl-
oh [n_h h]bcm. P_hnlo [mn[ ìfim_n_ oh mic ^_ mjl[s
]o i mo\mn[h ][l_, ^[] p[ `c h_pic_ m l_hoh f[
_[, ji[n_ `c mjf[n ]o i mifoc_ mj_]c[f. Razor gc
^ i j_l_]b_ ^_ f_hncf_ ^_ ]ihn[]n ]jloc, ][l_ gc
[m]oh^ [f\[mnlof i]bcfil. Di[l _o gc ^[o m_[g[ ]
hio[ ]ofi[l_ _ [lnc`c]c[f, j_hnlo ] m_mct_t
gchom]of_f_ joh]nci[l_ joljolcc ][l_ gc
gj_mnlc_[t clcmolcf_. L_hncf_f_ [mn_[ mohn oh for
h mch_. C]]cicc c[ ^_ \ian[hc f_ ìfim_m] ][ m-
c m]bcg\_ ]ofi[l_[ i]bcfil ^_ [got[g_hn. T[l_ \ch_
mi-[l `c jlchm i j_l_]b_ ^_ f_hncf_ ^ch [mn_[ ]h^
_l[g j_ mnltc. K[_^_ gc [^[oa i ]c][nlc]_ `[fm j_
obl[t, [jic gc ]igjf_n_[t ^_abct[l_[ ]o i ohcìlg
^_ ][^_n f[ [pc[c_ h jlcgof [h, oh ]imnog ]igjf_n
h_alo, ]o ôhac licc h fohaof `c_]loc ]l[] [f
pantalonilor.
h m`lcn, g _]bcj_[t ]o i ][m] gc]o, ^_
culoarea jc_fcc, c ]o oh gc]liìh. C[m][ nrebuie
chnliôm h ol_]b_, gc]liìhof nl_\oc_ jitccih[n j_
j[ln_[ chn_lci[l [ i\l[tofoc.
Razor s-[ nl[m f[ j[nlo []_, jolnh^ ohcìlg[
mj_]c`c] i`c_lcfil l_jo\fc][hc. K[_^_ c-a luat
cgj_][\cf[ chon ^_ jcfin, ]igjom ^chnl-un
]ig\ch_tih h_alo, ]o hm_gh_ [lachncc, h ìlg ^_
[lcjc j_ gh_]c, ghoc [f\_ ^_ [pc[nil c i]b_f[lc ^_
jlin_]c_. No ^_a_[\[ P[nlcicc [o nl_]on-i h
lhôlcf_ jcficfil. Doj mjom_f_ foc Razor, Kaede e
h mn[l_ m _r_]on_ i g[h_pl ^_ hni[l]_l_ g[c \ch_
^_]n nic ]ohim]occ mc. D_]c h-[l nl_\oc m [c\
VP - 75
hc]ci jli\f_g h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ nl_]_ ^l_jn gcfcn[l
republican.
T_mm [ jf_][n ^_d[. A]og i dogn[n_ ^_ il, [ ìmn
fo[n ^_ oh mif^[n ^_mjl_ ][l_ Razor tc]_ ] `[]_
j[ln_ ^ch ila[hct[c[ P[nlcicfil. T_mm _ gofn jl_[
nhl ][ m ji[n nl_]_ ^l_jn gcfcn[l, ch^c`_l_hn ^_
al[^, c m [doha j_ AR Dsh[mns. Tl_\oc_ m c joh
i ]g[ mcgjf, g[li, ]o aof_l, c i j_l_]b_ ^_
j[hn[fihc, g\l]gchn_[ goh]cnilcfil ][l_ [fcg_hn_[t
sutele de cuptoare ale dirijabilului.
i apoi, Juh_<
D_ j_ ][h[j_[, _[ olgl_n_ h n]_l_ nl[hmìlg[l_[
g_[. D_ f[ ofncg[ hi[mnl ]ihp_lm[c_, ]h^ _o h] g
recuperam la pat, n-[ g[c mjom jl_[ gofn_. h pl_g_ ]_
hic, ]_cf[fc, h_-[g fo[n ^cp_lm_ [fn_ chon_. Joh_ [
lg[m f[ `_f, h_g[]bc[n, ^[l ]o []__[c ]onnol
j_h_nl[hn. Plof c _ mnlhm f[ mj[n_, hnl-i ]i[^
fo]ci[m. E g\l][n h ohcìlg[ mcgjf ^_ ][^_n ^[n
de Razor ]o i m_[l h olg. D_ `[jn, Joh_ [l[n f[
`_f ][ h ìnial[`c[ ^ch fcpl_nof gcfcn[l. E mchaol[
dintre noi care nu e echipat ]o ][m] c gc]liìh.
Dch gincp_ _pc^_hn_. h pl_g_ ]_ K[_^_ g [don m-mi
m]bcg\ h`c[l_[, h]_l] ^_ ]n_p[ ilc m c
surprind privirea lui June.
Doj g[c joch ^_ i il, i jilhcg j_ \of_p[lôf
jlch]cj[f ^ch V_a[m h d__jof gcfcn[l [f foc Razor.
Tre]_g j_ fha ]n_p[ ^chnl_ jlcg_f_ jcl[gc^_,
docurile Alexandria, Luxor, Cairo, Sphinx. Toate sunt
hog_ ]of_m_ ^ch [h[f_f_ oh_c ]cpcfct[cc mnlp_]bc, ^_
^ch[chn_[ R_jo\fc]cc. S[o, ]_f joch, [[ _l[o
hp[c ]ijccc j_ pl_g_[ ]h^ [onilcncf_ h] gc
mac ^^_[o pic_ m g_la f[ ]i[f. h ncgjof tcf_c,
jcl[gc^_f_ [l[n [fn`_f. Logchcf_ ^_ ilc_hn[l_ mohn
mnchm_, c[l go]bccf_ mohn ]oòh^[n_ h hnoh_lc]. P[l
hcn_ gilgchn_ olc[_ c h_al_, lmlcn_ h gcdfi]of
^__lnofoc. Sif^[cc chnl c c_m al\cc j_ oile
fil. Ti[n []ncpcn[n_[ [mn[ _ \ch_-p_hcn: h_ _ g[c
VP - 76
oil m h_ jc_l^_g h gofcg_. M[c p_lc`c] i ^[n
ohcìlg_f_ h ][l_ mohn_g g\l][c. Sohn [on_hnc]_,
cgj_][\cf_. Tin ho l_o_m] m g i\choc_m] ]o _f_,
^_c, n_bhc] pil\ch^, _o c Joh_ h_ ^g ^l_jn mif^[c
^_ mjnghc hnl_ac. Gof_lof g talc_ j_ an, c[l
gh_]cf_ gc m_ j[l gofn jl_[ _j_h_. No nco ]og m_
^_m]ol][ Joh_ ]o b[ch_f_ [mn_[ nin ncgjof. M][l c
jf[]_ ]og [ln h _f_? E [^_pl[n, og_lcc gc j[l oh
jc] g[c f[c.
Nu mai trage de ohcìlg, gc ijn_n_ _[, ]h^ g
p_^_ `]hô-mi de lucru cu marginile hainei militare.
i strici linia.
S_ `]om_ i il ^_ ]h^ ho-mi mai adresase niciun
]ophn.
c no _nc f[ `_f ^_ _gicih[n, c lmjoh^.
Joh_ j[l_ _tcn[hn; hni[l]_ ][jof hnl-o paln_. c
ch_ `f]cf_ h]f_n[n_, ][ c ]h^ [l pl_[ m m_
[\ch m mjoh ]_p[.
Ag plon î[l m n_ [don, golgol _[.
Doj i pl_g_, c am_m] gh[ c c-i mnlha. gc
hni[l]_ a_mnof.
h m`lcn, [doha_g f[ Pb[l[ib, î]of ^_ [n_lct[l_
oh^_ [n_[jn AR Dshasty. Razor h_ mjoh_ m h_ ^g dim
^ch g[ch, [jic h_ ilîh m fog jitcc[ ^_ ^l_jc.
Schaol[ ][l_ ho m_ mojoh_ _ Joh_. S_ ijl_n_ fha
Razor c m_ hni[l]_ ]o `[[ hnl-o parte, spre unul
dintre trotuare. c olgl_m] jlcpcl_[.
O m_]oh^ g[c nltco, oh soldat se desprinde din
gofcg_ c c m[fon ]o oh a_mn ^ch ][j j_ Razor, apoi
j_ Joh_. Plc_n_h[ g_[ c h^l_[jn og_lcc, m_ c[ ôj
mif^[n c ^cmj[l_ h òlhc][lof mnltcc. S-a evaporat
]n [c ]fcjc. O`n_t [^h], ^_ j[l] [\m_h[ _c g-ar
aifc j_ ^chohnru.
O s-i g[c p^ [\c[ f[ m`lcnof ij_l[cohcc. c [mn[
^[] ninof p[ g_la_ \ch_. No g[c ah^c [[. Tinof i
m `c_ \ch_.
VP - 77
Ihnlg gjl_oh ]o p[folcf_ ^_ mif^[c ][l_ m_
phnol j_ ocf_ î]ofoc Pb[l[ib. Ihn_lcilof _ olc[;
^ch]ifi ^_ chnl[l_[ jlch]cj[f, n[p[hof m_ h[f jh
h plòf jcl[gc^_c c m_ ijl_n_ f[ \[t[ foc AR
Dsh[mns, oh^_ p^ gofn_ mcfo_n_ gchom]of_ ][l_ m_
g\[l] jlchnl-oh f[\clchn ^_ l[gj_ c j[m[l_f_. P_
f[n_l[f_f_ jcl[gc^_c, `c_][l_ hcp_f _ jl_ml[n ]o
clolc ^_ oc. B_htc fohac ^_ n_rn_ ]ola j_ [`c[d_f_
^_ j_ `c_][l_ j_l_n_: i h_m`lcn hclocl_ ^_ ^[n_
jlcpch^ il_f_ ^_ jf_][l_ c ^_ mimcl_ [f_
^clcd[\cf_fil. Lc`nolc ol] i\fc] j_ ]_f_ j[nlo `__
ale piramidei.
De acum, Razor h_ f[m h olg. h m_]oh^[
olgni[l_, i ]in_n_ jlch gofcg_ c m_ nij_n_ h
g[l_[ ^_ ohcìlg_. K[_^_ ]ihncho m h[chn_t_ `l
_tcn[l_, ^[l mo`c]c_hn ^_ f_hn, h]n m lgh fha
gch_. A\c[ ^[] c p^ \ot_f_ gc]hô-i-se, dar vocea
i-i [o^ ]o ]f[lcn[n_ h ][m][ ^ch ol_]b_.
Razor m_ p[ g\[l][ gjl_oh ]o ]_cf[fc i`c_lc,
^[l hic ho jon_g m chnlg i^[n ]o ]_cf[fc gcfcn[lc
`cch^] h_-[l p_lc`c][ c^_hncn[n_[. A[ ] ijcoh_[
]_[ g[c \oh _mn_ m h_ mnl_]olg hohnlo<
Rc^c] i]bcc mjl_ \[t[ ^clcd[\cfofoc, ]_l]_nh^
`c_][l_ jli_gch_h m[o [^h]cnol ^_ j_ f[n_l[f_. gc
[ô] [gchn_ ] [g jnlohm i^[n hnl-un dirijabil tras
f[ mif c [g òl[n îo m[]i_ ^_ ]ihm_lp_. c ] [g
m]oòh^[n oh ^clcd[\cf g[c gc] h f[]of ^ch Lim
Aha_f_m, choh^hô-c gini[l_f_. h [g\_f_ ][tolc, [
_rcmn[n i ][f_ mcgjf ^_ [ g òlc[ hohnlo.
Toboganul pentru gunoi, murmur prin microfonul din
aol.
K[_^_ m_ hni[l]_ m]oln c gc tg\_n_ [jli\[nil.
Ac pil\cn ][ oh [^_pl[n ]igcmcih[l.
N_ ]licg ^log jlch gofcg_ jh ]h^ [doha_g f[ oh
fc`n, hnl-ohof ^chnl_ ]ifolcf_ jcl[gidei. Aici ne
[g_mn_]g hnl-oh aloj gc] ^ch `[[ occ. K[_^_ c
h]bc^_ gc]liìhof ][ m mjilipc[m] hc_f ]o gch_.
VP - 78
Eo [g alcd m ho g ocn ^cl_]n f[ hc]cohof ^chnl_
mif^[c. Mofc ^chnl_ _c mohn g[c nch_lc ^_]n gc-am
h]bcjocn, mohn [jli[j_ ^_ plmn[ mea, iar unii au
deja handicapuri permanente compensate prin membre
g_n[fc]_, [[ ]og [g c _o, m[o pl_i ol_]b_ fcjm ilc
i gh []ij_lcn ]o olg_ ^_ [lmolc. M ocn ^ch hio f[
Dsh[mns, ^_ ^[n[ [mn[ mo`c]c_hn ^_ gofn ncgj ]n m
reperez toate gurile tobogah_fil ^_ aohic hcl[n_ h
fohaof ][l_h_c. D[] pl_g m h_ mnl_]olg h
^clcd[\cfof mn[, p[ nl_\oc m h_ gc]g l[jc^.
Colh^, mim_n_ fc`nof. Ul]g j_ f[n_l[f[ ]f^clcc,
h ^c[aih[f drum care-gc chô]_ i mn[l_ ^_ pig ,
ôj ][l_, h pl`, [n_jng ][ ni[n fog_[ m c[m.
Nic lgh_g ofncgcc. R_mnof j_lmi[h_fil m_ gjlnc_
h mnha[ c h ^l_[jn[, j_ ]ofi[lof ][l_ ô]_ mjl_
l[gj_f_ ^_ []]_m mjl_ h[p. K[_^_ m_ hni[l]_ ]nl_
mine.
Nic g[c ol]g oh jc], gc mjoh_ _[, `]hô-mi
m_gh ^ch ][j ]nl_ i m][l g[c haomn, [`f[n h
][jnof ]ofi[lofoc; nl_jn_f_ ô] mjl_ jf[ìhof
piramidei.
O mno^c_t h n]_l_. K[_^_ [l_ ^l_jn[n_. S][l[ [mn[
[doha_ f[ jf[ìh (c jli\[\cf n_ m]i[n_ j_ []ij_lc).
Ti[n mojl[`[[ jf[ìhofoc _ []ij_lcn ^_ oh
jc_hd_hc ^_ m]b_f_ g_n[fc]_ c ^_ alchtc ^_
momch_l_ ][l_ m_ hnl_n[c_. D_ [c]c, j[ln_[ ^ch mj[n_
[ h[p_c jlic_]n_[t j_ jf[ìh i og\l; tih[ [mn[ _mn_
]oòh^[n h hnoh_lc]. D[] l_ocg m mlcg ^_ j_
[]_mn ofncg lh^ ^_ nl_jn_ c m h_ ]lg j_
gofcg_[ ^_ alchtc g_n[fc]_, jon_g m h_ h^l_jng
]nl_ ^clcd[\cf f[ [^jimnof og\l_c, h_ptoc, c m
jnloh^_g jlch j[ln_[ hnoh_][n [ ][l_h_c. h jfom,
[c]c, [j[l[n_f_ ^_ p_hncf[c_ `[] afac_. A]_[mn[,
gjl_oh ]o moh_n_f_ c ìlìn[ ^ch chn_lcilof \[t_c,
[l nl_\oc m gascheze zgomotele pe care le-am putea
produce noi.
VP - 79
Sj_l î[l ][ hiof g_o a_hoh]bc m l_tcmn_ f[ _ìln.
C[f] [jm[n ^_ îo ilc ]o jc]cilof ij_l[n, ][ m-l
n_mn_t. No g î[l_, ^[l mcgn joch jl_mcoh_ []ifi
oh^_ ][lh_[ m_ g\ch ]o g_n[fof, ][ c ]h^ [^_l_h[
dintre ele n-[l `c j_l`_]n. Co ni[n_ [mn_[, ho g jin
[\ch_ m ho mol^.
O m h_ ^cmnlg, ho? c tc] foc K[_^_.
C_f joch j_hnlo gig_hn, mohn h g_^cof ][l_ gc
jf[]_, g i]oj ^_ fo]lolcf_ f[ ][l_ g jlc]_j _o ]_f
mai bine.
N_ h^l_jng ]nl_ m][l[ [m]ohm h og\l, [jic, j_
lh^, `[]_g m[fnof m]oln j_ m]b_flc[ ^ch [jlijc_l_,
ôj ][l_ h_ ]lg j_ alchtcf_ g_n[fc]_. K[_^_ _
jlcg[. S_ ]bchoc_n_ joch ^ch ][ot[ \l[ofoc
\[h^[d[n, ^[l, ôj ]n_p[ n_hn[ncp_, ct\on_n_ m m_
[a[_ ][ fog_[. Ajic _ lhôf g_o. M m[fn `l _ìln
j_ alchtc c g [m]oh^ h og\l. D_i][g^[n jc]cilof
g mfod_n_ \ch_. K[_^_ g olgl_n_ ]o i jlcpcl_
h]ol[d[ni[l_.
M mcgn ì[ln_ \ch_, c ijn_m].
V^.
N_ ^_jf[mg h fchcn_. P[h^[hncpof gc m][j ^ch
]g[ ^_ ]n_p[ ilc c mohn h_picn m f h^_m f[ fi]
h mh. Plcp_m] ^ch ]h^ h ]h^ h dim m[o ]nl_
^clcd[\cf hcp_fof f[ ][l_ m_ [`f \[t[ []_mnoc[ _mn_
jfch ^_ _f_pc gcfcn[lc ^_ ni[n_ al[^_f_, c[l []og, ]
_]bcj[dof t\ilofoc jl_]_^_hn [f foc Dsh[mns [ ]i\iln
^_ j_ h[p, j_lmih[fof ][l_ f hfi]oc_n_ h]_j_ m
m_ h]ifih_t_ h clolc fohac f[ l[gj_f_ ^_ []]_m.
Ulgl_m] ]og `c_][l_ _mn_ mojom oh_c chmj_]cc l[jc^_,
c m_ p_lc`c] c^_hncn[n_[ c nl_]_ jrintr-un scanner
]iljil[f. Uh^_p[ dim, ^_j[ln_, [fc ]a^_c m_ mnlha
fha ocf_ fc`nolcfil.
M ijl_m] \lom].
Care-c jli\f_g[? m_ lmn_n_ f[ gch_ K[_^_.
VP - 80
Ridic un deget. Privirile mi-[o lg[m jclihcn_
undeva jos, asupra unei figuri cunoscute, un personaj
][l_ c ]lic_n_ ^log jlch gofcg_.
Thomas.
C]h[lof mn[ h_-[ olglcn nin ^logof, h] ^_ f[
Lim Aha_f_m. Dch ]h^ h ]h^ m_ ijl_n_ ][ m
]b_mncih_t_ ]n_ oh mif^[n c [f_a_ f[ hngjf[l_,
ôj ]n_ m_ j[l_. E hmicn ^_ oh ]ch_ ^_ oh [f\
imaculan, fo]lo ][l_ c [nl[a_ [n_hc[ ^_ f[
^_jln[l_. M `l_] f[ i]bc ][ m g [mcaol ] ho [g
b[fo]ch[cc. D[, _ nin []ifi. Tbig[m ]ihncho m `[]
mf[fig jlchnl_ i[g_hc. O gh i ch_ j_ [lg[ ^_ f[
]_hnol, c[l h ]_[f[fn [l_ f_m[ ]ci\h_m]ofoc olc[,
alb. Ccp[ mif^[c pch hclocc h olg[ foc. Pl_ ^_
i m_]oh^, ni[n_ g_g\l_f_ gc j[l[fct_[t c, ^chnl-
i^[n, ho f p^ ^_]n j_ Tbig[m lc^c]h^ [lg[ c
[chnch^-o spre mama, pe Thomas snopindu-g h \n[c_
h ][g_l[ ^_ cnterogatoriu din Batalla Hall. Mi se
`[]_ h_alo h[chn_[ i]bcfil.
K[_^_ c ^ m_[g[ ]ch_ gc-[ [nl[m [n_hc[ c
hni[l]_ c _[ ][jof ]nl_ j[ln_lof ]f^clcc. Vi]_[ _c
g nl_t_n_ f[ l_[fcn[n_:
A p_hcn ôj Joh_. Mc]-te!
R_h]_j cg_^c[n m g nlm], ^_c nl_gol ^ch nin
corpul.
Doj Joh_? ijn_m] f[ lhôf g_o.
Scgn ]og g ogjfo ^_ òlc_.
Dchnl_ nic i[g_hcc ^_ j_ jghn, ni]g[c j_ _f p-
[c amcn m-f joh_c j_ olg_f_ foc Joh_?
Ag [pon oh gincp hn_g_c[n.
i care-c f[?
K[_^_ i`n_[t _h_lp[n.
Thomas n-i m-c `[] hc]coh lo.
Rgc ][fg, lgc ][fg, lgc ][fg. M mnlôc_m]
m h[chn_t. No g[c [g ^_ [f_m: nl_\oc_ m [g
h]l_^_l_ h K[_^_. S jlcp_m] h[chn_. c m g gc].
Mchcf_ gc nl_gol c g ]bchoc_m] m gc f_
VP - 81
fchcn_m], m gc ch ol[ mo\ ]ihnlif. Ghôf ]
Thomas o va [ncha_ j_ Joh_ _ g[c gofn ^_]n jin
mojiln[. D[] g ah^_m] f[ [mn[, ho i m g[c jin `c
atent la nimic altceva.
Rgc ][fg=
D_^_mo\nof himnlo, j[nlof[ foc Tbig[m ]ihncho m
c ]lic[m] ^log jlch gofcg_. h]_n-h]_n, m_
h^l_[jn ]nl_ fc`nolc.
Ajungeg f[ ][l_h[ h[p_c. D_ [c]c, p^ clof ^_
mif^[c ][l_ [n_[jn j_ l[gj m chnl_ h ^clcd[\cf.
h m_]oh^[ [mn[, [o^ jlcgof fnl[n [f ]ci\h_m]ofoc
[f\. Tbig[m c mif^[cc foc m-[o [ôh[n []og h
^l_jnof ohoc [m]_hmil. A]_f[c fc`n j_ ][l_ f-am
ìfimcn c hic. Cch_f_ f[nl `l ijlcl_, ^h^ ^ch
]i[^, ]o h[mof h^l_jn[n mjl_ o. Plcpcl_[ h[chn_=
Mc]-n_=
M ocn ^ch hio f[ j[ln_l. Tbig[m mn ]o i gh f[
ol_]b_, oh^_ jli\[\cf ] [l_ ][m][. Rgh_ j_ fi] oh
gchon, ][ c ]og m-[l ]bchoc m h_f_[a ]_ c se
mjoh_. Blom], mnlca f[ i[g_hcc foc c ]o nicc h]_j
m m_ h^_jln_t_ ^_ [m]_hmi[l_, h[jic h g[l_[ ^_
mif^[c.
C_f g[c jli\[\cf [o amcn-o pe June.
h[chng jlch og\l_f_ jf[ìhofoc jcl[gc^_c, jh
]h^ [doha_g mo`c]c_hn ^_ [jli[j_ ^_ j[ln_[ hnoh_][n
[ ][l_h_c ^clcd[\cfofoc. A]_[mn[ m_ hnl_p_^_ ][g f[
nl_c g_nlc c dogn[n_ ^cmn[h ^_ hic. No _rcmn
^_]n i mchaol m][l ^_ g_n[f, ][l_ ol] p_lnc][f, j_
f[n_l[f[ h[p_c, jh f[ john_. K[_^_ c m]bcg\
jitcc[ j_ alchtcf_ g_n[fc]_, [jic m_ hni[l]_ spre
mine.
S[lc no jlcgof, gc mjoh_ _[. Enc g[c \oh.
E gig_hnof m []cih_t. K[_^_ c gi^c`c] jitcc[
mo`c]c_hn ]n m gc j_lgcn m jlch^ oh ohabc \oh.
gc p_lc`c] jitcc[ jc]ci[l_fil, gc c[o [phn,
mj_lh^ ] a_hoh]bcof ho i m g[c [c\ ^_ mo`_lit,
ôj ][l_ `[] m[fnof ]_f g[l_. M ct\_m] ^_ \[l_f_
VP - 82
m]lcc ]o i \o`hcnol hòh^[n c mnlha ^ch ^chc ][
m ho olfo. Sa_c ^_ ôl_l_ gc ol] c gc ]i\i[l
prin piciorul care nu s-[ pch^_][n ]igjf_n. An_jn
]n_p[ m_]oh^_, j_hnlo ][ ôl_l_[ m m_ îgif_[m], c
[\c[ [jic h]_j ^ch hio m ol]. Dch j[ln_[ [mn[, ^ch
mj[n_, ho g[c p^ j[nlof[, ^[l [mn[ hm_[gh, mj_l, ]
hc]c gcfcn[lcc ho h_ jin p_^_[ j_ hic. Pi[n_ ] [o
jf_][n ^_ nin. h mj[n_f_ g_o, K[_^_ m[l_ c _[ c m_
fip_n_ ^_ m][l ]cp[ t_]c ê centimetri mai jos de
mine.
h m`lcn, [doha f[ aol[ ni\ia[hofoc. M [loh] ^_
j_ m][l c g jlch^ ^_ \ot[ ni\ia[hofoc. M gjcha h
\_th[ ^chohnlo. Dol_l_[ g hdohabc_ ^ch hio, ^[l
jc]cilof gc jofm_[t ^_ _h_lac_. P_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n
ôj gofn pl_g_, f mcgn ^ch hio jon_lhc]. gc m]onol
gchcf_ ^_ jl[` c g lc^c]. Plcgof fo]lo j_ ][l_ f
l_g[l] hohnlof ni\ia[hofoc _ [_lof l_]_. Pli\[\cf ]
_]bcj[dof l]_n_ h[p[ h p_^_l_[ ^_]iflcc.
Cn_p[ ]fcj_ g[c nltco, K[_^_ m_ m[fn c _[
hohnlo. S_ m]bcgihim_n_ ^_ ôl_l_ c c nin
g[m_[t \l[of h_pch^_][n. D_i^[n, g gjcha_ ]o gh[
h jc_jn.
S ho n_ g[c ijl_nc [[, \lom], h gcdfi]of oh_c
ol]lc, m_ lmn_n_ _[ f[ gch_. Tl_\oc_ m h[chn_tc
nin ncgjof. R_[]ccf_ ^_ gig_hn mohn oh for j_ ][l_ ho
c-f j_lgcc.
Atunci nu-gc ^[ gincp_ j_hnlo [mn`_f ^_ l_[]cc,
i-i hnil] _o. D_ ]_ ho gc-[c mjom ] Tbig[m _ ]_f
][l_ pch_ ôj Joh_?
nco ]_ [c ^_ gjlcn ]o ]jcn[hof, pch_ l_jfc][
lui Kaede.
C_l]_n_[t hnoh_lc]of ]o jlcpcl_[ c gc `[]_ m_gh
m h]_j_g m _m][f[^g ni\ia[hof.
Razor [ ]ihmc^_l[n ] h-[p_[ limn m-c `[]c alcdc
din cauza asta.
Sohn a[n[ m lcjimn_t, ^[l K[_^_ gc [loh] i
jlcpcl_ m_p_l, ][ [p_lncmg_hn. It\on_m] ]o g[lc
VP - 83
_ìlnolc m-gc habcn òlc[. gc l_[gchn_m] ^_ ]_ g
[`fo [c]c. F[] [mn[ j_hnlo E^_h. D[] Razor ]ihmc^_l
] Joh_ _ g[c h mcaol[h gjl_oh ]o Tbig[m, [noh]c
[[ m `c_. D[l ]_ pil `[]_ l_jo\fc][hcc ]o _[, i^[n
]_ i pil ][jnol[? D[] m_ hngjf ]_p[, c[l Cihal_mof
m[o ]olcf_ ^_ do^_][n c[o i ^_]ctc_ j_ ][l_ Razor nu
a anticipat-i? Cog ^_ ji[n_ _f m `c_ [[ ^_ mcaol ]
totul va merge ca uns?
Eo c K[_^_ _m][f[^g jlch chn_lcilof ni\ia[hofoc,
jh ]h^ [doha_g f[ hcp_fof ch`_lcil [f
^clcd[\cfofoc. Ph f[ ^_]if[l_, lgh_g [m]ohc h
mj[n_f_ oh_c m]lc, hnl-i m[f [ gini[l_fil jomnc_.
Pcmni[h_f_ ]o [\ol l_hpc_ c mcgcg mo\ jc]ci[l_
presiunea navei, care se h[f, ^_mjlchthô-se de
jcmn. Dch f[n_l[f, [o^ ][\folcf_ _fc\_l[n_ ^ch
mnlhmi[l_ \c]coch^ [_lof, [jic poc_nof [jf[ot_fil
_]bcj_c ^_ f[ mif, ][l_ m_ \o]ol ^_ i hio ^_]if[l_
h]ohoh[n ^_ mo]]_m.
Doj i dogn[n_ ^_ il, ncgj h ][l_ [g [pon pl_g_
m g ][fg_t, c_cg ^ch mj[n_f_ m]lcc.
Hai s-i fog j_-[c]c, gc mo`f K[_^_ ]h^ [doha_g
f[ i ]glo ^_ oh^_ m_ ^_m]bc^ îo ]c ^_ []]_m
oh[ ][l_ ô]_ f[ gini[l_ c i [fn[ ][l_ ol] jh f[
john_[ ch`_lci[l. Uh_ilc `[] chmj_]cc-moljlct f[
chnllcf_ ^_ j_ john_[ [c[. E jimc\cf m [p_g g[c
joch_ jli\f_g_ h mfcf_ gini[l_fil.
S_ ijl_n_, c fcj_n_ gh[ ^_ ol_]b_ c m_
h]lohn, ]ih]_hnl[n.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n?
S_ j[l_ ] Razor [ [dohm, gc lmjoh^_ _[.
Ch^ jilhcg ^ch hio, mcgn ]_p[ ôl_l_ h jc]cil c
g nl_t_m] ] h[chn_t ]o oh oil ]bcijn[n. Ul]g i
[fn m][l, ][l_ ô]_ f[ [fn_ mfc [f_ gini[l_fil. P_
^log, h_ hnfhcg ]o îc mif^[c. Adoha_g f[ oh hcp_f
g[l][n ]o ]c`l[ [m_ c []ifi m][l[ m_ n_lgch.
Rn]cg j_ bifof mn[ i pl_g_, jh h_ ijlcg h `[[
VP - 84
oh_c oc haomn_. P_ i n\fc m]lc_ CTRE SLILE
MOTOARELOR A, B, C, D.
h ^l_jnof occ mn oh mchaol j[thc]. Ogof lc^c]
i]bcc, h_ p_^_ c m_ h^l_[jn ^_ mj[n_.
C_ pl_c? glc_ f[ hic.
f m[fong l_f[r[c.
Ag ìmn nlcgcc m pil\cg cu cineva, minte Kaede.
Din personalul de la motoare.
D[? Co ]ch_? tc]_ j[thc]of, ]bcilhô-se la Kaede
^cmjl_ocnil. To _nc jcfin, ho? Al nl_\oc m `cc j_
john_[ moj_lci[l. E chmj_]c[.
K[_^_ _ a[n[ m jlin_mn_t_, ^[l ho i f[m. gc ]igjoh
i gch ncgc^. Sjoh mchaolof fo]lo ][l_ gc nl_]_ jlch
gchn_ c h f_anol ]o ][l_ igof jli\[\cf ] ho i m
[c\ hc]ci hnl_\[l_.
h l_aof< H[c m pil\cg ][ ^_ f[ mif^[n f[
mif^[n, \caoc _o, [loh]h^ jlcpclc jc_tc_ ]nl_
K[_^_. Nic, < ]on[g oh fi] \oh ][ m< h_f_ac no<
Ne-[g ah^cn ] [g [p_[ hili] h ][g_l_f_ gini[l_fil.
D_ mjnghc hnl_ac h]_l] m-i `[] j_ `[n[ [mn[ m g
joj_, tc] _o, `]hô-c ]o i]bcof h m_gh ^_ m]ot.
I[l ij_l[c[ f[ a_hoh]bc h-[ `]on ^_]n m g h]ol]_
c g[c gofn.
F[] i j[ot c ]bcijn_t imn_hn[ncp.
Dintr-i^[n, j[thc]of h]_j_ m lhd_[m] c,
moljlchm, ct\o]h_n_ hnl-oh bibin ^_ lm. c jf[]_ ]
[l_ c _f oh lif h jip_mn_[ [mn[ ^_i]b_[n.
Ab, [g h_f_m, gc mjoh_ _f, ocnhô-se
]igjncgcnil f[ jc]cilof g_o. E `logoc] `[n[<
R^_g [ghîc, c[l K[_^_ chnl c _[ h lif c c
^ i]bcc j_mn_ ][j.
Cog [c tcm, c mjoh_ _[ h pl_g_ ]_ igof h_
^_m]oc_ o[, [g ][g hnltc[n f[ chmj_]c_. N-i m
mng gofn. h ]n_p[ gchon_ mohn_g j_ john_[
moj_lci[l.
Mofn hili], jof[g[f_fil, h_ mnlca j[thc]of ]h^
chnlg.
VP - 85
f m[fong c[lc ]o a_mnolc f_h__.
Ap_[g jl_ancn i _rjfc][c_ ì[ln_ \oh, gc
ijn_n_ K[_^_ ^ch g_lm. D[l c no n_-ai descurcat de
minune. Istorioara asta ai inventat-i [[, mchaol?
tc]_ _[, tg\ch^ [got[n c ]hnlchô-g ^ch jlcpclc.
P][n ] g-[g jlc]ijmcn ]o oh [abcin[hn [[ ^_ ji]cn.
Rc^c] gchcf_, jl_`]hô-g ] pl_[o m-gc [jl
jitcc[.
P][n ] g-[g jlc]ijmcn ]o [[ i gch]chi[m.
N_ ^_jf[mg j_ oh ]ilcîl ]cfch^lc] m]f^[n hnl-o
fogch lic_, m]ton. Cbc[l c [c]c, dim, j_ _]l[h_
]ola ][fojolc ^_ nclc c ^_ ^[n_ []no[fct[n_ ]o
jlcpcl_ f[ t\ilolc. D_ [m_g_h_[, lof_[t c i fcmn ]o
ni[n_ ^_mnch[ccf_ mjl_ ][l_ m_ h^l_[jn ^clcd[\cf_f_
l_jo\fc][h_ [`f[n_ h ]olm, ]o ni[n_ ^[n_f_ n_bhc]_
c jlial[gof ^_ ^_]if[l_ c [n_lct[l_. S_ j[l_ ], h
]fcj[ ^_ `[, îomjl_t_]_ h[p_ m_ [`f h [_l. Ch^
nl_]_g j_ fha ohof ^chnl_ _]l[h_, ][on ]o i]bcc
chìlg[ccf_ ]o jlcpcl_ f[ AR Dsh[mns.
AERONAVA REPUBLICAN DYNASTY PLECARE: 08:51

ORA OCEANIC STANDARD, 01:13 DE LA DOCUL PHARAOH,
LAS VEQAS, NV/SOSIRE: 17:04 ORA DE GRANI STANDARD,
01:13
LA DOCUL BLACKWELL, LAMAR, COLORADO
L[g[l. N_ h^l_jng mjl_ oh il[ ^ch hil^, ^_ j_

`lihn. Uh j[m g[c [jli[j_ ^_ E^_h, gc l_[gchn_m].
Joh_ i m m_ ^_m]ol]_. Mcmcoh_[ i m m_ h]b_c_
]olh^.
Plcg[ h]j_l_ h ][l_ jnloh^_g _ _hilg clolc
ôj clolc ^_ \icf_l_ aca[hnc]_ c ^_ aolc ^_
[_lcmcl_ ][l_ oc_l; f[ `c_][l_ oncf[d h j[ln_
fo]l_[t t_]c ^_ ch^cpctc. Uhcc ^chnl_ _c p_lc`c]
n_gj_l[nol[, [fcc [loh] h ]ojni[l_ ceva care
m_[gh ]o oh mic ^_ ]l\oh_ [f\. Tic mohn g\l][c
]og _l[ T_mm h[chn_ m m_ ^_mj[ln ^_ hic, h
VP - 86
V_h_tc[. N_ al\cg ^_-[ fohaof ohil \icf_l_, jh ]h^
nl_]_g ^_ olgni[l_[ o. h] i m][l. Ajic c_cg j_
john_[ ch`_lci[l [ ^clcd[\cfofoc.
AR Dsh[mns _ i h[p olc[. Fcl_n_, [g g[c ìmn c
h[chn_ f[ \ilôf ohil ^clcd[\cf_. Ch^ [p_[g
treisprezece ani, m-[g mnl_]ol[n h ][\ch[ ^_ ]ig[h^
[ AR P[]c`c][ c [g òl[n ]ig\omnc\cf ^_ f[ nl_c
avioane ^_ phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_ F-170, pe care apoi l-
am phôn j_ jc[[ h_[al j_ \[hc `logic. hm
hc]ci^[n ho [g g[c jnlohm hnl-un dirijabil de
[m_g_h_[ ^cg_hmcohc. K[_^_ c_m_ j_ o[ ^ch ][jnof
m]lcc, c[l _o i olg_t. Pcg j_ i j[m[l_f ^_ g_n[f,
][l_ i`_l i j_lmj_]ncp [mojl[ nonolil hcp_folcfil ^_
d_[mojl[ hi[mnl. Pl_nonch^_hc mohn mif^[c. N_
^_jf[mg gjl_oh ]o _c, [ph^ alcd m h_ ]igjoh_g i
gch h_onl. Ac]c, j_ hcp_fof ]_f g[c ^_ dim, g[c
gofn_ nloj_ h ìlg[c_ c `[] [hnl_h[g_hn_f_. h
fohaof ]ilcî[l_fil m_ hcl oc c f[ `c_][l_ [
patr[ o, m_ [`f ]n_ oh _]l[h j_ ][l_ lof_[t
nclcf_. D_[mojl[ _]l[h_fil [nlh jilnl_nof hiofoc
Elector. S-[o gc][n l_j_^_, ho?
Biroul lui Razor _ ohof ^chnl_ ]_f_ [m_ ][l_ m_
hcl h fohaof ]_f_c ^_-[ j[nl[ johc. h o _
h][mnl[n _g\f_g[ [lachnc_ a Republicii. Kaede bate
^_ îo ilc. Ch^ [o^_ pi]_[ foc Razor chpcnhô-h_ m
chnlg, gc `[]_ m_gh m i olg_t, ôj ][l_ h]bc^_
o[ ]o alcd, h mj[n_f_ _c, c c[ jitcc_ ^_ ^l_jc.
F[] c _o f[ `_f. h ]ihn[]n ]o ji^_[o[ ^_ f_gh,
\i][h]cc m]in hcn_ moh_n_ ][ hcn_ ji]hcnolc. S_
mcgn_ oh gclim mf[\ ^_ c[migc_. Plcpch^ fgjcf_
m`_lc]_, \ia[n ilh[g_hn[n_, ^_ j_ j_l_c, c jilnl_nof
Ef_]nilofoc ^ch mj[n_, gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n ^_ `lca _
aici. Razor mn fha \clio, ]o gchcf_ f[ mj[n_. E
ì[ln_ _f_a[hn h ohcìlg[ ^_ ]ig[h^[hn. Dcm]on ]o i
`_g_c_ g\l][n mcgcf[l.
gc c[ i m_]oh^ ][ m gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _mn_
comandantul Jameson.
VP - 87
c _o, c K[_^_ h]l_g_hcg. Doj i]of jlch ][l_ [g
nl_]on ]h^ f-[g pton j_ Tbig[m, [g jl_mojom, jol c
mcgjfo, ], ^[] J[g_mih m_ [`f oh^_p[ jlch V_a[m,
[noh]c nl_\oc_ m `c_ f[ î]of jcl[gc^[f, gihcnilcth^
jlial_m_f_ ]jcn[hofoc. Nc]ci m_]oh^ ho g-[g ah^cn
] [l jon_[ `c f[ \ilôf ^clcd[\cfofoc. D_ ]_ g_la_ j_
front?
Razor h_ `[]_ oh m_gh ^ch ][j ]h^ _o c K[_^_ f
m[fong.
P_ fi] l_j[om, h_ ilîh _f c c hni[l]_
[n_hc[ ]nl_ J[g_mih.
K[_^_ _ fha gch_; c mcgn h]il^[l_[. Ihmnch]n_f_
î\h^cn_ j_ mnl[^ chnl h []coh_. D[] j[ln_h_l[
g_[ _ [acn[n, [mn[ hm_[gh ] P[nlcicc ho [o ncon
] J[g_mih p[ `c [c]c. O]bcc gc òa f[ ]f[h[ occ;
g p^ lmo]chô-g, ^h^ o[ ^_ j_l_n_ c [loh]hô-
g j_mn_ \[fomnl[^, mjl_ john_[ ^_ ^_^_mo\n. V^ h
gchn_ jf[holcf_ h[p_c ][ j_ i b[ln nlc^cg_hmcih[f.
D[] J[g_mih g l_]ohi[n_, nl_\oc_ m `co jl_ancn m
i loj f[ òa. c nl_\oc_ m nco ][l_ _ nl[m_of
salvator.
Ag ìmn m`nocn m `co [n_hn, c mjoh_ _[ foc
Razor.
P[nlcinof j[l_ ^_ oh ][fg ^_mplcn; og_lcc c mohn
l_f[r[c, c[l j_ \ot_f_ foc [j[l_ oh tg\_n ^_mnchm.
c no nl_\oc_ m `cc [n_hn, DeSoto, ]ihncho _[.
D[] m_mct_tc ]_p[ ]co^[n, pchi f[ gch_. O m `co
jl_ancn.
Desigur, spune DeSoto c h]fch ][jof l_mj_]noim
mjl_ J[g_mih, ^_c ohcìlg[ foc ch^c] `[jnof ] c _
moj_lcil h al[^.
Ti[n_ ]_f_ \oh_ c_ c Lim Aha_f_m-ului.
C_c îc m]bcg\ oh m[fon degajat, iar Jameson
jilh_n_ ]nl_ o. h]_l] m lgh j_ fi], ^_c ninof
g h^_[gh m òa, m g m[fp_t.
J[g_mih nl_]_ j_ fha gch_. Rgh fchcncn ]n ncgj
g mno^c[t ^ch ][j jh-n picioare. Cu coada
VP - 88
i]bcofoc, m_mct_t nlmnolcf_ ôl_ [f_ `__c c
nc_nol[ mo\cl_ c mha_lc_ [ aolcc. h mj[n_f_
_rjl_mc_c ^_ j_ ]bcjof _c mn oh aif af[]c[f, oh bo
[f _giccfil, ][l_ gc jlipi[] h _a[f gmol `lc]
c ol. Ajic i\m_lp ] h] [l_ gh[ \[h^[d[n. E l[h[
h_pch^_][n j_ ][l_ c-[g `]on-i ]h^ g-[ cnut
jlctihc_l h B[n[ff[ H[fl, ]h^ [g go][n-o aproape
jh f[ im.
nc_ ]ch_ mohn, gc mjoh. P_ mj[n_ h]_j_ m gc m_
jl_fcha i jc]nol ^_ moî[l_. E cgjimc\cf m ho nc_
]ch_ mohn. Cbc[l f[ i jlcpcl_ òa[l, ]o ni[n
deghizarea mea jlof nohm c hchis la culoare,
]c][nlc]_[ `[fm c f_hncf_f_ ^_ ]ihn[]n ]jloc , tot
mi-[l abc]c c^_hncn[n_[. An_jn m ^_[ [f[lg[. Tfjcf_
gc mohn h]il^[n_; mohn a[n[ m-i c[o f[ ai[h.
Pc]cilof j_ ][f_ ^_ l_]oj_l[l_ gc jofm_[t.
D[l []_[ `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^ nl_]_ i privirea
]ig[h^[nofoc g jlm_n_ h ]fcj[ h ][l_ [doha_ f[
o. Rmo`fo ool[n.
Sif^[n, [c ohcìlg[ cìh[n, gc mnlca J[g_mih
j_mn_ ogl, ^_taomn[n. D[] [ `c h fi]of îghofoc
comandant DeSoto, m ncc ] i-[ ^[, ][ j_^_[jm,
îomjl_t_]_ ture de alergare.
Ajic i c[ ^ch fi] c c_m_ ^ch h]j_l_. K[_^_ h]oc_
o[, og_lcc c m_ l_f[r_[t c i [o^ ]og lmo`f
ool[n.
Flogim ^ch j[ln_[ n[, c mjoh_ foc Razor,
nlhnchô-se pe canapea.
Tihof c _ m[l][mnc].
Razor gc `[]_ m_gh m c[o fi].
Tre\oc_ m-c gofogcg, K[_^_, j_hnlo [ln[ ]o ][l_
l-[c ^_abct[n j_ nhlof himnlo jlc_n_h.
K[_^_ l[^c[t ^_ gofogcl_ f[ [otof ]igjfcg_hnofoc.
gc ]_l m]ot_ j_hnlo moljlct[ [mn[, hm î[gh[
]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih [ [`f[n ^_ [l_mn[l_[ foc Joh_ c [
plon m `c_ f[ \ilôf h[p_c h ][t ] g[c [j[l_ c
VP - 89
altceva, spune Razor c m_ [[t f[ \clio. A]og i m
c[ oh [pcih h[jic, mjl_ V_a[m.
M mcgn mf\cn. O^cbhchô-g j_ ][h[j_[, [fnolc ^_
K[_^_, ho g jin [\ch_ m ho mn[o ]o oh i]bc j_
`_l_mnl_, h ][t ] J[g_mih m_ hni[l]_ ]o ]ch_ nc_
]_ nl_[\. G_[golcf_ mohn ^ch mnc]f m[\f[n. O[l_
]ch_p[ ^_ dim ji[n_ m h_ p[^?
Kaede s-[ l_f[r[n ^_d[ c ^cm]on [jlchm ]o Razor
^_mjl_ olgnilcc hinlc j[c. L[ ]_ il pig [n_lct[,
]h^ m h_ l_alojg h L[g[l, ^[] mif^[cc cgjfc][c
h ^cp_lmcoh_[ ^ch ][jcn[f mohn f[ fi]olcf_ fil. Eo
mn[o c g ah^_m] f[ _rjl_mc[ foc J[g_mih. Dchnl_
nic i`c_lcc l_jo\fc][hc j_ ][l_ c-[g hnfhcn (]o
_r]_jc[ foc Cbc[h, ji[n_), î[l ]ig[h^[hnof J[g_mih
[l_ i jlcpcl_ ][j[\cf m g hab__ jh h òhôf
mo`f_nofoc. M fojn m-mi reprim amintirea momentelor
]h^ [ ilîh[n o]c^_l_[ g[g_c c _r_]on[l_[ foc Jibh.
D[] Tbig[m [ [l_mn[n-o pe June, ce-i va face Jameson
prietenei mele? Oare Razor ]bc[l ji[n_ m i jlin_d_t_?
h]bc^ i]bcc c h]_l] m-i nlcgcn oh ah^ \oh foc
Joh_: Ac alcd ^_ nch_. Vl_[o m n_ p^ ^ch hio ôj
]_ ni[n_ [mn_[ m_ n_lgch.
VP - 90
7. JUNE
No [g jon_l_[ m f g[c jlcp_m] j_ D[s h[chn_ m

jf_] c m f f[m h olg. h ncgj ]_ ncjof ^ch
ila[hct[c[ foc Razor g ]ihô]_ ]nl_ chnl[l_[ h
î]of Pb[l[ib, ^_]c^ m g ocn h [fn j[ln_. A[ _
]_f g[c \ch_, gc mjoh. D[] gcmcoh_[ p[ g_la_ [[
]og nl_\oc_, [noh]c ^_mjlcl_[ p[ `c ^_ m]oln
ôl[n.
halcdillcf_ foc D[s ]o jlcpcl_ f[ mcaol[h[ g_[
h]_j []og m g g[]ch_ c j_ gch_. h ]_ g jlcp_n_,
planul lui Razor moh \ch_, ^[l ilc]h^ ji[n_ m m_
hngjf_ ]_p[. D[], h fi] m `co ôm f[ Ef_]nil,
mohn gjo][n cg_^c[n ]_ mohn ^_m]ij_lcn? S[o [
jon_[ m `co f_a[n ]o ][jof h dim, hnl-i ][g_l ^_
chn_lia[nilco, c m `co \non jh f_ch m[o m
m`l_m] gi[ln ]bc[l [tc, ]o gofn h[chn_ ][
Ef_]nilof m [`f_ ] [g ìmn amcn. Uh gcfcih ^_
fo]lolc [l jon_[ m g_[la jlimn.
D_-[mn[ nl_\oc_ m g ]ih]_hnl_t, gc mjoh
mchaol. c ho jin m `[] [mn[ ^[] g ocn h i]bcc
lui Day.
A]og l_\_fof g ]ihô]_ h chn_lcilof jcl[gc^_c, h
dim, j_ i j[m[l_f fcjcn ^_ ohof ^chnl_ j_l_cc
f[n_l[fc. Ac]c, hohnlo, _ gofn taigin c b[im. Son_
^_ mif^[c gcoh f[ j[ln_l. Razor mi-[ mjom ] pic `c
ôm hnl-un dormitor din cazarma de la etajul hnc,
oh^_ g pic jl_`[]_ ] g-[g [m]ohm h[chn_ ^_ [
h]_l][ m g mnl_]il f[ \ilôf foc AR Dsh[mns. Ch^
mif^[cc l_jo\fc][hc pil mj[la_ o[ c pil ^[ m g
jlch^, p[ nl_\oc m i loj f[ òa. M pic mnlôc ^ch
ni[n_ jon_lcf_ m m][j.
Io_m] j[mof, jinrivindu-mi-f ôj ]_f [f abcôfoc.
Adoha_g f[ ][jnof j[m[l_f_c. Ac]c, i o m_]olct[n
(oh g_nlo c [jn_t_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc fcg_, nl_c
VP - 91
g_nlc hfcg_) ]ihô]_ ]nl_ ]ilcî[l_f_ ][tlgcc ^_
f[ jlcgof _n[d, fmh^ h olg hcp_fof jlch]cj[f [f
]f^clcc. Gbidul meu trece un cal^ j_ mojl[`[[ occ.
A]_[mn[ m]i[n_ oh \cj, [jic m_ p_^_ fc]lch^ i fogch
p_l^_ c o[ m_ ^_m]bc^_.
Ch^ pil p_hc ôj nch_, m f_ ijoc l_tcmn_h,
gc mjoh_ P[nlcinof ]o i pi]_ [nn ^_ m]ton, ] [\c[
f [o^.
Ogof [l[n _r[]n f[ `_f ][ nic ]_cf[fc mif^[c:
[l_ jlof fchm, jc_jnh[n j_mn_ ][j c ohcìlg
h_[al.
F-c m ]l_[^ ] ho pl_c m `cc jlchm. C pic[c
m n_ jl_^[c h D_hp_l. D[?
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j.
Gbcôf c gon [n_hc[ ^_ f[ gch_. Sno^c[t bifof,
ocnhô-m_ h mom ][ m chmj_]n_t_ n[p[hof. P_
]ilcîlof []_mn[ _rcmn oh cl ^_ ][g_l_ ^_
m_]olcn[n_, ijn f[ hogl, `c_][l_ ilc_hn[n ]nl_ oh[
^chnl_ ocf_ îlgcni[l_fil. h[chn_ m jnloh^_g h
bif, mif^[nof m]i[n_ oh ]ocn ^_ \otoh[l c f
ìfim_n_ ][ m c n[c_ ohof dintre nasturii
mnlfo]cnilc ^_ j_ b[ch. S_ jlch^_ ^_ ][^lof occ,
c jitccih_[t ]n_ oh jc]cil ^_ i j[ln_ c ^_ [fn[
[ ni]ofoc c m_ gjcha_ h mom.
Eo g ocn h fohaof ]ilcîlofoc. Mig_hn[h, ^_ `[
ho g[c _ hc]coh [fn mif^[n, ^[l ^[] [j[l_ pl_ohof
\lom], ^_ ôj ]if? No [l `c cgjimc\cf m g
][jnol_t_ [c]c (h ìh^, mn[ c _ m]ijof himnlo), ^[l
ce s-[l hngjf[ ]o abcôf g_o?
Ogof lc^c] gh[ hmjl_ jlcg[ ][g_l ^_ m_]olcn[n_,
[jic ìfim_n_ ]ocnof ][ m ltoc[m] i j[ln_ ^ch
cauciucul care jlin_d_[t `cl_f_. Ch^ i \o]c] ^_
][o]co] m_ ^_mjlch^_, fmh^ f[ p_^_l_ `cl_f_ ^_
^_^_mo\n, \c[nof c hì[l ^_a_n_f_ h gh_][
b[ch_c c fcj_n_ h[mnol_f_ ^_ `cl_.
VP - 92
It\o]h_n_ i d_l\ ^_ m]hn_c fcjmcn ^_ taigin.
Sjl_ moljlch^_l_[ g_[, \_]of__fe tuturor camerelor de
m_]olcn[n_ ^_ j_ ]ilcîl ]fcj_m] c m_ mncha.
Cog [c l_ocn m f_ hnl_lojc j_ ni[n_ ]o î[l
oh<, ^[o _o m-f hnl_\, ^[l mif^[nof m[l_ f[ fi] j_
ji^_[ c gc `[]_ m_gh m g al\_m].
Sohn b[]e_l, gc lmjoh^_ h i[jn h ncgj ]e
[f_lag. Ag g[c fo]l[n [c]c, h ]_hnl_f_ ^_ ]ig[h^.
Ag gi^c`c][n joch ]cl]ocn_f_ ][ m h_ jon_g ìfimc ^_
ele.
gc tg\_n_ gh^lo, ^_tp_fch^ hcn_ ^chc [f\c,
l_aof[c.
Dar asta nu-c hcgc]. Sn[c m p_tc ]_-[g `]on h
C[jcnif Tiq_l, h D_hp_l<
Impremcih[hn= D[] M_nc[m m-[l `c [fnol[n
P[nlcicfil, c _f [l `c ìmn b[]e_l. D[] [l `c
nlcn.
Foacg j_ ]ilcîl, jh ]h^ h_ ijlcg h `[[ oh_c
oc. Dilgcnilof 4A. Ac]c, hmicnilof g_o m]i[n_ oh
][l^ ^_ []]_m c f nl_]_ j_mn_ j[hiof ^ch ^l_jnof
occ. A]_[mn[ `[]_ ]fc] c m_ hnl_^_m]bc^_. hohnlo
mohn ijn lhôlc ^_ j[nolc mojl[jom_ c ôf[jolc ^_
b[ch_ ]oòh^[n_ h hnoh_lc].
H[]e_lof m_ hni[l]_ mjl_ gch_.
Razor pl_[ m [n_jc [c]c, ][ m `c_ mcaol ] p_c
`c ][jnol[n ^_ mif^[cc ][l_ nl_\oc_. Ef pct_[t i
[hogcn j[nlof.
Scaol< A\mifon fiac]< Amn[ gc ]ih`clg `[jnof ]
Razor ho pl_[ m `co \non gl. Lo]lo ][l_ ]_f g[c
probabil s-[l hngjf[ ^[] [ `c [l_mn[n ^_ i
j[nlof l_jo\fc][h i[l_][l_.
Cch_<?
D[l, h[chn_ m [jo] m n_lgch ^_ jom hnlebarea,
\c[nof g m[fon ]o ^_a_n_f_ fcjcn_ ^_ ][m]b_n[
gcfcn[l.
O m-c olglcg gcmcoh_[ j_ ][g_l_. Mofn hili]=
gc ijn_n_ _f.
VP - 93
Doj ][l_ jf_[]. Foa_ j_ ]ilcîl c ^cmj[l_ ôj oh
]if. No f g[c p^.
Tl[a [^h] [_l h jc_jn. Sohn mchaol. A]og nl_\uie
m c [n_jn j_ mif^[c m g [l_mn_t_.
Ihnlo l_j_^_ h îlgcnil c h]bc^ o[. hohnlo _
\_th nin[f; ho _ hc]ci `_l_[mnl c j_ mo\ o ho
jnloh^_ hc]c g][l oh `cl ^_ fogch. Co mcaol[h, _
i [m]ohtni[l_ ]l_^c\cf. No g i\im_m] m h[chn_t
mai gofn h h]j_l_; nco ^_d[ ]ih`caol[c[
mj[cofoc; lhôlcf_ ^_ j[nolc c i \[c_ ]igoh. Pol
c mcgjfo g fcj_m] ^_ j_l_n_, ]bc[l fha o. E g[c
\ch_ m lgh [c]c.
hnch^ gh[ jlch hnoh_lc] c jlch^ ]f[h[ occ.
Folosindu-g nin ^_ gchc ][ m gmil ^cmn[h_f_,
^_n_lgch f[ ]_ hfcg_ ^_ jghn _ ]f[h[ (oh g_nlo
c t_]_ ]_hncg_nlc). Pli\[\cf ] []__[c ^cmn[h _ c
hnl_ ]f[h c j[ln_[ ^_ mom [ ni]ofoc occ. M
ah^_m] f[ gig_hn_f_ ]h^ _l[g h `[[ occ, j_
]ilcîl, c pcto[fct_t mj[cof ^chnl_ jartea de sus a
ni]ofoc c n[p[h. Cl_^ ] mohn g[c joch ^_ [ct_]c ^_
centimetri.
Boh. Tinof _ h il^ch_. M fcj_m] c[l ^_ j_l_n_,
h]bc^ i]bcc c [n_jn.
Ajic, oh^_p[ g[c ^_j[ln_, j_ bif, [o^ oh bgcn.
Deschid ochii instantaneu. Ollie! I-[ l_]ohi[n_
fnl[nof ilcoh^_. Cch_f_ g_o h] nlc_n_. Plchnl-un
gcl[]if, _ h] pco. Sohn ]ojlchm ^_ \o]olc_, ^[l c
^_ h_ôg_lcl_. C_ h[c\[ ][on Offc_ [c]c?= mi lipesc
ol_]b_[ ^_ o c [m]ofn. Ulg_[t ]n_p[ m_]oh^_ ^_
fchcn_. Doj ][l_ [o^ ^ch hio fnl[nof.
Cii\h_m]of g_o [f\ _ [c]c.
Mchn_[ gc chnl h [f_ln. Uhc]of gincp j_hnlo ][l_
Offc_ [l jon_[ m `c_ h []_mn fi] _ ] hmi_n_ i
j[nlof. c [hog_ []_[ j[nlof ][l_ g ][on. Uh
singur militar s-[l jon_[ ah^c m m_ ìfim_[m] ^_
jlijlcof g_o ]ch_ ][ m gc ^_[ ^_ olg: Tbig[m. gc
reamintesc cuvintele hackerului. Razor [ plon m `co
VP - 94
][jnol[n ^_ mif^[cc ][l_ nl_\oc_. Ap_[ h gchn_ i
[hog_ j[nlof.
Fcl_n_, j[nlof[ de fapt, persoana la care s-a
ah^cn _ Tbig[m.
Pli\[\cf ] Tbig[m [ jlcgcn il^ch ^_ f[ î[gh[
comandant Jamesih m g am_[m]. c m_ ìfim_n_ ^_
Ollie. Dintre toate patrulele, cea a lui Thomas e
ofncg[ j_ fcmn[ ]_fil ][l_ [ pl_[ m g [l_mn_t_.
Mchcf_ h]_j m gc nl_gol_. No pl_[o m f l_p^ j_
o]ca[of `l[n_foc g_o.
Lnl[nof foc Offc_ m_ [o^_ ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c n[l_. c
i^[n ]o _f [doha f[ gch_ jlcg_f_ moh_n_ ^_ j[c c
pi]c. f [o^ j_ Tbig[m ]og mnlca f[ mif^[cc foc. gc
ch lmo`f[l_[ c l_][jcnof_t ^[n_f_ j_ ][l_ f_-am
calculat.
C_c ^ch j[nlof mohn ]bc[l ^ch]ifi ^_ o. Vi]cf_ [o
[gocn, c[l []og m_ [o^ ]fc]olcf_ [lg_fil h]l][n_
(j[l [ `c jonc ^ch m_lc[ M, [lg[g_hnof mn[h^[l^ h
[lg[n).
Ulgni[l_f_ gc]lc j[l m m_ mo]]_[^ ]o
h]_nchcnilof. U[ m_ hnl_^_m]bc^_ c hohnlo m_
l_p[lm fogch[. Ig_^c[n, `[] oh m[fn gc] c joh oh
jc]cil j_ ]f[h, ]bc[l ]h^ o[ m_ ^_m]bc^_ mjl_
gch_. h ncgj ]_ mif^[cc chnl ]o [lg_f_ lc^c][n_, g
hnch^ c g jlch^ ^_ j[ln_[ moj_lci[l [ ni]ofoc
occ, ìfimch^ ]f[h[ ][ joh]n ^_ mjlcdch. M nl[a h
mom. Fl hc]coh moh_n, g ]i]i ][ i jcmc] j_ o[
^_m]bcm.
Sif^[cc ho g p^. Pli\[\cf ] ho jin ^cmncha_
hcgc] h hnoh_lc]of ^_ [c]c. c hogl hnl-o
`l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^. Tbig[m _ h `lohn_[ alojofoc,
gjl_oh ]o Offc_ (mjl_ moljlch^_l_[ g_[, _f ho [l_
[lg[ lc^c][n), c[l h mj[n_f_ foc m_ [`f j[nlo
mif^[c. M[c mohn c [fcc j_ ]ilcîl, ^[l ho gc ^[o
m_[g[ ]c.
E [c]c, mjoh_ ohof ^chnl_ _c, ]o gh[ fcjcn ^_
ol_]b_. h] h-[ l_ocn m m_ ol]_ j_ hc]coh
VP - 95
dirijabil. Comandantul DeSoto tocmai mi-[ ]ih`clg[n ]
ohof ^chnl_ mif^[cc foc [ pton-i chnlh^.
Thomam ho m]i[n_ oh ]ophn. f olgl_m] ]og m_
lmo]_n_ ][ m mno^c_t_ ][g_l[ ]oòh^[n h \_th.
Ajic jlcpcl_[ c ol] mjl_ j[ln_[ moj_lci[l [ occ.
O]bcc hc m_ hnfh_m]. S[l c f nlhn_m] f[ jghn.
hnl-i ]fcj ^_ òlc_ i[l\, ]bc[l mohn a[n[ m c
`lha anof ]o gchcf_ ai[f_. Mc-[l `c [[ ^_ oil<
C_cf[fc mif^[c `[] oh taigin ch`_lh[f ]o [lg_f_,
^[l, h b[imof cm][n, f [o^ j_ Tbig[m ]og, ]o pi]_
anocn, f_ ilîh:
No nl[a_c= No nl[a_c=
Ajic g jlch^_ ^_ \l[. It\on_m] m gc-l eliberez
c, `]h^ mf[fig jlchnl_ mif^[c, [jli[j_ ] [jo] m
òa j_ o, ]h^ oh [f îcf_[ gcfcn[l g joh_ f[
jghn. Doj ][l_ ]o nicc n[\l [mojl[ g_[, ][ oh
col_ ^_ ohcìlg_. gc jlch^ \l[_f_ c g i\fca m
g lc^c] h jc]ci[l_. Tbig[m ]ihncho m cj_ f[ _c m
fie [n_hc.
Razor [ [pon ^l_jn[n_ h jlcpch[ foc. Tbig[m pl_[
m g ch h pc[ j_hnlo î[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih.
h ]_f_ ^_ olg, g h]no_[t c g chnoc_m] ]o
[nn[ jon_l_ ^_ ji^_[, ] hc]c ho g[c jin m g gc].
Ao^ pi]_[ nl_golh^ [ foc Tbig[m.
M \o]ol m n_ l_p^, îghci[l Ij[lcm. Enc
[l_mn[n j_hnlo ofnl[d c pcif_h ]ihnl[ ohil i`c_lc
[c [lg[n_c l_jo\fc][h_, j_hnlo nof\ol[l_[ il^chcc h
Batalla Hall c j_hnlo jlmcl_[ jimnofoc. Ac ^l_jnof
m ho mjoc hcgc]. Tin ]_ p_c mjoh_ ji[n_ `c ìfimcn c
p[ `c ìfimcn gjinlcp[ n[ f[ jli]_m.
R_g[l] ] ho jig_h_n_ hcgc] ^_ hf_mhcl_[
[]ncpcncc ohoc ch`l[]nil. Tl_\oc_ m m_ jl_`[] h
]ihncho[l_ ] D[s [ ìmn _r_]on[n ^_ [onilcnc.
Sohn lc^c][n h jc]ci[l_ c m]i[m j_ bif. Ch^
[doha_g h \n[c[ mi[l_foc, g[c gofc mif^[c [`f[c
h nl_]_l_ m_ ijl_m] m m_ ocn_ f[ hic. O[g_hcc foc
Tbig[m g gjcha, `l jl_[ gofn_ g_h[d[g_hn_, j_
VP - 96
\[h]b_n[ ^ch mj[n_ [ ohoc d__j ^_ j[nlof[l_ [`f[n h
[n_jn[l_, gc f_[a gchcf_ ^_ jilnc_l c oh[ ^_
[fn[ h ]no_ g_n[fc]_. Tbig[m m_ [[t fha gch_ c
c [chn_n_ [lg[ mjl_ ][jof g_o. Rc^c]if. J__jof i
jilh_n_ h ai[h j_ mnltc. C_cf[fc îc mif^[c,
[`f[c h j[ln_[ ^ch `[ [ g[chcc, g olgl_m] jlch
l_nlipcti[l_. S_ ]igjiln ^_ j[l] [ `c oh mic ^_
[lg og[h cgjl_pctc\cf hnl-oh `_f, jl_mojoh ]
[mn[ c mohn. Ilihc[ hnl_acc mcno[cc gc jlipi[]
lmof. D[s `[]_ j_ mif^[nof l_jo\fc][h c _ f[ \ilôf
dirijabilului AR Dynasty, iar eu am devenit cel mai
p[filim jlctihc_l ^ch R_jo\fc]. Ag `]on m]bcg\ ^_
roluri.
h ncgjof ]fnilc_c, Tbig[m h]_[l] m g cahil_,
^[l _o ho f m][j ^ch i]bc hc]ci ]fcj. P[l_ i\imcn.
Al_ \ot_f_ j[fc^_, c[l i]bcc c mohn h][^l[c ^_
]_[l]h_ h]bcm_ f[ ]ofi[l_. Bl\c[ c _ hj^cn ^_
_jc, ]__[ ]_ _ moljlchtnil: h gi^ hilgal, Thomas nu
[l c_c h fog_ `l m m_ `c l[m j_l`_]n. Pli\[\cf ]
doamna comandant Jameson l-[ goh]cn jh f[ _joct[l_
j_hnlo `[jnof ] g-[ fm[n m m][j ^ch B[n[ff[ Hall.
Pli\[\cf ] [ ìmn c chn_lia[n.
Mchon_f_ ]ihncho m nl_[] al_o. Nc]cohof ^chnle
mif^[c ho m]i[n_ i pil\. C_f ][l_ ]ihô]_ c ch_
i]bcc [chncc [mojl[ ^logofoc. No m_ [o^_ hcgc]
[fn]_p[ ^_]n bolocnof ginilofoc c moh_n_f_ h\ocn_
[f_ mnltcc. Poh j[lco ] c ]_cf[fc gc [o^
\o\ocnolcf_ chcgcc. V^ d__jof ][l_ m_ ^_jf[m_[t n
`[[ hi[mnl c tl_m] ^ch ]h^ h ]h^ jlch foh_n[
foc \f[h[ [f\ [ ]ch_foc, c[l [mn[ g `[]_ ch]l_^c\cf
^_ `_lc]cn. Offc_< C_ \ch_ [l `c ìmn m m_ `c [`f[n
[c]c, h g[ch, ]o gch_.
c gofog_m] ] ho c-[c `]on lo foc Offc_, c
spun lui Thomas, hnil]hô-g mjl_ _f.
No g [n_jn m-gc lmjoh^. Cjcn[hcc ho mn[o ^_
pil\ ]o ch`l[]nilcc, gc-ar spune chiar el. Dar, spre
VP - 97
moljlch^_l_[ g_[, m_ ocn h i]bcc g_c. S_ j[l_ ],
j_hnlo gch_, _ ^cmjom m h][f]_ jlini]ifof.
Cch_f_ no m-a dovedit folositor.
E ]ch_f_ foc M_nc[m. Scgn c[l ]og h]_j_ m
]fi]in_[m] òlc[ h gch_, ^[l gc-o reprim. Nu are
hc]coh m_hm m g hòlcc ^ch ][ot[ ohoc fo]lo ][l_ ho
g [don m gc [ncha m]ijof. E chn_l_m[hn ] f-a
chon j_ Offc_ h pc[ [l `c jonon m g am_[m]
c `l _f. Offc_ ho _ ]ch_ jifccmn c ho [ ìmn
^l_m[n j_hnlo [ fo[ olg[. No [ jonon m f_ `c_ ^_
hc]coh [donil ]n g-[o olglcn jlch [l; f_ _
ìfimcnil î[l ]h^ mohn h [jlijc_l_. C__[ ]_
hm_[gh ] Tbig[m f-[ jmnl[n h pc[ ^ch [fn_
motive. P_hnlo ] ch_ f[ gch_? S[o< ji[n_ ] ch_
h] f[ M_nc[m. Ghôf mn[ g ocg_n_. Ch^ p_^_ ]
ho c lmjoh^, Tbig[m c hni[l]_ jlcpcl_[. Ulg_[t i
[fn n]_l_ foha.
Uh^_ g ô]c?
V_c `c chon h P_hcn_h]c[lof Hcab D_m_ln jh
ôj chn_lia[nilco, ]h^ ]oln_[ p[ ^_]c^_ oh^_ p_c
merge.
A p_hcn gig_hnof m joh h [jfc][l_ jf[hof foc
Razor.
Doj chn_lia[nilco, c a[l[hn_t ] g[acmnl[cc g
vor trimite la Denver.
Uhof ^chnl_ a[l^c_hc m_ h]lohn f[ gch_, ^[l Tbig[m
lc^c] i gh.
Las-i m pil\_[m], c mjoh_ _f. Tin ]_ ]ihn_[t
este s-i ô]_g f[ ^_mnch[c_ h_png[n.
Ajic gc [loh] i jlcpcl_. Mc m_ j[l_ g[c nl[m f[
`[ ^_]n ofncg[ ^[n ]h^ f-[g pton; jh c jlof,
jc_jnh[n ]o alcd, ]o ]l[l_ hnl-o parte, e acum mat
c `l pifog.
c ^_ ]_, g lia?
D_ch chìlg[cc ^_ ][l_ Ef_]nilof p[ `c ì[ln_
interesat.
VP - 98
D m mjoh ]_p[, [l pl_[ m g ]b_mncih_t_, m
^_m]ij_l_ ]_ m_]l_n_ [g h jim_mc_. D[l [mn[ [l
l_jl_t_hn[ i h]f][l_ [ jlini]ifofoc c ^_d[ [
h_mi]incn hcn_ l_aofc `]h^ ]ihp_lm[c_ ]o gch_.
P[l_ m m_ ^_]c^ m ho g[c chmcmn_.
O m p_^_g ]_-i m m]i[n_g ^_ f[ nch_.
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ joch ][g mnl[hco ] g nlcgcn_
f[ i h]bcmi[l_ ^ch V_a[m. Al nl_\oc m `co chn_lia[n
c do^_][n h mn[nof g_o ^_ l__^ch.
De ce sunt chon [c]c? f hnl_\. N-ar trebui ca
[]og m g [`fo h ^log mjl_ Lim Aha_f_m?
Tbig[m jlcp_n_ nin h[chn_.
C[l[hnch, gc lmjoh^_ _f.
M h]lohn.
Cog? A [dohm []og c h B[n[ff[?
Rmjohmof foc gc ^ `cilc j_ cl[ mjchlcc.
Los Angeles-of _ h ][l[hnch. Co ninof.
PENITENCIARUL HIGH DESERT.

CAMERA 416 (6 X 3,50 METRI PTRAI).
ORA 22:24; N ACEEAI ZI N CARE AM FOST CAPTURAT.
M [`fo f[ î[l ]cp[ g_nlc ^_ Tbig[m. N_ m_j[l

î[l i g[m `l[acf g lia, [mn[ ^[] ho-i pun la
mi]in_[f j_ mif^[cc ][l_ mn[o ^_ j[t fha _f.
A]_nc[ m_ ìc_m] ]lcmj[c ^_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ g ocn
f[ _c. M f_ah joch j_ m][oh, fojnhô-g ]o
m_ht[c[ ^_ _joct[l_. L[holcf_ ][l_ gc ch gchcf_
jlchm_ f[ mj[n_ thah_m]. Ghôlcf_ gc nin ln]_m]
gc l_pch_ h minte ce mi-a spus Thomas despre Los
Aha_f_m, ] il[of _ ]o ninof h ][l[hnch. No-i
gig_hnof m c \[c ][jof ]o [mn[, gc mjoh, ^[l
ahôf ho-gc ^ j[]_. h]_l] m gc cg[ach_t
Uhcp_lmcn[n_[ Dl[e_ g[l][n ]o m_ghof ][l_ ch^c]
jl_t_h[ \ifcc c mnlzile din sectorul Ruby pline de
j[nlof_ [hnc_jc^_gc]_. Cog _ jimc\cf [[ ]_p[? Cog ^_
nin il[of _ h ][l[hnch?
VP - 99
Sohn_g h ][g_l[ [mn[ ^_ [m_ il_ c Tbig[m ho [
scos-i f[ ][jn ]o gch_. S-[ nin hplncn h dolof
]itcc ]o hnl_\lcf_ j_ ][l_ gc f_-[ jom c
lmjohmolcf_ j_ ][l_ f_-[ ]jn[n; [g jli]_^[n hnl-un
gi^ [nn ^_ chmc^cim, h]n Tbig[m hc]c g][l ho c-a
^[n m_[g[ ] [g ]ihôm ]ihp_lm[c[ ]og [g plon ^_]n
ôj ]_ [ g[c climcn h] i il ]o gch_. A h]_l][n m
g [g_hch_ ] f igi[l j_ Offc_. L[ care eu i-am
lmjohm ] pic fo[ ]o gch_ h gilghn ni[n_
chìlg[ccf_ j_ ][l_ f_ ^_ch. Ajic [ h]_l][n m g
[g_hch_ ^cl_]n. L[ ][l_ c-am reamintit argumentul
pic fo[ ]o gch_ h gilghn chìlg[ccf_ j_ ][l_ f_
^_ch. Doj [mn[ [ plon m joh h [jfc][l_ hcn_
n_bhc]c ^_ g[hcjof[l_ g_hn[f niciuna nu i-a
ct\oncn, hc]c g][l j_ ^_j[ln_. No `[] ^_]n m f nin
hnl_\ ^_ ]_ _ Lim Aha_f_m-of h ][l[hnch. Sohn f[
`_f ^_ [hnl_h[n h n[]nc]c ^_ chn_lia[l_ ]og _ c _f,
[[ ] ho i\ch_ ^_]n l_tofn[n_ h_îlcte cu mine. Nu
[ nl_]on h] f[ [al_mcohc `ctc]_, [[ ]og [ jli]_^[n
]o D[s. (mn[ _ oh [fn ^_n[fco chn_l_m[hn. No ]ihn_[t
]n ^_ gofn ch_ f[ gch_; ^[] moj_lcilcc c pil
ilîh[ m ìfim_[m] ìl[, Tbig[m i p[ `[]_. Cog h]
nu m-[ lhcn h hc]coh `_f, hm_[gh ] J[g_mih c-a
chn_ltcm [mn[. Cco^[n<) Cbc[l c [[, gc _ ]f[l ] [
h]_jon m c jc[l^ l\^[l_[ ]o gch_.
Spune-gc, îghci[l Ij[lcm, gc m_ [^l_m_[t ôj
i n]_l_ ^_ ]n_p[ ]fcj_, ]_ nl_\oc_ m `[] ][ m
i\ch ^_ f[ nch_ ]_p[ ][l_ ]bc[l m-mi fie de folos?
gc jmnl_t i _rjl_mc_ h_onl.
i-[g tcm ^_d[. c ^[o oh lmjohm ^[] gc
h^_jfch_nc i mifc]cn[l_. Ag chìlg[cc j_hnlo
Elector.
No _nc h jitcc[ ^_ [ h_ai]c[. c hc]c ho jic
s-i cc [[ f[ ch`chcn.
Tbig[m m_ f[m j_ mjn[lof m][ohofoc c m_ h]lohn.
Logch[ `foil_m]_hn c jlic_]n_[t og\l_ fohac mo\
i]bc. Scfo_n[ foc hp_ghn[n h ohcìlg[ h_[al ]o
VP - 100
lio, ^_ ]jcn[h, _ jlic_]n[n h`lc]inil j_
òh^[fof j_l_cfil [f\c c aic [c h]j_lcc (ho mohn
[]ifi ^_]n îo mn_[aolc l_jo\fc][h_ c jilnl_nof
Ef_]nilofoc). c M_nc[m [p_[ nin i ohcìlg ][ [mn[.
nco ] D[s nlc_n_, c[l no ncc ]og f jon_g
amc. Doj ]n_p[ tcf_ `l gh][l_ c [j, i m
pil\_nc.
Thomas, n-[ joh_ jl_[ g[l_ \[t j_ ]_ [hog_ ]l_tc
no ] i m `[] _o, c hnil] pil\[. h ]__[ ]_-l
jlcp_n_ j_ D[s, ]l_^_[g ] lmjohmof _ _pc^_hn. D[]
[l `c h pc[, [noh]c m-[l ô]_ m-c m[fp_t_ `l[n_f_
mai mic. Orice fraier ar ghici asta.
Tbig[m h]_[l] m gc cahil_ h_jnol[, ^[l c
]cn_m] clcn[l_[ j_ `[.
Da] _ h pc[, h-i m-c am_[m] hc]ci^[n
`l[n_f_. Li]of _ m_]l_n. No [g h_pic_ m nco oh^_
pl_[ D[s m g_[la. Ag h_pic_ m nco oh^_ _.
No ]ihn_[t. Olc]og h-i m-f jlchtc hc]ci^[n. N-o
m m_ g[c f[m_ [nl[m h ][j][h [ îo[ i[l ]o
[]_f_[c nlo]oli.
Tbig[m c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_. S `c nl_]on hnl-
[^_pl î[l ]n_p[ mjnghc ^_ ]h^ mnn_[g [ghîc
f[ g[m, hnl-i ][`_h_[ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m, foh^ ]ch[
gjl_oh? Ghôf f[ []_f il[ gc l_[ô]_ h g_gilc_
ncl_[ jlcpcni[l_ f[ ][l[hnch. gc cg[ach_t cafeneaua
jomnc_, []ij_lcn ]o [hoholc jlcpch^ ][l[hnch[.
Dighci[l Ij[lcm, gc mjoh_ Tbig[m, [_thô-c
j[fg_f_ ^_m]bcm_ j_ g[m. Pon_g m-i ch_g [[ f[
ch`chcn, jic m ]ihnchoc ]o clihccf_ c m ^[c ^ch
][j jh ho p_c g[c jon_[. No pl_[o m-c fac niciun
lo. Ac [hm[ m n_ l_[\cfcn_tc h `[[ [onilcncfil
R_jo\fc]cc. h ]co^[ [ nin ]__[ ]_-[c `]on, gc m-a
]igohc][n, ^ch j[ln_[ moj_lcilcfil g_c, ] []_nc[
h] n_ ]ihmc^_l ^_mnof ^_ p[fili[m.
D_]c _ [^_pl[n. Di[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih ]bc[l _ste
cgjfc][n. A ^[n il^ch m ho `c_ ìfimcn ìl[ h
timpul interogatoriului.
VP - 101
Cn [g[\cfcn[n_, c lmjoh^, c[l ]opchn_f_ g_f_
mohn h]l][n_ ^_ m[l][mg. Sohn g[c hili]i[m ^_]n
Metias.
Tbig[m i`n_[t, c f[m \l\c[ h jc_jn c,
_r[mj_l[n, c g[m_[t l^]ch[ h[mofoc. Rgh_ [[
]n_p[ gig_hn_. Ajic f_ `[]_ m_gh mif^[cfil.
Ti[n fog_[ [`[l, f_ ilîh lmncn.
Ch^ []_nc[ [o c_cn, fmhô-ne singuri, se
lmo]_n_ mjl_ gch_ c m_ [jf_[] h[chn_, johhô-c
\l[_f_ j_ g[m.
gc j[l_ lo ] nl_\oc_ m nl_]c jlch [mn[, gc
mjoh_ j_ oh nih m]ton. Sj_l ] h_f_ac, îghci[l
Ij[lcm, ] mohn i\fca[n m jli]_^_t [[.
Unde e doamna comandant Jameson? Ea e cea care
trage toate sforile, nu? Credeam c-i m pch c _[ m
g chn_liab_t_.
Cuvintele mele nu-c jlipi[] hc]ci nl_mlcl_ foc
Thomas.
Mig_hn[h m_ i]oj ^_ mcno[c[ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m.
Ola[hct_[t ][l[hnch[ c l[jiln_[t _pifoc[ mcno[c_c
]nl_ Cihal_m. Co nin l_mj_]nof, fog_[ ho m_
hpln_n_ h dolof no.
< S_ i]oj ^_ mcno[c[ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m< Copchn_f_
[mn_[ g hab_[ jol c mcgjfo.
Cbc[l [nn ^_ al[p _ _jc^_gc[ ^_ []og? g
binlm] m-f g[c hnl_\ i ^[n j_ Tbig[m, jclihchô-
gc jlcpcl_[ [mojl[ `__c foc. Lim Aha_f_m-of _ h
][l[hnch ^ch ][ot[ _jc^_gc_c?
Ef ]f[nch ^ch ][j.
Ihìlg[c[ [mn[ _ mnlc]n m_]l_n.
Ch^ p[ `c lc^c][n? Ti[n_ m_]ni[l_f_ mohn h
][l[hnch?
h]_n_[t= c-[g mjom: nin il[of _. c, ]bc[l
^[] [ nc ]h^ p[ `c lc^c][n, nin h-[ [p_[ hc]coh
gincp m-c mjoh.
gc ^[o m_[g[ chmn[hn[h_o, ôj _rjl_mc[ foc, ], ^_
`[jn, ]__[ ]_ pl_[ m mjoh _: Di[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn
VP - 102
Jameson nu mi-[ tcm ]_ m_ hngjf h il[, [[ ] h-
[g hc]c ]_[ g[c p[a c^__. D_ ]_ m pl_[ J[g_mih m
c [m]oh^ fo]lolc foc Tbig[m?
Ce s-[ hngjf[n h il[? chmcmn, mj_lh^ m g[c
[`fo c [fn_ fo]lori de la el.
Amn[ ho _ l_f_p[hn j_hnlo chn_lia[nilco, gc
lmjoh^_ Tbig[m _h_lp[n, \nh^ ^[l[\[h[ ]o ^_a_n_f_
j_ ]_ff[fn \l[. Scno[c[ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m ho n_ g[c
jlcp_n_, îghci[l Ij[lcm.
E il[of g_o h[n[f. Uh^_ [g ]l_m]on. Uh^_ [ golcn
Metias. Fcl_n_ ] mcno[c[ ^_ []ifi g jlcp_n_.
Tbig[m n[]_. Rc^c] i gh ][ m c ^_[ jlof h_alo
^_ j_ `[. O]bcc foc c ][on j_ [c g_c. Mchon_f_
trec.
D_mjl_ [mn[ _ pil\[, golgol h m`lcn.
M hnl_\ ^[] mjoh_ [mn[ î[l [[, j_hnlo ] [
i\imcn ôj [se ore petrecute aici.
Dighci[l Ij[lcm, ]__[ ]_ m-[ hngjf[n ]o
`l[n_f_ no<
tiu ce s-[ hngjf[n, f hnl_loj.
gc nl_gol pi]_[ ^_ òlc_.
Tu l-ai ucis. Tu l-[c phôn [onilcncfil.
Vil\_f_ [mn_[ g îl [nn ^_ n[l_, ] [\c[ l_o_m]
m f_ rostesc.
Erjl_mc[ foc Tbig[m ^_pch_ ]ihòt. To_n_ c m_
h^l_[jn h m][oh.
Ordinul a venit direct de la doamna comandant
J[g_mih c ofncgof fo]lo j_ ][l_ f-[ `[]_ [l `c m
nesocotesc un ordin direct de-[f _c. ncc [mn[ f[ `_f
^_ \ch_ ][ gch_, ^_c nl_\oc_ m l_]ohim] ] hc]ci^[n
ho c-[c ^[n mcfch[ m l_mj_]c nl_[\[ [mn[.
Cog?= c no [c []]_jn[n jol c mcgjfo m-l dai pe
gh[ foc J[g_mih, î[l j_hnlo ] [ ^_m]ij_lcn ]og [o
golcn jlchcc hinlc?= M_nc[m _l[ jlc_n_hof no. Ac
crescut cu el. Doamna comandant Jameson nici nu s-ar
`c ocn[n f[ nch_, h m_]oh^[ [mn[ ho n_-ai afla aici,
VP - 103
f[ []_[mn g[m, ^[] M_nc[m ho n_-ar fi recomandat
pentru patrula ei. Sau ai uitat?
Ridic vocea:
N-[c jonon m-c lcnc hc]c g][l i `lg ^ch
]ihìlnof no ][ m-l [doc?
A ìmn oh il^ch ^cl_]n, gc l_j_n Tbig[m. No
comentezi ce-c ilîh î[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih. C_ ho
h_f_ac? nc[ ] M_nc[m [ chnl[n cf_a[f h \[t[ ^_
^[n_ jlcpcni[l_ f[ ]cpcfcc ^_]_^[c c h [fn_ \[t_
aop_lh[g_hn[f_ ofnl[m_]l_n_. Fl[n_f_ no [ h]f][n
legea, de multe ori. Doamna comandant Jameson nu putea
m []]_jn_ ][ oh ]jcn[h ì[ln_ l_mj_]n[n, ^ch j[nlof[
j_ ][l_ i ]ihô]_[, m ]igcn [mn`_f ^_ ch`l[]cohc
chiar sub nasul ei.
Mijesc ochii.
i de-asta l-[c o]cm j_ i mnl[^ îmhc] c [jii
[c [loh][n pch[ h ]l][ foc D[s? Ac olg[ `l hc]ci
[jm[l_ il^chof moj_lcilofoc, ]bc[l ^[] c-[l ]_l_ m
n_ [loh]c ^_ j_ i mnh]?
Tbig[m fip_n_ ]o gh[ h g[m ]o [nn[ jon_l_, ]
g `[]_ m nl_m[l.
A ìmn oh il^ch j[l[`[n ^_ [onilcncf_ mn[nofoc
C[fcìlhc[= olf _f. To h_f_ac ]_-c mjoh?= N-am
[pon i p[lc[hn g[c \oh.
h ]fcj[ [mn[, i]bcc c m_ gl_m]: h-[l `c plon m
mjoh [mn[, ho h ìlg[ [mn[. c _o mohn i][n.
Tbig[m ]ihncho m pil\_[m], hnl-un ritm precipitat.
P[l_ binln m n_[la amintirea vorbelor pe care
abia le-[ limncn. h i]bc c mnlfo]_n_ i fogch
]co^[n, ][l_ ho gc ^[o m_[g[ ^_ oh^_ pch_. C_ _ ]o
el?
Sohn mif^[n l_jo\fc][h. Ch^ [g chnl[n h [lg[n,
[g dol[n m g mojoh il^ch_fil moj_lcilcfil,
indiferent care ar fi ele. M_nc[m [ `]on []_f[c
f_aghn c f-[ h]f][n.
E ]_p[ mnl[hco h `_fof h ][l_ pil\_n_ ^_mjl_
M_nc[m, oh mic ^_ _gic_ m_]l_n ][l_ g h_ôg_l_n_.
VP - 104
Sn[nof _ \ifh[p, mjoh _o c nl[a [_l [^h] h
jc_jn. I[l no _nc oh f[ j_hnlo ] f-[c fm[n j_
Metiam f[ gcf[ [onilcncfil.
Tbig[m mnlha_ ^ch i]bc ^_ j[l] f-[ `c hdohabc[n.
f mno^c_t g[c [n_hn, ^[l c ^ m_[g[ ] f [h[fct_t
c hni[l]_ \lom] ][jof, [m]ohthô-c `[[ h gchc.
M ah^_m] ^ch hio f[ `l[n_f_ g_o, hm, ^_ ^[n[
asta, caut amintiril_ ^ch []_c gofc [hc j_nl_]oc h
]igj[hc[ foc Tbig[m. M_nc[m f ]ohin_[ j_ Tbig[m ^_
]h^ _l[o ]ijcc, ]o gofn h[chn_ m g h[m] _o. T[nf
foc _l[ igof ^_ m_lpc]co ^_ j_ _n[dof himnlo, fo]l[ h
nol_. D_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ f fo[ j_ Tbig[m ]o _f, ]_c
doi bc_c m_ do][o gjl_oh il_ hnl_ac. L_ jf]_[o
di]olcf_ pc^_i ^_ lt\ic, [lg_f_ ^_ do]lc_. Doj ][l_
[g [jlon c _o h j_cm[d. gc [gchn_m] gofn_f_
]ihp_lm[cc ijncn_ j_ ][l_ Tbig[m c M_nc[m f_ joln[o
h mo`l[a_lc[ hi[mnl c `[jnof ] [jli[j_ g_l_o _rau
gjl_oh. gc [ô] [gchn_ joh]n[dof j_ ][l_ Tbig[m l-a
i\chon f[ Er[g_h: 1365. Uh m]il alit[p j_hnlo oh
jonc ^chnl-oh m_]nil ml[], ^[l g_^co j_hnlo ]ch_p[
din Ruby. Metias a fost primul care a sesizat
chn_l_mof foc Tbig[m j_hnlo ][lc_l[ gcfcn[l. A[ ] [
h]_jon m c j_nl_[] m_lc hnl_ac hphô-l pe
jlc_n_hof foc nin ]_ nc[.
Fl [donilof `l[n_foc g_o, Tbig[m ho [l `c chnl[n
hc]ci^[n f[ Uhcp_lmcn[n_[ Hcabf[h^, ^ch m_]nilof
Emerald.
h ]fcj[ h ][l_ gc ^[o m_[g[ ^_ [mn[, l_mjcl[c[
gc ^_p_hc [acn[n. gc [gchn_m] ]og hnltc[ M_nc[m
]o jlcpcl_[ [mojl[ foc Tbig[m h ncgjof
[hnl_h[g_hn_fil. hnin^_[oh[ [g jl_mojom ] `l[n_f_
g_o c mno^c[ jimnol[, `cch^ [n_hn f[ j_lìlg[h_f_
foc, h p_^_l_[ g\ohnclcc _r_]oc_c. ch gchn_ ]
M_nc[m _l[ l\^nil c c _rjfc][ ninof ]o \fh^__.
R_g_gil_t `_fof h ][l_ f [ncha_[ j_ ogl. gc
[gchn_m] m_[l[ h ][l_ [g gh][n _^[g_ f[ ][`_h_[o[
[c[, gjl_oh ]o Tbig[m c M_nc[m, [noh]c ]h^ `l[n_f_
VP - 105
g_o [ h]_n[n m-l mai urmeze pe Chian. Era apoi felul
h ][l_, oh_ilc, M_nc[m c i^cbh_[ gh[ j_ \l[of foc
Tbig[m i `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^ g[c gofn ^_]n [l `c
nl_\ocn. M ah^_m] f[ ^cm]oc[ j_ ][l_ [g [pon-o cu
`l[n_f_ g_o h tco[ h]iljillcc h [lg[n, ]h^ _f g
halcd_[. A lm: N-am nevoie de prietene. Eu am o
molci[l ^_ ][l_ nl_\oc_ m [g alcd. c [[ _l[. h
`[]ofn[n_, m_ ptom_ ]o ]n_p[ `_n_, ^[l hc]ci^[n
l_f[ccf_ ho ôl[m_l g[c gofn ^_ i mjngh. c
hnin^_[oh[ M_nc[m g[hc`_mn[ oh ^_tchn_l_m ^_`_l_hn h
]_ f_ jlcp_[<
Cn ^_ ]f[l _l[ ninof< Cog ^_ nu mi-am dat seama
jh []og?=
Nilg[f ] M_nc[m ho [ pil\cn hc]ci^[n ]o gch_
^_mjl_ [mn[. R_f[ccf_ ^chnl_ i`c_lc c mo\ilîh[c
mohn mnlc]n chn_ltcm_. c m_p_l j_^_jmcn_. M_nc[m [
fost cel care l-a recomandat pe Thomas pentru patrula
doamnei comandant J[g_mih< Pli\[\cf ] [ `]on [mn[ ^_
^l[aof foc Tbig[m, ]o ni[n_ ] nc[ ], h `_fof mn[,
i l_f[c_ hnl_ _c îc ^_p_h_[ cgjimc\cf.
Ti[n_ ahôlcf_ [mn_[ hpf_m] h gchn_[ g_[ h î[l
]n_p[ m_]oh^_.
M_nc[m _l[ h^laimncn ^_ nch_, mjoh h i[jn.
Thog[m ho gc lmjoh^_.
A[-c? E [^_pl[n? To mcaol [c ncon-o.
Tbig[m nin ho gc lmjoh^_. c ch_ `[[ halij[n
h j[fg_ c l_j_n:
Ag `]on oh dolghn.
Sn[c joch= No jlc]_j<
M f[m j_ mjn[lof m][ohofoc c nl[a [^h] [_l h
jc_jn. Ghôlcf_ gc m_ [g_mn_] h gchn_. T]_l_[ foc
Tbig[m gc mjoh_ gofn g[c gofn_ ^_]n ]opchn_f_ j_
care le-a rostit cu voce tare.
Metias te-[ co\cn, tc] l[l; ]opchn_f_ gc nl_gol
j_ \ot_. c [ `]on [nn_[ j_hnlo nch_. c ninoc, f-
[c ^_hoh[n, ]ihnchoc _o c ]f[nch ^ch ][j, ]]c ho
gc pch_ m ]l_^. Cog [c jonon?
VP - 106
Tbig[m c lc^c] `[[ ^ch gchc. No h_f_a_ f[ ]_
g l_`_l c i _rjl_mc_ ]ihòt c [j[l_ j_ ]bcj.
Nu l-[g ^_hoh[n.
Sng c h_ ocng ohof f[ [fnof gofn pl_g_. Ph f[
olg, c oc_l jlchnl_ ^chc:
Atunci spune-mi ce s-[ hngjf[n.
Tbig[m lgh_ ]o i]bcc h aif.
A^gchcmnl[nilcc ][l_ m_ i]oj ^_ m_]olcn[n_ f-au
^_jcmn[n ]h^ [ chnl[n cf_a[f h mcmn_g, ìfimchô-se
^_ i \l_, [noh]c ]h^ [ []]_m[n \[t[ ^_ ^[n_
jlcpcni[l_ f[ ]cpcfcc ^_]_^[c. Mc f-au l[jiln[n hnc
gc_. Ag ]ton ^_ []il^ ]-i voi transmite eu mesajul
doamnei comandant Jameson. Mereu l-am prevenit pe
M_nc[m h jlcpch[ []]_mlcfil cf_a[f_< D[] n_ di]c
]o [onilcncf_ ^_ jl_[ gofn_ ilc, jh f[ olg, n_
[ltc. Tl_\oc_ m `cc fic[f, m ìi devotat. Dar el nu
m-[ [m]ofn[n hc]ci^[n. Nc]cohof ^chnl_ pic îc ho g-a
ascultat.
Deci i-[c jmnl[n m_]l_nof?
Tbig[m c hali[j c[l ][jof h gchc.
Ihcc[f, f-[g hnl_\[n j_ M_nc[m ^[] _ [^_pl[n.
A recunoscut. I-[g jligcm ] h-i m mjoh hcghoi, dar,
h [^h]of mo`f_nofoc, pic[g m-i `[]. Nc]ci^[n ho c-
am ascuns nimic doamnei comandant Jameson.
Ac]c `[]_ i j[ot ^_ i m_]oh^.
S-[ îp_^cn ] n]_l_[ g_[ h-a avut nicio
l_f_p[h. A^gchcmnl[nilcc [o ^_]cm m-c h[chn_t_
oricum mesajul doamnei cog[h^[hn J[g_mih. A[ [ [`f[n.
Apoi mi-[ ilîh[n m g i]oj ^_ M_nc[m.
f [m]ofn i][n, `l m m]in oh ]ophn. Tbig[m h-a
plon m-f igi[l_ j_ M_nc[m. h]_l] m gc cg[ach_t oh
m]_h[lco j_ ][l_ m-f jin []]_jn[. Pi[n_ ] [ h]_l][n
]bc[l m i ]ihpcha j_ J[g_mih m [nlc\oc_ gcmcoh_[
[mn[ [fn]ocp[. D[l _[ [ l_òt[n c [noh]c Tbig[m [
dus-i f[ h^_jfchcl_.
M hnl_\ ^[] M_nc[m c-[ ^_tpfocn pl_i^[n
[nl[]c[ `[ ^_ Tbig[m c ^[] Tbig[m, f[ lhôf foc,
VP - 107
[ `]on c _f pl_oh j[m h []_mn m_hm. Doj ]og f
cunim] j_ Tbig[m, g hîc_m]. D[l i[l_ f-[ co\cn c
_f j_ M_nc[m? No ocn ] Tbig[m [ h]_l][n m g mlon_
h hi[jn_[ [c[, ôj \[fof jlch ][l_ [ ìmn
ml\nilcn ][jnol[l_[ foc D[s.
B[fof, ah^_m] _o ]o pi]_ n[l_.
Tbig[m ho [l_ h_pic_ ^_ _rjfc][cc ][ m chnoc[m]
f[ ]_ g l_`_l.
Ch^ [c h]_l][n m<
No n_lgch `l[t[. Tbig[m ]ihncho m mn_[ ]o i]bcc h
ji^_[. Cbcjof foc im]cf_[t hnl_ ch_rjl_mcpcn[n_ c
ôl_l_. h ]_f_ ^ch olg, c nl_]_ i gh jlch jl c
\if\ilim_n_:
Ag ha_hoh]b_[n fha M_nc[m i l-am privit
golch^. Mh[ g_[ [ ìmn j_ ]ocnof f[. Mc-[<
An_jn. Vil\_f_ foc gc jlipi[] i mn[l_ ^_
[g__[f.
Mi-[ mjom m ho-c `[] hc]coh lo. Ufncg_f_ foc
]opchn_ [o ìmn ^_mjl_ nch_. No nco< L[ _r_]oc[ foc
D[s, [g h]_l][n m am_m] i ][f_ m-o opresc pe doamna
]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih m n_ [l_mn_t_. D[l, Joh_, no n_
]igjilc h [[ `_f h]n i[g_hcfil f_ _ [nn ^_ al_o
m n_ [don_< ncaf]c [[ ^_ gofn_ l_aofc< L[ `_f ][
M_nc[m< n noaptea aia, la bal ]h^ n_-[g jlcpcn h
i]bc< m_ jinc]h_n_ _f, c[l glasul i se stinge pentru
oh gig_hn. Ag ]l_ton ] jin m n_ [jl c ] g_ni^[
]_[ g[c hcg_lcn j_hnlo [ n_ ch_ [jli[j_ ^_ gch_ _l[
m h]_l] m n_ m_ô]. No nco, l_j_n _f ]o
[gl]coh_. Ph c foc M_nc[m c _l[ al_o m n_
jlin_d_t_. C_ [hm_ [p_[g _o m n_ [jl?
h m_[l[ _r_]oc_c foc D[s< O[l_ Tbim[m [ h]_l][n
m g [don_, [noh]c ]h^ g-[ _m]iln[n h mo\mif, f[
fi]of ^_ ^_jitcn[l_ [ _f_]nli\ig\_fil? D[] î[gh[
]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih m_ jl_an_[ m g [l_mn_t_ c Tbig[m
[ h]_l][n m [doha f[ gch_ jlcgof? Co ]_ m]ij? S g
[don_ m _p[^_t? No h_f_a<
VP - 108
S ncc ] [g chon ]o-[^_pl[n f[ _f, gc mjoh_
Tbig[m, pthô-g ] n[].
Bl[p_[t c gcg_[t oh `[fm jli`_mcih[fcmg. c
ninoc, mcgn h af[mof foc i olg ^_ nlcmn__.
D[l, h []_f[c ncgj, mohn c mifât al
R_jo\fc]cc. Ag `]on ]_ [ nl_\ocn m `[].
gjcha g[m[ ]n ]ifi c g [loh] mjl_ _f, ^_c nco
] mohn f_a[n ]o f[holc ^_ m][oh. Tbig[m m[l_ h
mj[n_. Cno_f_ g gjc_^c] m h[chn_t, ][^ h
a_hoh]bc c h]_l] m-f jlch^ ^_ jc]cil. h]_l] m-l
apu] ]ogp[. Enc \ifh[p. Enc h_\oh ^_ f_a[n. Vl_[o
m-f igil. Nc]ci^[n ho gc-[g îlcn ]_p[ ]o [nn[
nlc_.
Nu, nu-c [^_pl[n. f pl_[o j_ M_nc[m h[jic.
P[thc]cc ^_ [`[l jli\[\cf ] [o [otcn taigin_f_,
j_hnlo ] ^[o \oth[ hohnlo c, ]n [c ]fcjc, g[c
mofc mif^[c g chnoc_m] f[ jghn c gc joh i
j_l_]b_ h jfom ^_ ]no_, ^_tf_ahô-g nini^[n ^_
m][oh. Ajic mohn lc^c][n ]o ìl[. Lip_m] ]o
jc]ci[l_f_ òlci[m, lofh^ h gchn_ ni[n_ ncjolcf_ ^_
atac pe care le-[g hp[n h ]i[f, ]bchochô-g
dimj_l[n m g _fc\_l_t. Tbig[m _ [[ ^_ [jli[j_. E
î[l f[ ]cp[ t_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc ^_ gch_.
D[l ho `[]_ ^_]n m g jlcp_[m]. Mchcf_ c [nlh
j_ fha ]ilj.
A ìmn ]_[ g[c oi[l gi[ln_ f[ ][l_ jon_[ mj_l[,
gc mnlca _f.
Mc m_ `[]_ al_[, j_hnlo ] nco ] [l_ ^l_jn[n_.
D[] Tbig[m ho f-[l `c î\iln j_ [f__[ [c[, [jli[j_
mcaol M_nc[m [l `c ìmn nilnol[n jh c-ar fi dat
mo`f_nof. D[l ho gc j[m. Sohn i[l\, moì][n ^_
òlc_ c j_ljf_rcn[n_. Cog [ jonon Tbig[m m-c `[]
[[ ]_p[ ohoc ig j_ ][l_ f co\_[? Cog m h]_l]c m
domnc`c]c [[ i `[jn? C_ _ h h_l_aof ]o _f?
i-[ m]im Tbig[m []_[mn g[m] h fohacf_ hijc
j_nl_]on_ mchaol, [][m, ôj gi[ln_[ foc M_nc[m? A
VP - 109
^[n i[l_ dim [lgol[ mif^[nofoc c f-[ fm[n j_ igof
^chohnlo m d_f_[m]?
Sunt nln [`[l ^ch ][g_l, h fohaof ]ilcîlofoc.
Mchcf_ gc nl_gol g fojn m gc ]ihnlif_t
l_mjcl[c[, m gc jinif_m] ]ogp[ chcg[ ][l_ [ fo[n-o
f[ ai[h, m [m]oh^ cg[ach_[ foc M_nc[m hnl-un loc
n[chc] [f gchcc g_f_, oh^_ m `c_ h mcaol[h. O
gc] j[ln_ ^ch gch_ [ mj_l[n ] g-[g h_f[n h
jlcpch[ foc Tbig[m. C ho _f [ ìmn ]_f ][l_ gc-a
ucis fratele.
h ^cgch_[[ olgni[l_, ilc]_ olg ^_ _gic_ [
^cmjlon ^_ j_ ]bcjof foc Tbig[m. gc [ô]_ f[
]ohinch ], f[ D_hp_l, ]oln_[ [ [`f[n mifc]cn[l_[
mea de a-f hnfhc j_ Ef_]nil c [ ^_]cm m `co
nl[hm`_l[n f[ P_hcn_h]c[lof Cifil[î Sn[n_.
Pf_] mjl_ ][jcn[f.
VP - 110
8. DAY
An_lctg h L[g[l, Cifil[î, f[ ncgj, hnl-o

^cgch_[ l_]_ c jfici[m. Razor jf_[] gjl_oh ]o
^_n[[g_hnof foc. Eo c K[_^_ [n_jng pe scara
hpfocn h \_th ^_ f[ chnl[l_[ ^ch mj[n_ [ \cliofoc
mo. Sng []ifi jh ]h^ taigin_f_ m_ nij_m] c
aproape tot echipajul navei a plecat. De data asta, nu
g[c _rcmn hc]coh a[l^c[h ][l_ m m][h_t_ [gjl_hn_ m[o
m h_ f_acncg_t_, [mn`_f ] jon_g m g_la_g h olg[
ofncgcfil mif^[c c m c_cg ^cl_]n j_ l[gj[ ^_
^_\[l][l_. N_ [g_mn_]g jlchnl_ gcfcn[lcc ^ch nloj_f_
][l_ [o p_hcn [c]c m fojn_ j_hnlo R_jo\fc].
Plmcg î]of jcl[gc^[f c chnlg h j_cm[dof ^_ oh
]_hoco [\mifon. P_l^_f_ ^_ jfi[c_ hab_[n \c]coc_m]
baza. Cerul e complet acoperit cu nori grei de
òlnoh. P_ i j[ln_ [ mnltcc ^_ ]cg_hn m_ p^ î]olc
^_ [n_lct[l_, oh cl h`lc]inil ^_ jcl[gc^_ h_al_,
olc[_, ][l_, ^ch ][ot[ jficc, j[l [foh_]i[m_ c
mnlfo]_m]. A_lof [l_ oh gclim mnnon, ^_ og_t_[f.
J__jolc jfch_ ]o mif^[c nl_] h [g\_f_ ^cl_]cc,
gjli]h^ hilic c jc_nlc j_ nlino[l. Sif^[cc ^_
[c]c [o ]o nicc i ôha ali[m, h_[al, jc]n[n j_mn_
i]bc, ^_ f[ i ol_]b_ f[ ]_[f[fn. Tl_\oc_ m `c_ pl_oh
obicei bizar caracteristic trupelor de pe front.
R_mnof il[ofoc hc m_ [l[n [g_hchnil: talc_-nori
]_hocc, ][l_ jli\[\cf m_lp_m] ^l_jn ][tlgc, ohcc
hic, ]o `[[^_f_ h_n_^_-iafch^ c `_l_mnl_ ]o a_[golc
ògolcc, [fcc ]colocc c h j[l[ach, ][ c ]h^ fc
s-ar fi administrat oh l_acg ]ihmn[hn j_ \[t ^_
al_h[^_. Cn_p[ \fi]olc-nolh mohn î[l ^ljhnolc c
]_ho, oh_f_ ho g[c [o ^_]n oh mchaol tc^ h
jc]ci[l_, hfhô-se ca ruina unui monument. Aici nu
mohn ]f^clc n_l[m[n_, ho _rcmn _n[d_ hc_l\[n_,
punctate cu turme de vite.
VP - 111
Gl\cg j[mof; h_-[g lc^c][n aof_l_f_ _j_h_,
h]_l]h^ h t[^[l m h_ [jlg ^_ jfi[c_.
Li]of mn[ [ ìmn \ig\[l^[n, ho? golgol mjl_
Kaede.
Dchcc gc ]fhh_ f[ `c_][l_ ]ophn.
K[_^_ ^_m]bc^_ aol[, gcgh^ h \[ndi]ol moljlct[.
Mc, ^[l no ]bc[l _nc oh a_hco, ho-c [[?=
No h_f_a.
Sno^c_t loch_f_ ][l_ m_ ]ihnol_[t f[ ilctihn.
Tinoc, ]_-c ]o b[imof mn[? Di[l fojn_f_ jlijlco-
zise se duc mult mai departe.
K[_^_ m_ [jf_[] mjl_ gch_, [mn`_f h]n ]_cf[fc
mif^[c ^_ j_ mnl[^ m ho h_ [o^.
Cifihccf_ [o h]_jon m ]nca_ n_l_h h tih[ [mn[
^_ `lihnc_l ^_ ]h^ ]n [ nl_]on? ^_ ]h^ [p_[g
_o [jn_mjl_t_]_ [hc? n orice caz, de ani de zile.
Cl_^ ] [o [p[hm[n ][g 160 ^_ ecfig_nlc ^ch]ifi ^_
tih[ oh^_ R_jo\fc][ jl_nch^_ ] m_ [`f al[hc[
statului Colorado.
Doj [nn ^_ gofc [hc h ][l_ g-am aflat sub
bombardamentul constant al propagandei republicane, e
]ihnl[lc[hn m [o^ j_ ]ch_p[ mjohhô-gc [^_plof.
Cog? Vl_c m tc]c ], ^_ `[jn, Cifihccf_ ]nca
lt\icof? hnl_\ j_ oh nih m]tut.
Pc ][g ]nca ^_ ]_p[ pl_g_. S cc gchn_ ] ^_
la mine ai auzit-i jlcg[ ^[n. M[c [n_[jn ]cp[
[hc, ^lao, c Cifihccf_ i m-c [doha-n prag.
S_ mcgn_ oh i[l_][l_ ^_taomn h pil\_f_ foc K[_^_.
Pi[n_ ] h] g[c [l_ l_m_hncg_hn_ `[ ^_ Cifihii.
Pic m ]l_tc ]_ pl_c, [^[oa _[. Eo mohn [c]c
doar pentru bani.
Nu mai spun nimic. Coloniile vor fi noile State
Uhcn_. Cbc[l m `c_ jimc\cf ][, ôj nic [hcc nc[
^_ lt\ic, m m_ h]b_c_ ninof jh f[ olg? h]_l] m
gc cg[ach_t i fog_ h ][l_ R_jo\fc][ ho _rcmn, hc]c
Ef_]nilof, hc]c Er[g_h_f_, hc]c _jc^_gccf_. O fog_ h
care Coloniile sunt victorioase. Frate, ar fi prea
VP - 112
`logim ][ m `c_ [^_pl[n= Plch pccni[l_[ [m[mch[l_ [
Ef_]nilofoc, ni[n_ [mn_[ [l jon_[ m ^_pch l_[fcn[n_
]bc[l g[c ]olh^. Sohn n_hn[n m chmcmn, m [`fo g[c
gofn_ ^_ f[ K[_^_, ^[l, h[chn_ m [jo] m ^_m]bc^
aol[, _[ gc `[]_ m_gh m n[]. Cihnchog m h_
^_jf[mg h n]_l_.
Cn_p[ mnltc g[c ^_j[ln_, ]incg c, jl_ ^_ g[c
gofc ecfig_nlc, olgg oh ^log j[l[f_f ]o ][f_[
ferat. h m`lcn, ]h^ [doha_g f[ oh [fn ]if ^_
mnl[^, ^_j[ln_ ^_ ][tlgc, h_ ijlcg. Li]of _ ]oòh^[n
h hnoh_lc]of og\l_fil jlic_]n[n_ ^_ ]f^clcf_ h
loch [`f[n_ h jl_[dg. Plch tih g[c nl_]_ ]n_ oh
soldat.
A]og j_ `lihn _ i j_lci[^ ^_ [][fgc_, gi
ijn_n_ K[_^_, jlcpch^ ]o i]bcc gcdcc h fohaof
ch_fil ^_ nl_h. Dol_[t ^_ ]n_p[ tcf_. D[l ninof i
m l_h]_[j ]olh^. V_c `c ì[ln_ `_lc]cn ] _nc ]o
hic; ]h^ i m jfio c[l ]o \ig\_, hc]cohof ^chnl_
mif^[cc nc[ l_jo\fc][hc ho p[ [p_[ forof ^_ a se
[m]oh^_ h mo\n_l[h.
n subteran?
D[l K[_^_ c-[ gon[n ^_d[ [n_hc[ [mojl[ ohoc mif^[n
][l_ m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ hic, h fohaof ch_fil ^_ nl_h.
Cfcj_m] ][ m m][j ^_ [j[ ^ch i]bc c m l_o_m] m-l
p^ g[c \ch_. Tcjof _ g\l][n f[ `_f ][ hic, hnl-o
b[ch ^_ ][^_n ][l_ []og _ `f_[], [ph^ i ]f[j_n ^_
stof ]omon ^c[aih[f, ][l_-c []ij_l i j[ln_ ^chnl_
h[mnolc, c ]n_ i ôha [lachnc_ j_ `c_][l_ ogl.
Pc_f_[ c mnlfo]_n_ ^ch jlc]ch[ [j_c ][l_ clic_n_,
c[l jlof ihôf[n, nohm m]oln, c m-a lipit de scalp.
Rmo`f[l_[ c m_ nl[hmìlg h hilcilc [f\c. Ch^
[doha_ g[c [jli[j_, p^ ] [l_ hcn_ i]bc ^_ i ]ofi[l_
moljlchtni[l_: alc-deschis.
Ogof nl_]_ j_ fha hic `l m h_ m[fon_, hm
`]hô-c foc K[_^_ oh m_gh ^cm]l_n: îo ^_a_n_ ^_ f[
gh[ ^l_[jn lc^c][n_ h ìlg ^_ V.
VP - 113
Tl_]_g j_mn_ fchccf_ ^_ ][f_ `_l[n c mnl\[n_g [[
g[c gofn_ mnltc. Ac]c ]f^clcf_ mohn g[c [jlijc[n_
oh_f_ ^_ ]_f_f[fn_, c[l mnltcf_ mohn [nn ^_ haomn_,
h]n îc i[g_hc ohof fha [fnof ^_-abia pot trece.
Pli\[\cf ], la un moment dat, aici a fost zona unde
locuiau civilii. Multe dintre ferestre sunt sparte,
c[l [fn_f_ mohn []ij_lcn_ ]o t^l_h_, hohnlo, f[
fogch[ jfjcni[l_ [ foghlcfil, p^ ]n_p[ mcfo_n_.
h il[of mn[, ]ch_ ho _ mif^[n jli\[\cf ] `[]_ ]__[
ce a `]on c n[nf g_o an_n_, mj[f c c
halcd_n_ j_ gcfcn[lc. gc h]bcjoc ], ^_ `c_][l_
^[n ]h^ jf_][ j_ `lihn, h nol[ ^_ m_lpc]co, c n[n[
nin h [mn`_f ^_ ]ih^ccc gct_l_ fi]oc[.
K[_^_ g nl_t_n_ f[ l_[fcn[n_, nlahô-g \lom] j_
una dintre af_cf_ hnoh_][n_ c haomn_.
Mc]-n_ l_j_^_, gc ijn_n_.
To ncc ]o ]ch_ pil\_nc?
F[n[ g cahil. ha_hoh]b_[t fha oh tc^, f[ \[t[
]loc[, j_ jghn, _ oh aln[l g_n[fc]. Ajic, ]o gh[
h_png[n, m]i[n_ oh i\c_]n gc] c h_alo. P_ ][l_ f
trece ]o i gc][l_ m]oln j_mn_ g[lach_[ aln[lofoc.
Tl_]_ i m_]oh^. Gln[lof m_ lc^c] ^_ f[ mif, j_ îc
jcpic-\[f[g[. S_ ^_m]bc^_ `l hc]coh taigin, ^h^ f[
cp_[f i a[ol h_[al. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] mnlo]nol[ [mn[
g_n[fc] [ ìmn fm[n h gi^ chn_hcih[n m j[l
jlachcn, ^_c, h l_[fcn[n_, [ ìmn nl[hmìlg[n
hnl-i chnl[l_ m_]l_n. K[_^_ m_ f[m j_ pch_ c m[l_
hohnlo. c olg_t _r_gjfof. Bi][h]cc gc [n_lct_[t
hnl-i [j joch [^h], c[l aln[lof ^_ ^_[mojl[
[foh_] c m_ h]bc^_ f[ fi].
K[_^_ g c[ ^_ gh c g ]ihô]_ jlchnl-un tunel.
Mcli[m_ [ lh]_^, [ cal[mc_ c [ g_n[f loachcn. Dch
jf[ìh ][^ jc]nolc l_]c ][ ab_[[, ][l_ gc
[n_lct_[t j_ jlof c [[ o^. No `[]_g ^_]n ]cp[
j[c c ]incg f[ ^l_[jn[, c[l \_th[ h_ habcn_ ]o
totul.
VP - 114
Ch^p[, h [jli[j_ ni[n_ il[_f_ ^_ j_ `lihn,
_rcmn[o ecfig_nlc hnl_ac ^_ noh_folc ^ch [mn_[, gc
ijn_n_ K[_^_ h fchcn_[ ^ch mo\n_l[h.
Da? Pentru ce erau?
Ccl]of tpihof ] ni[n_ noh_folcf_ [mn_[ _l[o
j_hnlo [g_lc][hcc ^ch _mn, ][l_ h]_l][o m m_
streco[l_ h p_mn, m m][j_ ^_ choh^[cc. Amn[ h[chn_
m h]_[j lt\icof. A[ ] `c_][l_ noh_f nl_]_ ^cl_]n
pe sub \[lc][^_f_ `lihnofoc, ][l_ m_j[l R_jo\fc][ ^_
Colonii.
K[_^_ `[]_ i gc][l_ ]o gh[ jlch [_l, a_mn j_ ][l_
de-[\c[ f m_mct_t h hnoh_lc].
Duj ]_ [ h]_jon lt\icof, [g\_f_ lc [o h]_jon
m f_ ìfim_[m] h m]ijolc i`_hmcp_. Ph f[ olg,
R_jo\fc][ [ ^cmnlom ni[n_ chnllcf_ ^_ j_ n_lcnilcof
_c, c[l Cifihccf_ [o `]on []_f[c fo]lo, f[ ]_ff[fn
][jn. h m_]l_n. P[nlcicc [o ct\oncn m m[j_ c m
l_]ihmnloc[m] ]ch]c noh_folc. Nic i m-l folosim pe
mn[, ^ch L[g[l [c]c `[]_ i j[ot c [l[n mjl_
jf[ìh, ^_ oh^_ jc]ol [j c h] ohof, ^ch Pc_ll[.
C[l_ _ oh il[ ^ch [jlijc_l_.
h]_l] m gc h]bcjoc ]og nl_\oc_ m `c ìmn j_
pl_golc ]h^ hu existau nici Republica, nici
Cifihccf_, ]h^ ni[n tih[ g_^c[h [ Ag_lc]cc ^_ Nil^
_l[ i]oj[n ^_ i mchaol [l.
c hcg_hc ho nc_ ^_ _rcmn_h[ noh_folcfil ^_
aici?
K[_^_ jo`h_n_ j_ h[m.
Cl_tc ] f_-[g g[c ìfimc ^[] R_jo\fc][ [l nc ^_
ele? Nici g][l Cifihccf_ h-au habar. Dar sunt
_r]_f_hn_ j_hnlo gcmcohcf_ P[nlcicfil.
D[l Cifihccf_ p `ch[h_[t?
L[ [otof hnl_\lcc g_f_, `[n[ m]bc_[t oh tg\_n.
Cine altcineva ne-[l ^[ ^_mnoc \[hc ][ m
hnl_ch_g hcn_ noh_folc ][ [mn_[? Eo h] ho c-am
]ohim]on j_ `ch[h[nilcc hinlc ^_ []ifi. Razor se
i]oj ^_ l_f[ccf_ ^_ a_hof mn[. D[l \[hcc ]ihncho
VP - 115
m pch, ^_]c jli\[\cf ] mohn gofogcc ^_ ]__[ ]_
facem.
O pl_g_, ]ihnchog m g_la_g `l m pil\cg. O]bcc
mi s-[o i\chocn mo`c]c_hn ^_ gofn ]o hnonericul ca
m jin ^cmncha_ mnl[nof ^_ loach ][l_ []ij_l j_l_cc
noh_fofoc. Plc[_ ^_ [j ]l__[t nin `_fof ^_ gi^_f_
j_ g_n[fof j_l_cfil.
T_ \o]olc ] _c ]nca lt\icof? tc] ôj ]n_p[
minute.
N^dôc_m] ] j[ln_h_l[ g_[ g[c [l_ ]b_` m pil\cg
despre Colonii.
Practic te-[o [foha[n ^ch [l< n fond, de ce ai
plecat?
K[_^_ l^_ ]o [gl]coh_. Soh_nof \i][h]cfil hinlc
jf_m]ch^ jlch [j l_p_l\_l_[t h fohaof noh_fofoc.
D[, ]l_^ ] g \o]ol, gc lmjoh^_ _[. C[l_ [l `c
alternativa? S ]nca_ Republica?! Spune-mi tu ce e
g[c \ch_. D[l no [c ]l_m]on h R_jo\fc]. Cch_ nc_
]og c m-[l jl_[ Cifihccf_< Ac jon_[ ]l_^_ ] mohn oh
paradis.
Ercmn pl_oh gincp ^ch ][ot[ ]loc[ h-[l nl_\oc m
]l_^ [mn[? T[n[ gc nin mjoh_[ jip_nc ^_mjl_ Cifihcc.
Zi]_[ ] []ifi mohn il[_ ]igjf_n _f_]nlc`c][n_.
T[nf no [ fo]l[n j_hnlo l_tcmn_h m[o ]_p[ ^_
a_ho mn[?
No mohn mcaol. Nc]ci^[n h-[ pil\cn j_ f_[o. D[l
]o nicc jl_mojoh_[g ] oh_f_ ^chnl_ fo]lolcf_ ^_ ][l_
se ocupa nu erau cunoscute de [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc.
N_ [ô]_[ nin `_fof ^_< t^lhah_f_ ][l_ [p_[o
f_anol ]o Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_. Cb_mncc ]co^[n_. N_ mjoh_[
]og, hnl-i tc, i m h_ m]i[n j_ nic ^ch R_jo\fc].
M ijl_m] joch, jc_lôn jlchnl_ []_mn_ [gchnclc
p_]bc. P[h^[hncpof ^_ f[ an j[l_ ] [nlh al_o []og.
Nu cred c-i m [`fo pl_i^[n ]o ]_ m_ i]oj[.
K[_^_ ]f[nch ^ch ][j.
Eo [g ]l_m]on j_ ]i[mn[ _mnc] [ Cifihccfil,
aproape de Atlanticul de Sud. Nu m-[g g[c hnilm []ifi
VP - 116
de ani de zile mohn ]ihpchm ] [j[ [ g[c h[chn[n
cel joch ]cp[ g_nlc. h ilc]_ ][t, [g chnl[n f[ oh[
^chnl_ [][^_gccf_ ^_ [pc[c_ c [g ^_p_hcn ohof ^chnl_
][^_cc fil ^_ nij.
D[] h Cifihcc ho m_ momch Er[g_h_, g hnl_\ ]og
mohn [f_c ]_c ][l_ mohn jlcgcc h ]ifc.
i? Ce s-[ hngjf[n?
L-am omoln j_ oho, gc lmjoh^_ K[_^_.
gc mjoh_ ]b_mnc[ [mn[ ]o ]_f g[c `cl_m] nih. h
hnoh_lc], K[_^_ m_ [jlijc_ ^_ gch_ c, jfch ^_
h^lth_[f, gc mno^c[t `[[.
Ce-c? H[c, ho `[]_ j_< A ìmn oh []]c^_hn. Tcjof
_l[ a_fim ] nonolil ]ig[h^[hcfil hinlc ê zbor le
jf]_[ ì[ln_ n[l_ ^_ gch_, [[ ] [ h]_l][n m g
arunce peste bord din dirijabil. M-[g lhcn f[ oh i]bc
h h]c_l[l_[ [c[. M[c nltco, f-[g amcn j_ ch^cpc^
h p_mnc[l c f-am pocnit de-[ ]ton f[n.
K[_^_ jo`h_n_ ]o ^_taomn.
Ulterior s-a dip_^cn ] f-am lovit prea tare la
cap. Nu s-[ g[c nl_tcn hc]ci^[n. Doj []_mn gc]
incident, care mi-[ jn[n l_jon[c[ h lhôf
ìl_fil, mjihmilof g_o m-a retras. Dar nu din cauza
[mn[. Nc]c j_hnlo ]-f igilm_g j_ ncjof f[. Cch_
vrea pe post de angajat vorbim despre un pilot de
fojn, ^[?= i ncj ]o oh i]bc png[n, ]bc[l c ôj
ij_l[c_?
F[n[ m_ ijl_n_ c gc ch^c] i]bcof ^l_jn.
M[l`[ m_ mnlc][m_. Pl_of gc-[ m]ton p_lncachim.
M lia, ôj ]_ mjihmilof m-a retras, Academia m-a dat
[`[l. Sch]_l, [ ìmn j][n. Ag jc_lôn ofncgof [h ^_
[hnl_h[g_hn ^ch ][ot[ ^_l\_^_ofoc foc[ h_hili]cn.
No h_f_a ohcc ^chnl_ n_lg_hcc ìfimcc ^_ K[_^_
ìl_, [ha[d[c , ^[l ^_]c^ m i hnl_\ ^_ _c ]o
[fn i][tc_. Sohn mcaol ], h]_nof ]o h]_nof, i m
mai i\ch ^_ f[ _[ c [fn_ chìlg[cc ^_mjl_ Cifihcc.
Mig_hn[h, pl_[o m [`fo g[c gofn_ ^_mjl_ i[g_hcc
pentru care lucrez.
VP - 117
i-apoi te-[c [fnol[n P[nlcicfil?
K[_^_ `[]_ oh a_mn hih[f[hn ]o gh[ c c hnch^_
[jic \l[_f_ h `[. R_g[l] ^ch hio ]n ^_ h[fn
este og_lcc c mohn f[ []_f[c hcp_f ]o [c g_c.
I^__[ _ ] Razor g jfn_n_. I[l oh_ilc [g i][tc[
m c t\il. hm _o mohn [c]c j_hnlo \[hc, joncof_.
Cn ncgj gc jlcg_m] gf[co, `[] nin ]_ jin ][ m joh
oglof f[ l_ohcl_[ Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_. I[l ^[] [mn[
hm_[gh m f[m R_jo\fc][ m m_ jl\o_[m], ì[ln_
\ch_. D[] hm_[gh ] \f_mn_g[n_f_ Cifihcc pil jl_fo[
jon_l_[, c[lc: ì[ln_ \ch_. S m_ n_lgch_ ]o
lt\icof c m m_ joh j_ jc]ci[l_ Sn[n_f_ [mn_[
Uhcn_. No pl_[o ^_]n ][ i[g_hcc m ô] c[l hcn_
pc_c hilg[f_. Amn[ _ nin ]_ g chn_l_m_[t.
No jin m ho g [got joch. D_c K[_^_ [l\il_[t oh
[_l ^_ ch^c`_l_h, gc _ fcgj_^_ ] _ gh^l ^_
[j[ln_h_h[ f[ ila[hct[c[ P[nlcicfil.
Loc T_mm m_ j[l_ ]-c jf[]_ gofn ^_ nch_, c
comunic. Deci pl_mojoh ] _nc ^_ nl_[\.
K[_^_ l^_ ^ch ni[n chcg[.
Tl_\oc_ m l_]ohim] ] _ i `[n ì[ln_ ôf]_. M
\o]ol ] h-[g igiln-i h fojn[ [c[ S]bct. O m p_tc
ho _rcmn hc]c g][l oh mchaol P[nlcin ]loc[ m ho-i
jf[] ^_ T_mm. No ocn[ ][, ^ch ]h^ h ]h^, m-i dai
oh gc] m_gh ^_ [`_]coh_, ^[? nco ] c m-au aprins
]f]c_f_ ôj Joh_, ^[l T_mm _ h^laimncn ^_ nch_
jh j_mn_ ][j. Amn[ h ][tof h ][l_ ho c-ai dat
m_[g[<
Copchn_f_ _c `[] m gc m_ ][g n_[la tg\_nof ^_ j_
buze.
Pl_mojoh ] hc]ci^[n h-am privit-i h `_fof mn[,
lmjoh^ _o.
Ch^ n_ ah^_nc jlch ]n_ [ nl_]on, _o tc] ]
g_lcn joch ^l[aimn_, ho?
hnch^ i gh c i ijl_m] j_ K[_^_.
i-a povestit despre trecutul ei?
K[_^_ m_ hni[l]_ c m_ ocn f[ gch_.
VP - 118
c_ ho c-a spus hc]ci^[n jip_mn_[ _c? `[]_ _[,
mch]_l ocgcn.
N-[g l_ocn m m]in hcgc] ^_ f[ _[. M_l_o [ i]ifcn
mo\c_]nof c, ôj i pl_g_, [g h]_n[n m g[c h]_l].
K[_^_ c l_am_n_ ][fgof.
Pli\[\cf ] ho pl_[ m-c `c_ gcf ^_ _[, gc
mjoh_ h ]_f_ ^ch olg. T_mm _l[ ]_[ g[c gc] ^ch
]ch]c `l[c. L[ pl_g_[ l_mj_]ncp, gc m_ j[l_ ] [p_[
hio [hc. Plchcc ho-c g[c j_lgcn_[o m-c blh_[m]
j_ nic, [[ ], hnl-i m_[l, [o fm[n-i j_ [`[l, [o
h]oc[n o[ c h-au mai primit-i hc]ci^[n. T_mm gc-a
tcm ] [ \non f[ o tcf_ hnl_ac.
No jin m mjoh ] mohn moljlchm ^_ ]__[ ]_ [o^.
Republica face o nl_[\ ì[ln_ jli[mn ]h^ pch_ pil\[
m m_ i]oj_ ^_ ]ijccc mnltcc, ^_ il`[hc. Ncg_hc ho h_
\[a h m_[g. M][l _o [g [pon oh fo]lo ^_ ][l_ m g
[a: ^l[aimn_[ `[gcfcei mele. Dar Tess n-a avut parte
hc]c ^_ [mn[. A[ ] ho _ ^_ gcl[l_ ], [noh]c ]h^
ne-am cunoscut, s-a lipit cu totul de mine. Probabil
] _l[g mchaol[ j_lmi[h ^ch fog_ ]l_c[ c jm[ ^_
ea.
N-[g ncon, ijn_m] ]nl_ K[_^_.
Ec, []og ncc, mjoh_ _[. A[ ] `cc \oh ]o _[. S
ncc ] p jinlcpcc ì[ln_ \ch_.
Cb_mnc[ [mn[ i `[]_ m lhd_[m].
Aghîc mohn_c [f h[c\cc ^_ ijncgcnc. N-am mai
hnfhcn hc]ci j_l_]b_ ^_ i[g_hc [c mnltcc ][l_ m
`c_ [nn ^_ jfch ^_ pic_ \oh.
Nu-c lmjoh^. Epc^_hn, [l_ ^reptate hc]ci^[n h-am
mn[n m g ah^_m] f[ [mn[, ^[l _o c T_mm hnl-[^_pl
h_ jinlcpcg ì[ln_ \ch_. E[ h_f_a_ h jliòhtcg_
fog_[ ^ch ][l_ pch _o. Cbc[l c h tcf_f_ ]_f_ g[c
jli[mn_, T_mm l_o_n_ m g hp_m_f_[m]. E ][ c ]og
ea ar proveni dintr-i `[gcfc_ `_lc]cn, ][ c ]og
jip_mn_[ _c [l `c [fn[ ^_]n ]_[ j_ ][l_ gc-a spus-o
K[_^_. Gh^chô-g f[ T_mm, mcgn []og ] g hpfoc_ i
]fôl l_f[r[hn. Blom], gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n ^_
VP - 119
h_l\^nil mohn m i l_hnfh_m]. Sohn_g g_l_o
gjl_oh. Ihm_j[l[\cfc.
i apoi e June.
E mo`c]c_hn m-gc pch h gchn_ hog_f_ _c c gc m_
n[c_ l_mjcl[c[. Sohn [jli[j_ d_h[n ^_ l_[]c[ g_[.
O[l_ _o c Joh_ h_ jinlcpcg? No. mn[ _ jlcgof lmjohm
][l_ gc pch_ h gchn_.
c ninoc<
Cihp_lm[c[ ]o K[_^_ m_ ^_mnl[g. Dch ]h^ h ]h^,
[loh] ]n_ i jlcpcl_ j_mn_ ogl, j_ dogn[n_ mj_lh^
m p^ i a_[h ^_ fogch, j_ dogn[n_ îlchô-gc m ho
p^ hcgc]. Lcjm[ fogchcc hm_[gh ] noh_fof ho nl_]_
j_ mo\ ni[n_ aolcf_ ^_ ][h[fct[l_ ^ch il[, ] ho _
pctc\cf ]_fil ][l_ m_ jfcg\ j_ ^_[mojl[. Pghnof ^_
mo\ jc]ci[l_f_ hi[mnl_ j[l_ h]fch[n. Ci\ilg ^ch ]_
h ]_ g[c [^h]. P_ gmol ]_ noh_fof m_ haomn_[t c
j_l_cc foc m_ mnlha h dolof g_o, g mnlôc_m] ^ch
]_ h ]_ g[c n[l_ m-gc ]ihnlif_t l_mjcl[c[. Af
h[c\cc noh_f< C_ h-[ ^[ m `co c[l [`[l, f[ [_l=
Dol_[t i p_hc]c_, ^[l, jh f[ olg, i mcgn j_
Kaede oprindu-se brusc. Acum ecoul sunetului pe care
f jliô] \i][h]cc hinlc jlch [j moh ^c`_lcn cred
] mohn_g h `[[ oh_c mnlo]nolc mifc^_. Pi[n_ oh tc^.
mn[ _l[ j_ pl_golc oh \oh]l h ][l_ m_ l_òac[o
òa[lcc, golgol _[. Dch mj[n_f_ foc, noh_fof ]ihncho
c nl_]_ ^cl_]n h Cifihcc.
K[_^_ h]_[l] m ^_m]bc^ o[ ]o [donilof oh_c
g[h_n_ gc]c, ^ch f[n_l[f. Ch^ p_^_ ] ho l_o_n_,
]ci]h_n_ oil f[ o, hnl-o succesiune ]igjfc][n
^_ ]n_ t_]_ c ohmjl_t_]_ \nc.
Ajic mnlca:
R[]b_n.
An_jng [ghîc, nl_golh^.
Ncgc]. Doj i pl_g_, i \o][n ^l_jnohabcof[l gc]o
afcm_[t, ^_m]bcthô-se. O pereche de ochi de un
]jloc ^_m]bcm ][ gc_l_[ ]fcj_n_ f[ hic jlch
^_m]bctnol.
VP - 120
Salut, Kaede. Dirijabilul a ajuns la timp, da?
tc]_ `[n[ ^ch mj[n_f_ tcôfoc, h[chn_ m gcd_[m]
i]bcc mjl_ gch_. Cch_ _ jlc_n_hof no?
D[s, c lmjoh^_ K[_^_. c-[]og n_lgch ]o ni[n_
jlimnccf_ [mn_[ c f[m-g m chnlo. Ag hab_[n.
Bine, bine. Verificam doar.
O]bcc g mno^c[t ^ch ][j jh h jc]ci[l_. Sohn
ocgcn ] `[n[ [mn[ _mn_ ][j[\cf m p[^ ]_p[ h
hnoh_lc]of ^ch noh_f. h m`lcn, pct_n[
^l_jnohabcof[l m_ h]bc^_. Ao^ ]n_p[ \cjolc c i [
îo[ pi]_. O jilcoh_ ^_ j_l_n_ afcm_[t c m_
^_m]bc^_, ^_m]ij_lch^ oh ]ilcîl haomn, f[ [f ]loc
][jn _ i [fn o. h[chn_ ][ pl_ohof ^chnl_ hic îc
m [jo]_ m `[] pl_i gc][l_, nl_c j_lmi[h_ [j[l ^ch
mj[n_f_ j_l_n_foc ]ofcm[hn c c h^l_[jn [lg_f_
spre capetele noastre.
Ihnl= f[nl ]ch_p[ f[ hic.
E `[n[ ][l_ [ ^_m]bcm pct_n[. F[]_g [[ ]og h_-a
]_lon. Zcôf m_ h]bc^_ h mj[n_f_ himnlo.
Ciôf mjnghcc mn_c[? h_ ]_l_ nin _[, mjlah^
]o taigin oh \[fih ^_ aog ^_ g_mn_][n.
Af_r[h^_l H[gcfnih, c lmjoh^_ K[_^_ _h_lp[n.
A]og ]_f_ nl_c [lg_ mohn [chncn_ î[l [mojl[ g_[.
D[s, tc]c<? ]ihncho `[n[ c g[c `[]_ l[jc^ oh
\[fih ^_ aog. Scaol?
gc nl_\oc_ i m_]oh^ ][ m h_f_a ] [ îo[
hnl_\[l_ c _ [^l_m[n foc K[_^_ c ho gc_. P[ln_h_l[
g_[ i`n_[t _r[mj_l[n c i fip_n_ j_ `[n j_mn_
\l[.
D[, _f _. A[ ] h]_n_[t i^[n=
Alg_f_ mohn ]i\iln_. Rmo`fo ool[n c [\c[ [noh]c
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] gc-[g chon l_mjcl[c[. F[n[ ][l_ h_-
[ ^_m]bcm h_ `[]_ m_gh m h_ h^l_jng ]nl_ ]_[ ^_-a
îo[ o. Ch^ [doha_g []ifi, nin _[ trece peste
j[ln_[ mnha [ occ oh i\c_]n mcgcf[l ]o ]_f j_ ][l_
f [l_ K[_^_. Ulg_[t [fn_ ]n_p[ \cjolc.
Ihnl[c, h_ mjoh_.
VP - 121
Apoi face un semn din cap spre mine.
D[] `[]c pl_i gc][l_ \lom], n_ gjo] h[chn_
s-[jo]c m ]fcj_nc.
A îo[ o ]ofcm_[t c m_ ^_m]bc^_. P_mn_ hic
hpf_n_ oh p[f ^_ [_l ][f^. Pnloh^_g hnl-o
h]j_l_ ^_ g[lc ^cg_hmcohc, jfch ^_ i[g_hc, ][l_ m_
ìc_m] h dolof ohil g_m_ c h[chn_[ ohil _]l[h_
gihn[n_ j_ j_l_c. P_ n[p[h mohn fogchc _f_]nlc]_. h
[ngim`_l m_ mcgn_ oh miros slab, dar suficient de
]f[l, ^_ go]_a[c c ]i]f_[f. Sohn pl_i 20-30 de
j_lmi[h_ []ifi c ninoc ][g_l[ ho j[l_ [afig_l[n.
P_ j_l_n_f_ ^ch mj[n_ _ jlic_]n[n cg[ach_[ oh_c
_g\f_g_. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ p[lc[hn[ m]b_g[nct[n [
^l[j_fofoc P[nlcicfil: i mn_[ g[l_ c [lachnc_, ]o
trei V-uri argintii dedesubt. S-[o ah^cn \ch_ m
l_]ola f[ i cg[ach_ jlic_]n[n. L[ h_pic_, _p[]o[l_[
mj[cofoc m_ ji[n_ `[]_ l[jc^. P_ oh_f_ ^chnl_ _]l[h_
lof_[t jlial[gof ^clcd[\cf_fil, f[ `_f ][ f[ \ilôf
lui AR Dynasty. Pe altele sunt transmise imagini de la
camere ^_ m_]olcn[n_ gihn[n_ h ][g_l_f_ i`c_lcfil,
][^l_ f[lac ]o mnltcf_ ^ch L[g[l m[o ]o johcf_ ^_
]ig[h^ [f_ ^clcd[\cf_fil [`f[n_ ]bc[l []og ^_[mojl[
`lihnofoc. P_ oh [fn _]l[h lof_[t ]bc[l c hcn_
`cfgof__ ^_ jlij[a[h^ [f_ P[nlcicfil, g_hcn_ m-i
h]ol[d_t_. Mc_ gc ][g [gchn_m] ^_ l_]f[g_f_
R_jo\fc]cc; j_ _]l[h m]lc_ S l_]ihmnlocg Sn[n_f_
Uhcn_, [jic [l[ ]_fil fc\_lc c Co nicc mohn_g
[g_lc][hc. Ajic, j_ [fn_ _]l[h_ p^ blc ]o j[ln_[
continental [ Ag_lc]cc, j_ ][l_ mohn lcmcjcn_
joh]nof__ gofnc]ifil_. Afn_ îo _]l[h_ [`c_[t
blc [f_ fogcc.
M bif\_t f[ []_mn_ ofncg_ cg[achc. N-[g pton h
pc[[ g_[ i b[ln [ fogcc. Nc]c ho nco ^[] h
R_jo\fc] _rcmn [[ ]_p[. Ac]c hm p^ i]_[h_f_ ][l_
g\lc_[t Ag_lc][ ^_ Nil^, n_lcnilccf_ chmof[l_
_nc]b_n[n_ Ag_lc][ ^_ So^, oh gc] [lbcj_f[a,
Ihmof_f_ Blcn[hc]_, mj[cc p[mn_ ^_ om][n ]_ ji[ln
VP - 122
hog_ jl_]og A`lc][ c Ahn[l]nc][, i [l ^_hogcn
Cbch[ (]o oh jogh ^_ joh]nci[l_ licc, lcmcjcn_
]bc[l h i]_[h, ^ch]ifi ^_ ]i[mn[ _c).
Amn[ _ fog_[ [^_pl[n, ho ]_[ j_ ][l_ R_jo\fc][ f_-
i [l[n ]_n_hcfil _c.
Tic ]_c ^ch h]j_l_ g jlcp_m]. hnil] mj[n_f_
blcc c [n_jn ][ j[ln_h_l[ g_[ m mjoh ]_p[. K[_^_
hm lc^c] ^ch og_lc c g fip_n_ cu palma pe spate.
H[ch[, ][l_ _ o^, m]i[n_ oh jf_im]cn.
El e Day.
O[g_hcc [n_[jn h n]_l_, ^[l _o p^ h i]bcc fil
], i^[n ]_ gc [o^ hog_f_, g l_]ohim]. Ajic ]ch_p[
m]i[n_ oh olf_n ][ ^_ foj. Amn[ lcmcj_n_ n_hmcoh_[
olg_[t oh ]il ^_ ]bc]in_fc c bibin_ ^_ lm, [jic ]_c
g[c gofc m_ hnil] f[ ]__[ ]_ `]_[o g[c ^_pl_g_.
K[_^_ g ]fot_n_ jlchnl_ g_m_f_ ^cmjom_ b[inc].
Cn_p[ j_lmi[h_ m_ mnlha h dolof ohoc al[`c], oh [fn
aloj ^_mj[]b_n_[t hcn_ ]oncc; [fcc ho `[] ^_]n m
se relaxeze, vitcihh^ l_folc [f_ n_f_hip_f_fil
l_jo\fc][h_. Dic P[nlcic mn[o h `[[ ohoc _]l[h
dintr-oh ]if [f ][g_l_c; mohn jlchc hnl-un joc
pc^_i c m_ jlipi[] ohof j_ ]_ff[fn. h []_[mn
hnl_]_l_, `c_][l_ ]fl_n_ ]n_ i ]l_[nol [f\[mnl
c _ji[m, j_ ][l_ i ]ihnlif_[t [acnhô-c gchcf_
h `[[ _]l[hofoc. Ph c di]of nl_\oc_ m `c ìmn
]ih]_jon mj_]c[f j_hnlo P[nlcic, ]]c ni[n_ i\c_]n_f_
^ch _f mohn [f\[mnl_ c [f\_.
Uh \c[n ]bc]in_n_ ]h^ nl_] j_ fha _f. Al_ i
]f[c_ ^_ jl pijmcn \fih^, [l[hd[n hnl-i ]l_[mn
_ji[m. T_hof c _ ^_ oh [lgco h]bcm. Al_ og_lcc
f[c, t^l[p_hc, ^[l mn oil [jf_][n, ^_ j[l] [l `c
a[n[ m [n[]_ h ilc]_ m_]oh^. Dch fi\of oh_c ol_]bc
c fcjm_n_ i \o][n. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ ncjof ][l_ [
urlat ca lupul.
Deci tu enc f[ ][l_-[ fm[n-i \[fn j_ T_mm?
Tcjof [l_ i [lia[h ][l_ g clcn. S_ ocn f[ gch_
^cmjl_ocnil.
VP - 123
No nco ^_ ]_ i `[n ][ _[ mn ]o oh p[a[\ih^ ][
nch_. C_f_ ]n_p[ hijc h jo]lccf_ R_jo\fc]cc n_-au
fm[n `l af[m?
F[] oh j[m mjl_ _f c tg\_m].
Cu tot respectul, n-[g pton ][ R_jo\fc][ m joh
j_mn_ nin [`c_ ]o gonl[ n[ ^laf[.
Gura!
K[_^_ m_ pl hnl_ hic c f gjoha_ j_ \c[n ]o
^_a_nof h jc_jn.
Baxter, n-[l nl_\oc m n_ jl_an_nc j_hnlo
ch]olmcoh_[ ^_ gch_ hi[jn_?
Tcjof glc_ mjl_ gch_ c jf_[].
Tin ho jlc]_j ^_ ]_ h_ h]l_^_g hnl-un tip
^_pin[n R_jo\fc]cc, g[c \ig\h_ _f ^ch g_lm.
K[_^_ g \[n_ j_ ogl.
Nu-f \a[-h m_[g j_ h]o mn[, gc tc]_ _[.
Baxter nu-i cel mai mare fan al iubitei tale, June.
Probabil c-i m-c m]i[n ]_p[ j_lc [f\c, [[ ]
h]_[l] m ho-f ][f]c j_ \nnolc, ^[? O m
nl_\oc[m] m fo]l_tc ]o _f. B[rn_l _ nin ]igcmcih[l.
Pe bune?
Nu m-[ `c [n_jn[n ][ oh ch^cpc^ [nn ^_ gom]ofim
m `c_ mo`c]c_hn ^_ l[jc^ j_hnlo [ m_ [fla printre
comisionari ^[l, j_ ^_ [fn j[ln_, _ jimc\cf ][
ìl[ m-f [don_ m `[] fo]lolc ][l_ gc_ ho-mi sunt
f[ h^_gh.
Da. L-[c l_nlial[^[n h c_l[lbc[ ]igcmcih[lcfil,
l^_ K[_^_. c i^[n [c ^[n j_mn_ ][j i gcmcoh_ [
P[nlcicfil ^ch ][l_ `]_[ j[ln_ c _f. Nc]c g][l ho
c-ai dat seama.
Da? Ce misiune?
Big\[l^[l_[ g[chcc [^gchcmnl[nilofoc Cbc[h. L[
Los Angeles.
Obi= A nl_]on ]_p[ pl_g_ ^_ f[ h`lohn[l_[ ]o Cbc[h.
Habar n-[g [pon ] P[nlcicc jfhocm_l oh [n[] h
[]_f[c ncgj.
Ce ghinion! zic eu.
VP - 124
P_hnlo ] B[rn_l [ jig_hcn-o pe Tess, studiez
]bcjolcf_ ]_fil ^ch h]j_l_.
D[] i ][oc j_ T_mm, [ [dohm h[chn_[ hi[mnl. E
]o ]_cf[fc g_^c]c.
K[_^_ `[]_ oh m_gh mjl_ ][jnof ][g_l_c, oh^_ m_
hcl g[c gofn_ oc.
Pli\[\cf _ h m[fih, olglch^ ]og m_ ]i[m_ i l[h.
T_mm hp[ ì[ln_ l_j_^_.
K[_^_ g ô]_ h tih[ ^ch mj[n_f_ g_m_fil. Tl_]_g
jlchnl_ P[nlcic c h_ ijlcg h `[[ blcc fogcc.
Poh j[lco ] h-[c g[c pton hc]ci^[n [[ ]_p[.
Nu.
M ocn f[ mojl[`__f_ ^_ om][n, h] nof\ol[n ê
c^__[ ] _rcmn [nn ^_ gofn_ lc ^ch]ifi ^_
al[hc_f_ R_jo\fc]cc. h ]i[f[ jlcg[l, [g hp[n ]
[]_f_ jlc [f_ fogcc ][l_ ho mohn ]ihnlif[n_ ^_
R_jo\fc] mohn î[l h[cohc h loch, ][l_ i ô] ^_
pe-i tc j_ [fn[. Sohn ]bc[l [nn ^_ gofn_ lc h
sino[c[ [mn[? S[o, ^_ `[jn, m_ ^_m]ol] ^_ gchoh_, \[
]bc[l jlimj_l?
L[ ]_ p nl_\oc_ blc [f_ fogcc?
Mc][l_[ hi[mnl [ hm]on `_hig_h_ mcgcf[l_ j_ nin
l_mnof afi\ofoc, gc lmjoh^_ K[_^_, h]lo]chô-c
\l[_f_. A]ifi oh^_ i[g_hcc mohn jilhcc gjitriva
aop_lh_fil fil. c _ \ch_ ] blcf_ h_ l_[gchn_m]
treaba asta.
Vth^ ] _o ]ihnchoc m [h[fct_t ì[ln_ ]ih]_hnl[n
h[ln[, K[_^_ c nl_]_ gh[ j_mn_ gcdfi]of Ag_lc]cc ^_
Nord.
Ucn_ R_jo\fc][ j_ ][l_ ]o nicc i ]ohi[n_g c i
co\cg. c [c]c mohn Ciloniile.
gc [l[n i hnch^_l_ ^_ jghn g[c gc] c g[c
`lgc[n, ][l_ m_ hp_]ch_[t ]o R_jo\fc][ f[
al[hc[ ^_ _mn. Sno^c_t ]_l]olcf_ licc ][l_ ch^c]
il[_f_ ^ch Cifihcc. N_q Yile Ccns, Pcnnm\olab, Sn.
Liocm, N[mbpcff_. O[l_ ni[n_ mohn [nn ^_
mnlfucitoare cum mi-a zis tata?
VP - 125
K[_^_ c ^ h[chn_, gc]hô-c \l[of mjl_ hil^ c
spre sud.
hnl_ C[h[^[ c M_rc], jl_]og c hnl_ R_jo\fc]
c Cifihcc, _rcmn ]n_ i tih ^_gcfcn[lct[n. c h
M_rc] mohn P[nlcic. I[n ]_ [ g[c lg[m c ^ch
America de So^. Ac]c, ]h^p[, _l[ oh ]ihnch_hn olc[.
Acum mai sunt doar Brazilia gc [l[n i chmof g[l_,
nlcohabcof[l, [`f[n gofn f[ mo^ ^_ R_jo\fc] Chile
c Ala_hnch[.
Co oh mic ^_ p_m_fc_, `[n[ ]ihncho m-mi indice
]ihnch_hn_f_ c m gc mjoh ]og _l[o _f_ h[chn_.
lc jl_]og Nilp_ac[, Fl[h[, Sj[hc[, G_lg[hc[ c
Ihmof_f_ Blcn[hc]_ `]_[o j[ln_ ^chnl-oh mj[co g[c
[gjfo, ^_hogcn Eolij[. R_mnof _olij_hcfil, gc _rjfc]
_[, [o òacn h A`lc][. Mihaifc[ c Romc[ ho mohn
h[cohc ^cmjlon_, [[ ]og h_ hp[ Republica.
Aomnl[fc[ _l[, j_ pl_golc, i mchaol c g[mcp \o][n
de uscat. Vin apoi superputerile. Giganticele
metropole plutitoare ale Chinei sunt construite pe
[j; ]_lof ^_ ^_[mojl[ fil _ h j_lg[h_h h_alo.
H[c Cb_ha, mjoh_ K[_^_. Ol[_f_ glcc.
Aflu ] A`lc][ ho [ ìmn hnin^_[oh[ oh ]ihnch_hn
h`filcnil, ]o n_bhifiac_ ^_tpifn[n, [[ ]og _ []og.
Atc, h A`lc][ mohn ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c gofn_
ohcp_lmcnc, talc_-hilc c l_òac[c chn_lh[cih[fc.
Iar Antarctica incredibil! _l[ ]h^p[ oh n_lcnilco
neli]ocn, ]igjf_n []ij_lcn ]o ab_[. A]og, [m_g_h_[
Cbch_c c A`lc]cc, [^jimn_n_ ]_f_ g[c cgjiln[hn_
]_hnl_ n_bhifiac]_ [f_ fogcc, c [nl[a_ oh hogl
cgjiln[hn ^_ nolcnc.
Plch ]igj[l[c_ ]o _[, mn[^cof n_bhifiac] [f
R_jo\fc]cc c [f Cifihccfil _mn_ d[fhc], [^[oa K[_^_.
c gc_ gc-[l jf]_[ m pctcn_t hnl-o zi Antarctica.
S_ mjoh_ ] _ mjf_h^c^.
P[ln_h_l[ g_[ gc g[c tc]_ ], ^_gofn, Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_
_l[o c _f_ i moj_ljon_l_.
VP - 126
D[l [ p_hcn lt\icof c ni[n_ gchcf_ fogch[n_ [o
jilhcn h ]on[l_[ ohil teritorii cu altitudine mai
mare. Antarctica a fost cea care a determinat
choh^[ccf_. Lo]lolcf_ ^_d[ chnl[m_l h ^_]fch<
Soarele a luat-i l[th[ c [ nijcn nic ab_[lcc ^ch
Ahn[l]nc][. Ao ìmn hcn_ choh^[cc ]og hc]c ho h_
putem imagina. Milioane de oameni au murit din cauza
m]bcg\lcfil ^_ n_gj_l[nol. mn[ ^[ mj_]n[]if, ho?
Ph f[ olg, mi[l_f_ c-[ l_p_hcn, ^[l ho c ]fcg[.
Ti[n [j[ [c[ ôf]_ m-[ [g_mn_][n ]o [j[ ^_ g[l_ c,
de-atunci, nimic n-a mai fost la fel.
Aonilcncf_ ^ch R_jo\fc] ho mo`f i pil\ ^_mjl_
toate astea.
K[_^_ c ^ i]bcc j_mn_ ][j.
Ec, b[c= D[l f[ ]_ n_ [n_jc ^_ f[ mn[nof
l_jo\fc][h? D_ ]_ m pil\_[m] ^_mjl_ ]b_mnccf_ [mn_[?
gc ch^c] oh _]l[h gc]o, [`f[n h ]if, ][l_ j[l_
m lof_t_ \of_nch_ ^_ nclc.
Vl_c m ncc ]um se vede Republica din perspectiva
ohoc mnlch? Pi`ncg=
Ch^ g ocn g[c ]o [n_hc_ f[ ncnfolcf_ ^_ j_ _]l[h,
gc ^[o m_[g[ c ] pi]_[ ^_ j_ g[n_lc[f_f_ ^_ nclc
m_ _rjlcg hnl-i fcg\ j_ ][l_ ho i ]ohim].
E h [hn[l]nc][h, gc _rjfc] `[n[ ]h^ g ntorc
mjl_ _[ ]o i jlcpcl_ hnl_\ni[l_. Pl_fog ohof ^chnl_
][h[f_f_ fil. Ccn_n_ ]_ m]lc_.
P_ _]l[h m_ p_^_ i cg[ach_ [_lc[h [ ]ihnch_hnofoc,
c[l j_mn_ jilcoh_[ ^_ om][n _ m]lcm hog_f_ R_jo\fc][
Ag_lc]cc. O pi]_ `_gchch jip_mn_n_ ]_p[, c[l h
parte[ ^_ dim [ _]l[hofoc _ i \[h^ j_ ][l_ ]ola_
nl[ô]_l_[ ]opchn_fil _c: < m amcg hic gi^[fcnc
de negociere cu acest stat criminal, puternic
militarizat, mai ales acum, ]h^ jon_l_[ [ ìmn
jl_fo[n ]igjf_n ^_ hiof Ef_]nil. Atc, jl__^chn_f_
african Ntom\c Oeihdi [ jlijom N[cohcfil Uhcn_
mcmn[l_[ [donilofoc []il^[n R_jo\fc]cc jh ]h^ pil
_rcmn[ îp_tc mo`c]c_hn_ ]o jlcpcl_ f[ h]b_c_l_[ ohoc
VP - 127
nl[n[n ^_ j[]_ hnl_ []_[mn [l ]_ ô]_ i jifcnc]
ctif[cihcmn c mn[nof p_]ch, ^_ f[ al[hc[ m[ ^_
_mn<
Izif[cihcmn. Mcfcn[lct[n. Clcgch[f. M bif\_t f[
cuvintele de pe ecran. Pentru mine, Republica era o
]ofg_ [ jon_lcc, i g[chlc_ gcfcn[l ^_ h_ijlcn.
K[_^_ g ]ihô]_ h [fn j[ln_. R_g[l] _rjl_mc[ g_[
c h]_j_ m l^.
Blom], R_jo\fc][ ho c m_ g[c j[l_ [[ ^_
jon_lhc], ho? Uh mn[n `l[acf c ^_-o secretomanie
h_g[chnfhcn, ][l_ m_ gcfia_n_ ][ m i\ch [donil
chn_lh[cih[f= i zic, Day: e nevoie doar de o
mchaol a_h_l[c_ ][ m mj_fc j_ ]l_c_l oh jijil
hnl_a c m-c ]ihpchac j_ i[g_hc ] nin ]_ e real nu
_rcmn.
N_ h^l_jng mjl_ i g[m j_ ][l_ mohn îo
][f]of[ni[l_ mo\clc. D_[mojl[ ohoc[ ^chnl_ _f_ mn
[jf_][n oh nhl []_f[c ncj ][l_, f[ ch_f_ ^_ ][f_
`_l[n, c-[ `]on foc K[_^_ m_ghof pc]nilc_c,
individul acela cu ochii gri-^_m]bcm c nenul
hnoh_][n. K[_^_ f \[n_ j_ ogl, ^[l _f ho
l_[]cih_[t cg_^c[n. M[c n[mn_[t l[jc^ ]n_p[
lhôlc, ôj ][l_ m_ [[t ]o òhôf j_ g[m. M
moljlch^ [^gclhô-c `foc^cn[n_[ gc]lcfil. Scaol _
]igcmcih[l. Tcjof c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_ f[ jc_jn
c, l\^nil, [n_[jn ][ j[ln_h_l[ g_[ m `[]
jl_t_hnlcf_.
Day, el e Pascao, liderul de necontestat al
]igcmcih[lcfil hinlc. A ìmn ì[ln_ îlhc] m n_
hnfh_[m]. D_c îlhc] _ joch mjom.
P[m][i gc hnch^_ i gh, jlcpchô-g chmcmn_hn ]o
ochii lui sjf]cc. Ajic gc tg\_n_.
gc `[]_ jf]_l_ m n_ ]ohim], gc ]igohc] _f
[acn[n, [jli[j_ a`ch^.
Ch^ c hnil] tg\_nof, m_ g\odil_[t.
Tl_\oc_ m-c mjoh ] [g [otcn ì[ln_ gofn_ ^_mjl_
nch_. Sohn ]_f g[c g[l_ `[h [f no. C_f g[c g[l_.
VP - 128
Cl_^ ], h [`[l ^_ oh \c[n ^ch m_]nilof
Blueridge, nu m-[ g[c gaofcn hcg_hc hnl-i g[hc_l
[nn ^_ imn_hn[ncp.
M \o]ol m hnfh_m] oh [fn ]igcmcih[l, c
lmjoh^, mnlhahô-c gh[. Sohn ]ihpchm ]-i m hp
]_p[ gc]lc hic ^_ f[ nch_.
Ch^ p_^_ ]n ^_ n[le m-[g nof\ol[n, ncjof gc
tg\_n_ g[f_`c].
Ab, i m-c jf[] mcaol ]_-i m olg_t_. Cl_^_-g
] h-i m-c j[l lo ] hc n_-[c [fnol[n. O m ô]_g
hnl_[a[ Ag_lc] hnl-i _l hio. Aonilcncf_
Republicii nici n-i m nc_ ]_ f_-a lovit.
Pascao se lanse[t hnl-o serie de gesturi exaltate:
g[c hnc, c ^_m`[]_ \l[_f_ f[la, [jic h]_j_ m-c
gcn_ gchcf_ ^_ j[l] [l ^_m`[]_ hiôlc.
h ofncg_f_ mjnghc, b[]e_lcc hinlc [o l_][\f[n
sistemul din Capitol Tower, din Denver. Acum, nu avem
[fn]_p[ ^_ `]on ^_]n m m]bcg\g oh `cl ^_ f[
ilc][l_ ^chnl_ g_a[ì[h_f_ ]f^clcc c, a[n[, _gcn_g
h ni[n R_jo\fc][.
Tcjof \[n_ ^ch j[fg_ i ^[n c ji]h_n_ ^ch ^_a_n_.
Ti[n fog_[ i m n_ [o^. V[ `c i nl_[\ ^_-a
^l_jnof l_pifocih[l, ho?
Pare versiunea mai ela\il[n [ ]_ [g `]on _o j_
[f__[ ^_ f[ fi]of ]o t_]_ m_]oh^_, ]h^ g-[g hnfhcn
jlcg[ i[l ]o Joh_, h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ i\ch_
[hncînof j_hnlo E^_h. Anoh]c [g l_][\f[n, [[,
simplu, cum m-am priceput, sistemul care lega
g_a[ì[h_f_ ^_ j_ []_[ [f__. D[l m recablezi toate
megafoanele dintr-i ]f^cl_ ^ch ][jcn[f[ R_jo\fc]cc,
[mn`_f h]n m jic _gcn_ h ni[n [l[<?
Soh [got[hn, c lmjoh^. c ]_ i m nl[hmgcn_g?
P[m][i ]fcj_n_ moljlchm.
Am[mch[l_[ Ef_]nilofoc, `cl_n_.
O]bcc c òa f[ K[_^_, ][l_ h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j c
[noh]c \c[nof m]i[n_ ^ch \otoh[l oh i\c_]n gc] c
^l_jnohabcof[l. c ^_m]bc^_ ][j[]of.
VP - 129
V[ nl_\oc m hl_acmnlg ni[n_ îp_tcf_, jh h
cel mai mic ^_n[fco. D_ ]h^ f pig nl [`[l ^ch
g[ch c jh ]h^ f pig ogjf_ ]o afi[he. Hackerii
hinlc pil `c a[n[ m g_[la f[ C[jcnif Tiq_l, []ifi
oh^_ [o jl_ancn JumboTron-olcf_ [mn`_f h]n m
nl[hmgcn cg[achcf_ ]o [m[mch[nof. Plch g_a[ì[h_, h_
pig [hoh[ pc]nilc[ h ni[n R_jo\fc][. c m-c p^ _o
] h]_[l] m h_ ijl_[m]<
Sf\nc]c[ jf[hofoc gc ^ `cilc j_ cl[ mjchlcc.
gc [gchn_n_ ^_ `_fof h ][l_ [onilcncf_ [o
hl_acmnl[n c ^còt[n _r_]oc[ foc Jibh _r_]oc[
mea h ni[n [l[.
P[m][i m_ [jf_[] mjl_ gch_, gc []ij_l ol_]b_[ ]o
j[fg[ c gc ijn_n_:
i apropo, amn[ hc]c g][l ho-i chestia cea mai
n[l_<
S_ h^_jln_[t ^_mnof ]n m-mi mai arunce un
tg\_n olc[, ]_-c ^_tp_f_n_ nic ^chcc.
Vl_c m ncc ][l_-i chestia cea mai tare?
M ]lcmj_t.
Care?
S[ncm`]on, \c[nof c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_.
Razor crede ] no [l nl_\oc m `cc ]_f ][l_-l
gjo] j_ Ef_]nil.
VP - 130
9. JUNE
DENVER, COLORADO.
ORA 19:37.
-4 GRADE CELSIUS.
Adoha h ][jcn[f ]o nl_hof (G[l[ 42B), h nicof

unui viscol. Pe peron s-[o mnlhm gofc i[g_hc, p_hcc
m g p[^. c jlcp_m] jlch a_[gof hab_[n, h pl_g_
]_ nl_hof h]_nch_n_ jlial_mcp jh m_ ijl_n_. D_c
[`[l _ a_l, ]cpcfcc m_ \ofo]_m] h mj[n_f_ ohil
m_j[l[ni[l_ g_n[fc]_. S_ gjcha ohcc h [fcc ^_ j[l]
h a[l [l `c mimcn Lch]ifh m[o ]ch_ nc_ ]_ [fn
]hnl_[ ]_f_\l. E h_pic_ ^_ îo j[nlof_ gcfcn[l_
^ch ][jcn[f ][ m-c ch j_ fi]. Snlcan_f_ fil
h\ocn_ [doha jh f[ gch_.
h[jic= Ti[n fog_[ m nl_[] h mj[n_f_
m_j[l[ni[l_fil. h mj[n_f_ m_j[l[ni[l_fil= Tic ]_c
care au aparate de fotografiat asupra lor vor fi
[l_mn[c pe loc.
E ]co^[n. M[dilcn[n_[ ]cpcfcfil j[l [ `c ^ch lhôf
ml[]cfil. F[jnof ] f-[g [don[n j_ D[s jli\[\cf ]
mi-[ ]ihmnlocn i l_jon[c_ \oh h m_]ni[l_f_-mahala.
Mhac `cl_f_ mo\clc ^_ mlg, [al[`_f_ ^_ blnc_ ^ch
][l_ _ gjf_ncn ch_fof j_ ][l_ f am pe deget. A
^_p_hcn ^_d[ i i\choch.
Tbig[m pch_ j_ ]ofi[lof g_o c m_ [jf_[] j_mn_
m][oh_ ][ m ^cm]on_ ]o mif^[cc ^_ fha gch_.
Do]_c-i f[ o, f_ mjoh_. R_j_^_=
c gon jlcpcl_[ [mojl[ g_[, gc mno^c[t chon[
(p_mn a[f\_h ^_ j_hcn_h]c[l, ]g[ [f\ c mo\cl_,
]o aof_l). S_ ]igjiln ][ c ]h^ ^cm]oc[ ^_ [tc-
noapte din camera de interogatoriu nici nu a avut loc.
Eo mn[o ]o jlcpcl_[ h dim. F[[ foc Tbig[m gc chô]_
i mn[l_ ^_ al_[.
VP - 131
O m-c `c_ `lca [`[l, f_ g[c mjoh_ ]jcn[hof
i[g_hcfil foc. Amcaol[c-p ] [l_ i b[ch j_ _[.
Sif^[cc c lc^c] [lg_f_ mjl_ gch_ (Mi^_f XM-2500,
l[t ^_ []coh_ ^_ 700 ^_ g_nlc, afi[h_ chn_fca_hn_,
ji[n_ m nl[a jlch îo mnl[nolc ^_ ]cg_hn), [jic g
m[fn h jc]ci[l_. P_ j[l]olmof ]fnilc_c ]o trenul,
i-[g jlcpcn chmcmn_hn j_ ]_c îc mif^[c, [[ ] []og
jli\[\cf mohn ]o h_lpcc `_l`_hc.
Cno_f_ gc tilhc_ f[ h]b_c_nolc. Co [lg_ ^_
a_hof mn[, _ mo`c]c_hn m g hcg_l_[m] `c_ c oh
mchaol afih, ilcoh^_ h tih[ nilmofoc, c [ golc
probabil ^ch ][ot[ b_gil[ac_c. Pli\[\cf ] mif^[cc
c h]bcjoc_ ] [g jom f[ ][f_ ]ch_ nc_ ]_ jf[h jlch
][l_ m f_ mgofa i [lg, [noh]c ]h^ ho mohn [n_hc.
(Rc^c]if \hoc[f, `cch^], ^ch jlc]ch[ ]no_fil,
mi-[l `c cgjimc\cf m ìfim_m] [lg[ ]il_]n.)
A]og g ]ihô] h fohaof ]ofi[lofoc, jh h ][jnof
p[aihofoc, []ifi oh^_ [fc j[nlo mif^[c [n_[jn
fha o[ ][l_ m_ ^_m]bc^_ mjl_ j_lih. O j[f ^_ phn
h_ fip_n_ h jc_jn. gc ch l_mjcl[c[. Ag g[c ìmn i
^[n [jli[j_ ^_ `lihn, [noh]c, h ohc][ gcmcoh_ h
][l_ _o c M_nc[m [g g_lm gjl_oh. D[l ch]olmcoh_[
l_mj_]ncp [ ìmn h T_r[mof ^_ V_mn, h ncgjof p_lcc.
Nc]ci^[n h-[g g[c jom jc]cilof hnl-oh il[ halij[n
h tj[^. Tbig[m i c[ h `[[ gc]cc hi[mnl_
jli]_mcohc c c `[]_ m_gh ohoc mif^[n, ][l_ gc [[t
i b[ch j_ og_lc. O jlcg_m] l_]ohim]ni[l_.
Mofcg_[ ([jlircg[ncp 90-100 ^_ j_lmi[h_) [go_n_
]igjf_n ]h^ gc p_^_ p_mn[ a[f\_h-^_m]bcm. h ncgj
ce cobor treptele, simt privirile lor sfredelindu-g
jl_]og ]fôl[ îailcni[l_ ^chnl-i f[gj ]o
infraricc. C_c g[c gofc i[g_hc nl_gol ^_ `lca, mohn
mf[\c c j[fctc, g\l][c ]o b[ch_ t^l_hocn_, ][l_ _
cgjimc\cf m f_ ch ^_ ][f^ j_ i pl_g_ ][ [mn[, c
h]f[c ]o j[hni`c jfchc ^_ aolc. No jin m
h_f_a< h ]co^[ `lcaofoc, i[g_hcc nc[ nin [o p_hct
[c]c, f[ a[l, ][ m g p[^ j_ gch_ ]i\ilh^ ^chnl-un
VP - 132
tren c ]ch_ nc_ ^_ ]h^ [n_[jn. Dchnl-i^[n, g
mcgn ì[ln_ pchip[n j_hnlo ] [g []]_jn[n b[ch[.
Adoha_g h ][jnof j_lihofoc c mohn_g j_ joh]nof m
chnlg h bifof alcc, ]h^ f [o^ mnlcahd pe unul
^chnl_ jlcpcnilc. M lmo]_m] j_ ]f]c_ h[chn_ ][
mif^[cc m [jo]_ m g ijl_[m].
D[s nlc_n_? l]h_n_ mjl_ gch_ \c[nof.
Pli\[\cf ] _ g[c g[l_ ^_]n gch_, [\c[ c_cn ^ch
[îf_m]_h, ^[l _ [nn ^_ mf[\ c ^_ m]oh^ ], ^[]
nu te-ai uita ]o [n_hc_ f[ `[[ foc, [c jon_[ ]l_^_
] mohn_g ^_-i plmn.
Rc^c] ][jof c c tg\_m]. Ajic ohof ^chnl_ j[thc]c
f fip_n_ j_mn_ `[ ]o j[nof joncc, c[l mif^[cc g
h`[] ^_ \l[_ c g nl[a ]o ìl[. Mofcg_[ h]_j_
m pi]c`_l_t_; [_lof m_ ogjf_ instantaneu cu urlete.
Dch gcdfi]of p[][lgofoc, [o^ ]n_p[ pi]c mnlcah^:
D[s nlc_n_= D[s nlc_n_=
Mc][c-p= f[nl Tbig[m.
Ihnlg l[jc^ h bif. Ch^ o[ m_ h]bc^_ h olg[
hi[mnl, ]ol_hnof ^_ [_l l_]_ h]_n_[t \lom] m m_
g[c mcgn.
N-am spus nigc], ^[l tg\_nof g_o [ ìmn mo`c]c_hn.
D[. D[s nlc_n_. Sohn ]ihpchm ] P[nlcicc pil
[jl_]c[ _ìlnof g_o ^_ [ p[fc^[ []_mn tpih h
beneficiul lor.
h[chng jlch a[l jh f[ ]_f_ nl_c d__jolc ][l_ h_
[n_[jn. Ch^ jlmcg a[l[, h^l_jnhô-ne spre
autimnl[^[ [m]_h^_hn, ho g jin [\ch_ m ho ][m]
aol[ f[ il[of ][l_ [f_[la j_ fha `_l_[mnl[ g_[. h
gi^ hilg[f, ilc]_ ig [l_ h_pic_ ^_ oh gincp hn_g_c[n
][ m pch h D_hp_l. Ncg_hc, ]o _r]_jc[
fi][fhc]cfil, ho [l_ pic_ m chnl_ h ][jcn[f `l i
apri\[l_ mj_]c[f. F[jnof ] mohn [c]c c jin p_^_[
]n_ ]_p[ ^ch il[ _ ]_p[ h_i\chocn. Tinof _ moì][n
mo\ i jnol ^_ [f\ ^[l, ]bc[l c jlch tj[^, p^
h t[l_ ]ihnolof h_]f[l [f ohoc g[l_ c hnoh_][n tc^,
][l_ h]ihdi[l D_hp_lof, jl_]og oh \[l[d acaantic
VP - 133
lc^c][n h ][f_[ choh^[cfil. Filnc`c][c[. D_mcaol,
[g ]cncn ^_mjl_ tcôf mn[ h ncgjof ]ifcc jlcg[l_,
^[l m f p^ ]o i]bcc g_c, _ ]o ninof [fn]_p[.
Zalc_-hilcc ^_ [c]c mohn [[ ^_ h[fc ] ^cmj[l h
al_cc hilc c_lh[nc]c. Fc_][l_ n_l[m _ []ij_lcn ]o oh
mnl[n alim ^_ tj[^, g[lachcf_ `cch^ momchon_ ^_
olc[_ alchtc g_n[fc]_. Plchnl_ ]f^clc, tl_m]
`lhnolc ^ch C[jcnif Tiq_l. Dch ]h^ h ]h^, p^
jlic_]ni[l_ ][l_ gnol [_lof c _fc]ijn_l_ ][l_ m_
hpln_m] h dolof talc_-norilor. La un moment dat,
nl_c [pci[h_ ^_ fojn ]o l_[]c_ nl_] j_ ^_[mojl[
hi[mnl. gc []il^ i ]fcj ][ m f_ [^gcl (mohn
modelul Reaper X-92, [pci[h_ _rj_lcg_hn[f_, ][l_, h
[`[l[ ][jcn[f_c, ho [o chnl[n h] h jliô]c_; hm
jli\[\cf [o nl_]on ^_ n_mn_f_ ^_ òh]cih[l_ ^[]
chach_lcc [o h]l_^_l_ m f_ j_lgcn m molpif_t_
centrul Denverului). Asemenea Vegasului, capitala e un
il[ gcfcn[l, ^[l _ h] gofn g[c cgjl_mcih[hn ^_]n
mi-[g h]bcjocn.
Vi]_[ foc Tbig[m g nl_t_n_ f[ l_[fcn[n_.
Te ducem la Colburn Hall, gc mjoh_ ^_ j_ fi]of
^ch ^l_[jn[. Amn[ _ i m[f ^_ l_]_jcc ^ch C[jcn[f
Plaza, locul unde se reunesc senatorii pentru dineuri.
Ef_]nilof ]ch_[t `l_]p_hn []ifi.
L[ Cif\olh? Dch ]n_ [g [otcn, _ oh fi] ^_ hnfhcl_
ì[ln_ forim. M[c [f_m ^[] fog h ]ihmc^_l[l_ c
`[jnof ], chcc[f, nl_\oc[ m `co ôm f[ h]bcmi[l_[
^ch D_hp_l. Pli\[\cf ] [mn[ _ i chìlg[c_ hio c
j_hnlo Tbig[m. Cl_^ ] hc]c _f ho [ g[c jnlohm
pl_i^[n h ][jcn[f, hm, ][ oh \oh mif^[n ]_ _mn_,
ho jc_l^_ ncgjof ]m]h^ aol[. Sohn h_l\^ni[l_ m
p^ C[jcn[f Plaza ^[] _ j_ [nn ^_ g[l_ j_ ]n gc-
am imaginat-o.
A]ifi n_ p[ fm[ j[nlof[ g_[ c p_c `c jl_fo[n ^_
una dintre patrulele comandantului DeSoto.
P[nlof_f_ foc Razor, gc mjoh.
VP - 134
Ef_]nilof n_ p[ jlcgc h m[f[ l_a[f ^ch Colburn
Hall. c moa_l_t m n_ ]igjilc [[ ]og m_ ]opch_.
Mofog_m] j_hnlo jihn, c lmjoh^, tg\ch^
af[]c[f, h iafch^[ l_nlipcti[l_, f[ m`[nof foc. N-o
m ocn m-c `[] i l_p_l_h.
h l_[fcn[n_ hm, [g h]_jon m [g _gicc.
Electorul e acel om pe car_ ^_ gc] [g ìmn hp[n
m f p_h_l_t, ]_f j_hnlo ][l_ ]l_^_[g ] ho pic _tcn[
m gc ^[o pc[[. Cbc[l c []og, ôj ]_ [g [`f[n ]_
m_ hngjf h R_jo\fc], h] mcgn []_f m_hncg_hn ^_
jliòh^ [n[[g_hn ]bchochô-m_ m c[m f[ mojl[`[.
Ca o veche obihoch ][l_ c i`_l fchcn_. C_
mnl[hco. Ch^ [g [otcn ^_ gi[ln_[ Ef_]nilofoc, h-am
mcgcn [[. c hc]c ]h^ [g pton jlcgof ^cm]olm
n_f_pct[n [f foc Ah^_h. S_hncg_hnof m_ g[hc`_mn []og
]h^ g[c [g î[l ]n_p[ il_ jh f pic hnfhc j_
Ah^_h h j_lmi[h.
c ho g[c mohn ]ijcfof ^_ a_hco j_ ][l_ f jl_ocg
[nn. No g[c mohn igof ][l_ _l[g ]h^ f-[g hnfhcn
jlcg[ ^[n. O[l_ ]_ i m ah^_[m] Ah^_h ^_mjl_ gch_?
COLBURN HALL, SALA REGAL DE RECEPII.
h h]j_l_[ [mn[, ninof [l_ _]io. Sn[o mchaol, h

][jnof oh_c g_m_ fohac ^ch f_gh ^_ ]cl_, h]bcm f[
]ofi[l_, i jc_m ^_ gi\cfc_l ^_ nl_c g_nlc c
dogn[n_, ]o jc]ci[l_ m]ofjn[n_ g[ho[f, \ilôl
^_]il[ncp [olc_, jli\[\cf jc]n[n ]o i j_hmof `ch,
^_ jl_]ctc_ gcfcg_nlc]. Sj[n_f_ gc-e lipit de
speteaza n[jc[n ]o ][nc`_[ lic_ [ m][ohofoc.
D_j[ln_, j_ j_l_n_f_ ijom, ì]of ^ch _gch_o `[]_ m
m_ [o^ ji]h_n_ c nlimhcnolc. D_[mojl[ _ [nlh[n oh
jilnl_n _hilg [f hiofoc Ef_]nil. Ojn fgjc ^ch [ol
fogch_[t ^_-i j[ln_ c ^_ ]_[f[fn [ mfcc. Sif^[cc
din patrulele capitalei sunt peste tot 52 sunt
hcl[c h fohaof tcôlcfil, ohof fha [fnof, c[l
[fc [m_ mn[o h jitcc_ ^_ ^l_jc h mnha[ c h
VP - 135
^l_[jn[ g_[. A`[l _ h ]ihncho[l_ n_lc\cf ^_ `lca,
^[l [c]c _ ^_mnof ^_ ][f^ ][ m jin joln[ li]bc[
oi[l c ab_n_f_ ^ch jc_f_ mo\cl_ j_ ][l_ gc f_-au
^[n m_lpcnilcc. Plof []og, mjf[n c [l[hd[n gc
][^_ ^l_jn c mnlfo]cnil jh f[ dogn[n_[ mj[n_foc.
A ìmn gjiî\cn ]o cl[aolc ^_ j_lf_ gc]c, ^_ ]ofnol
(][l_ p[fil_[t ]_f joch 2000 ^_ \[h]hin_ \o][na). La
h]_jon, f_ [^gcl ghachô-f_ oil; [jic, gc
[gchn_m] ^_ mlg[hcc [ôh[c j_ j_lihof alcc, h
b[ch_f_ fil t^l_hocn_, c [noh]c gc h^_jln_t
^_a_n_f_ ^_ jl, ^_taomn[n ^_ gch_ hmgc. Uh [fn
servitor m-[ ^[n ]o `[l^ ch]ifil, ^[l mnlfo]cnil j_
jf_i[j_, [mn`_f ] []og, h fogch[ m]ton [ ì]ofoc,
sclipesc. Rochia de pe mine, de un alb catifelat, cu
[]]_hn_ hnoh_][n_ ^_ alc, ]i\i[l h `[fôlc ^_ ifon
jh f[ ji^_[. Cilm_nof ^_ ^_^_mo\n g gjc_^c] m
l_mjcl ][ fog_[. Fl î[l c ji[n_, _ i rochie
m]ogj. 50 000 de bancnote? 60 000?
Schaol_f_ fo]lolc ][l_ `[] hin ^cm]il^[hn h ^_]il
mcgn ]no_f_ al_f_ ^_ g_n[f ][l_ gc f_[a af_th_f_
c h]b_c_nolcf_, chnochô-g ^_ m][oh.
Tl_]_ i dogn[n_ ^_ il jh ]h^ oh [fn mif^[n
(g\l][n ]o ^cmnch]ncp[ b[ch h_[al ]o lio [
j[nlof_fil ^ch ][jcn[f) chnl h m[f. ch_ o[
^_m]bcm, c[ jitcc_ ^_ ^l_jc, ]o jlcpcl_[ mom.
Gfilcimof himnlo Ef_]nil Plcgi m_ [`f h ]f^cl_,
[hoh _f. V lia m p lc^c][c.
S_ mnlôc_n_ m ^_[ cgjl_mc[ ] ho m_ [^l_m_[t
hcghoc h particular, dar eu sunt singura care stau
[_t[n. M lc^c] ^ch m][oh ]o oh thahcn ^_ f[holc.
M[c nl_] ]ch]c gchon_. Ajic, ni]g[c ]h^ h]_j m g
hnl_\ ^[] p[ mimc ninoc ]ch_p[, oh nhl jnloh^_
h fchcn_ h m[f, m[fonhô-i ^ch ][j j_ mif^[cc ^_
f[ o. G[l^c_hcc c lmjoh^ ji]hch^ ^ch ni]olc. Eo ho
jin m m[fon ^ch ][ot[ ]no_fil ^_ f[ gchc, [[ ]og
hc]c ho jin hc]c m g h]fch m[o m `[] i l_p_l_h
VP - 136
][ fog_[. C[ [n[l_ lgh h_]fchncn, ]o `[[ mjl_
Elector.
Ah^_h [l[n [jli[j_ f[ `_f ][ [noh]c ]h^ f-am
hnfhcn jlcg[ ^[n f[ \[f _ h[fn, [l_ oh [_l
[lcmni]l[nc], mi`cmnc][n, jlof h_alo c _ jc_jnh[n
]o alcd. E g\l][n ]o i d[]b_n ^_ m_[l ^_ oh alc
[hnl[]cn _f_a[hn, ]o ôhac [olcc j_ gh_]c, fo]lo
ncjc] jcficfil, c ]o _jif_c [olcc j_ og_lc. O]bcc
p_ltc [o hm i _rjl_mc_ mif_gh, c[l og_lcc c mohn
joch h]ipic[c, ][ c ]og [l joln[ i jip[l hio. S_
j[l_ ] ninoc gi[ln_[ n[nfoc f-a afectat.
I[ fi], n_ lia, gc mjoh_, hnchth^ h ^cl_]c[
g_[ i gh [m]ohm hnl-i gho [f\ ^_ [pc[nil.
Vi]_[ c moh \fh^, ^[l mo`c]c_hn ^_ jon_lhc]
j_hnlo [ m_ `[]_ [otcn hnl-i m[f g[l_ ][ []_[mn[.
Sj_l ] n_ mcgc \ch_, îghci[l Ij[lcm.
D[. V gofog_m].
Ah^_h m_ [[t c _f h ]_ff[fn ][jn [f g_m_c, c[l
soldacc l_pch f[ jitcc[ ^_ ^ch[chn_. Ef_]nilof
]ihncho:
Mi s-[ nl[hmgcm ] [c mifc]cn[n i hnl_p_^_l_ ]o
gch_, j_lmih[f. gc h]bcjoc ] ho n_ ^_l[hd_[t ]
jilc b[ch_f_ j_ ][l_ c f_-[g jom f[ ^cmjitcc_.
Ac]c `[]_ i j[ot ^_ i `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^, ^_mnul
][ oh tg\_n ^_mnof ^_ ncgc^ m c fogch_t_
nlmnolcf_.
M-[g ah^cn ] ho p_c îlc m ]ch_tc hnl-o
ohcìlg ^_ jo]lc[.
Scgn h nihof pi]cc foc ] g c[ ]ogp[ ^_ mom, fo]lo
][l_ g ][f] j_ h_lpc. Cog h^lth_n_ m g g\l[]_
][ j_ i jjo? ah^_n_ i j[ln_, ch^cah[n, ^ch gch_.
h []_f[c ncgj, mohn cgjl_mcih[n ^_ [_lof foc ^_
_`, ^_ mcaol[h[ ]o ][l_ c-[ chnl[n h lif. A
]jn[n jon_l_[ \lom] c _ pil\[ ^_mjl_ gofn jon_l_
, ^[l c-a asumat-i ]o gofn h]l_^_l_ h sine, iar
asta face ca v_]bcof g_o m_hncg_hn ^_ fic[fcn[n_ m g
[j_m_ ][ i jip[l. N_mcaol[h[ ^_ g[c h[chn_ j[l_ m
VP - 137
`c ^cmjlon l[jc^. Ogof mn[ [ ìmn hm]on ][ m
]ihô]. S_ j[l_ ] Ah^_h m_ mcgn_ [nl[m ^_ nch_,
mi-a spus Razor. A[ ] gc f[m ][jof h dim c f
privesc pe sub gene.
D_ ]_ p joln[c [[ ^_ \ch_ ]o gch_? Cl_^_[g ]
[]og mohn oh ôg[h [f mn[nofoc.
Mi-[l `c loch_ m-l tratez ca pe un prizonier pe
]ijcfof ^_ [ol [f R_jo\fc]cc hi[mnl_, gc lmjoh^_,
h^l_jnh^ ]o alcd òl]ofc_f_, ]ocn_f_ c j[b[lof
de [gj[hc_ ^ch `[[ foc, jh ]h^ ni[n_ ^_pch
j_l`_]n [fchc[n_. No c m_ j[l_ h_jf]on [l[hd[g_hnof
acesta, nu?
Absolut deloc.
gc lin_m] ^ch hio jlcpclcf_ jlch h]j_l_, g_gilh^
jitcc[ fgjcfil, [ ^_]il[cohcfil ^_ j_ j_l_c, fi]of
h ][l_ m_ [`f mif^[cc, [lg_f_ j_ ][l_ f_ [o [mojl[
fil. F[mnof _f[\il[n [f []_mn_c hnfhclc g `[]_ m
l_[fct_t ] Ah^_h h-[ ]ig[h^[n li]bc[ c ]ch[ î[l ][
m `fcln_t_ ]o gch_. Vl_[ ][ chìlg[c[ [mn[, ^_mjl_
]n ^_ \ch_ m_ ji[ln ]o gch_, m [doha f[ jijof[c_.
Vrea ca i[g_hcc m nc_ ] hiof Ef_]nil [l_ g[l_ alcd
^_ m[fp[ni[l_[ foc D[s. D_taomnof chcc[f h]_j_ m
gc jf_[m]: []_mn ah^ hio g chnlca. hm_[gh ]
Ah^_h _ ]n m_ ji[n_ ^_ ]ihnc_hn ^_ `[jnof ] [l_ i
cg[ach_ jo\fc] jli[mn. Pi[n_ mj_l m ]nca_
splcdchof ]_n_hcfil. D[] [[ mn[o fo]lolcf_, [noh]c
_f m_ mnlôc_n_ m `[] oh fo]lo ^_ ][l_
precedentului Elector nu i-[ jm[n [jli[j_ ^_fi]. D[l
[mn[ g `[]_ m g c hnl_\: ^[] Ah^_h ][on
mjlcdchof ]_n_hcfil, ]og m_ l[jiln_[t [noh]c f[
Day? Cu mcaol[h ] ho-c p[ ]nca[ j_ i[g_hc ^_
j[ln_[ m[ [hohh^ ] h]_j_ m-f bcnoc[m] j_ ]_f
mai iubit infractor al Republicii.
Dic m_lpcnilc [ô] npc ]o gh][l_ (i m[f[n ]o
]joh_ [on_hnc]_ c i `lcjnol ^_ \oln ^_ jil],
_r]_f_hn log_hcn, [m_tih[n ]o gc_t ^_ j[fgc_l), h
pl_g_ ]_ [fc îc h_ [[t `c_]loc[ h ji[f ]n_ oh
VP - 138
_lp_n [f\, cgj_][\cf, c h_ ni[lh [gj[hc_ h
j[b[l_. S_lpcnilcc []_nc[ `[] j[ln_ ^ch ]f[m[
moj_lci[l ([o j[mof mcaol [f g_g\lcfil _fcn_c), ^_c
jli\[\cf ] [o oh mn[non ch`_lcil ]_foc ^_chon ^_
familia mea.
Ajic m_ hngjf oh fo]lo ì[ln_ ]olcim.
S_lpcni[l_[ ][l_ c ni[lh [gj[hc_ foc Ah^_h
apropie sticla prea mult de pahar. Acesta se
lmni[lh, c[l fc]bcôf m_ p[lm j_ `[[ ^_ g[m, ôj
][l_ j[b[lof m_ limniaif_n_ c m_ sparge pe podea.
S_lpcni[l_[ m]i[n_ oh cjn c m_ [loh] h
genunchi, sprijinindu-m_ j_ j[fg_. Bo]f_ li][n_ c m_
^_mjlch^ ^ch ]i]of halcdcn; ]n_p[ opc_ c ][^ j_
`[. R_g[l] ]n ^_ ^_fc][n_ c mohn gchcf_ aproape
j_l`_]n_. Co mcaol[h _ i `[n ^ch jnol[ ^_ mom [
mi]c_ncc.
gc j[l_ ì[ln_ lo, gc j[l_ ì[ln_ lo, l_j_n
_[ f[ h_m`lcn. Cb_g m pc m_ m]bcg\_ cg_^c[n `[[ ^_
g[m c p [ô] oh j[b[l hio.
No nco ]_ g-[g [n_jn[n m `[] Ah^_h. S i gomnl_?
S i ]_ln_? S[o, g][l, m m_ h]lonte la ea? Spre
g[l_[ g_[ moljlct, _f c gjcha_ m][ohof h mj[n_,
m_ lc^c] c c hnch^_ m_lpcni[l_c i gh. F[n[
h]l_g_h_n_. O]bcc ]jloc c m_ fla_m], c[l \ot_f_ c
nl_gol. hnl-i mchaol gc][l_, Ah^_h m_ [jf_[], c
c[ [g\_f_ gchc hnl-ale lui c i lc^c] ^_ dim.
E î[l oh j[b[l ]o [gj[hc_, c mjoh_ _f ]o
\fh^__. S ho n_ n[c.
Ajic c `[]_ m_gh ^ch gh ohoc[ ^chnl_ mif^[cc ^ch
[jlijc_l_[ occ.
O gnol c oh `l[, n_ lia. Mofog_m].
Sif^[nof h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j, al\cn.
Desigur, domnule Elector.
h ncgj ]_ `[n[ òa_ ôj oh j[b[l hio c oh ig ^_
m_lpc]co pch_ m gnol_ l_mnolcf_ ]_foc mj[ln, Ah^_h
m_ [[t ^ch hio, gc]hô-m_ ]o _f_a[h[ ohoc l_a_.
VP - 139
Co a_mnolc cgj_][\cf_, c[ i òl]ofc c oh ]ocn c
n[c_ i \o]c] ^_ jil].
Spune-gc ^_]c, [a_hn Ij[lcm, ^_ ]_ [c plon m g
p_tc h j_lmi[h? c ]_ m-[ hngjf[n h m_[l[
_r_]oc_c foc D[s?
c olg_t _r_gjfof, gc c[o òl]ofc[ c ]ocnof c
n[c i \o][n ^_ ][lh_. L[holcf_ h ][l_ gc mohn
jlchm_ h]b_c_nolcf_ [o _r[]n fohacg_[ h_]_m[l ]n m
jin gh][. C[ c ]og ]ch_p[ c-[l `c \non ][jof m f_
gmi[l_. h]_l] m nl_] j_mn_ moljlct[ jliôm ^_
ch]c^_hnof ]o [gj[hc[ c h]_j m-i debitez povestea
pe care Razor a inventat-o pentru mine.
ntr-[^_pl, f-[g [don[n j_ D[s m m][j_ de
_r_]oc_, c[l P[nlcicc g-[o mjlcdchcn. D[l, ôj ]_
treaba asta s-a terminat, nu mi-au mai dat drumul. Am
]l_ton ], h m`lcn, [g m]j[n ^_ _c, ]h^ mif^[cc
nc g-au arestat.
Ah^_h ]fcj_n_ f_h_. M hnl_\ ^[] m_ h]l_^_ h
pl_oh ]ophn ^ch ]_f_ ce i le spun.
h ofncg_f_ îo mjnghc [c ìmn ]o P[nlcicc?
g hnl_[\ ôj ]_ [g habccn i \o]c] ^_
`lcjnol.
Mh][l_[ _ _r]_f_hn; ][lh_[ _ [nn ^_ `l[a_^ ],
jl[]nc], c m_ nij_n_ h aol.
Da.
h_f_a.
Vi]_[ foc Ah^_h ][jn i ]lcmj[l_ hm]on ^ch
h_h]l_^_l_. S_ n[gjih_[t f[ aol ]o _lp_nof ^_
jht, [jic [[t n[]golcf_ j_ g[m c m_ f[m j_
spate.
D_]c D[s _ h pc[ m[o _l[, ]h^ [c jf_][n ^_ f[
_c? c ]if[\il_[t ]o P[nlcicc?
Ch^ [g jf_][n, ^[. No nco ][l_ g[c _ mcno[c[
acum.
De ce s-[ ^[n ]o _c ]h^, h nl_]on, c-a tot
evitat?
VP - 140
Rc^c] joch ^ch og_lc, h]_l]h^ m gcg_t
nedumerirea.
Al_ h_pic_ ^_ [donil ][ m-f am_[m] j_ `l[n_f_
foc, jfom ] f_ _mn_ h^[nil[n P[nlcicfil j_hnlo ]
i-[o pch^_][n jc]cilof. Doj ni[n_ ]_fe petrecute, se
[f_m_m_ ]o i l[h []ifi<
Ah^_h `[]_ i j[ot ]n m c[ i aol gc] ^_
ampanie.
De ce l-[c [don[n m _p[^_t_?
gc `f_r_t h]b_c_nol[ [mn`_f h]n ]no_f_ m ho
gc f[m_ m_gh_ j_ jc_f_. L[holcf_ gc tilhc_
zgomotos lovindu-m_ hnl_ _f_.
P_hnlo ] ho _f f-[ igiln j_ `l[n_f_ g_o.
P_ ]jcn[hof M_nc[m Ij[lcm<
L[ [otof hog_foc hnl_a [f `l[n_foc g_o mohn
]ojlchm ^_ oh p[f ^_ ôl_l_. O[l_ hiof Ef_]nil nc_
cum a murit Metias?
gc j[l_ lo j_hnlo jc_l^_l_[ n[.
Ah^_h c jf_[] joch ][jof, oh m_gh h_[n_jn[n ^_
respect, care g `[]_ m mcgn oh aif h mnig[].
ncc, gc [gchn_m] ], [noh]c ]h^ _l[g g[c nhl,
[g ]cncn ]_p[ ^_mjl_ `l[n_f_ no, ]ihncho _f. C_p[
^_mjl_ hin_f_ foc ^_ f[ ]i[f ^_mjl_ ]n ^_ \ch_ m-a
^_m]ol][n f[ Er[g_h c, g[c [f_m, ]n ^_ \oh _l[ f[
calculatoare.
h_j i ]joh, i g_mn_] ah^cni[l_, [jic i habcn.
N-[g ncon ] `l[n_f_ g_o [p_[ oh [^gcl[nil [nn
de celebru.
Nu eram propriu-tcm [^gcl[nilof foc, ^_c M_nc[m
l_o_[ m n_ cgjl_mcih_t_.
Anden ia noul pahar ^_ [gj[hc_ c mi[l\_ ^ch
lichid.
El[g [^gcl[nilof no.
ch_ gchn_, ` a_mnolc ]f[l_= F-f m ]l_[^ ]
_nc `f[n[n= c [nl[m ^_ _f. Ihô\cn[\cf, Ah^_h
_mn_ ]bcj_ [[ ] h]_l] m g ]ih]_hnl_t [mojl[
[]_mnoc [mj_]n. Logch[ ^_ f[ fgjcf_ ^_ j_ j_l_c m_
VP - 141
l_`f_]n h ihôf_olcf_ m[f_, `]hô-c jlof m
m]fcj_[m]. Pc_f_[ gmfchc_ [l_ i mnlfo]cl_ ][f^,
[olc_. O]bcc c mohn ^_ ]ofi[l_[ `loht_fil hgoaolcn_,
h]_nof ]o h]_nof, mcgn ] g g\odil_t. Bch_, ch_-
i nin [[= Ah^_h [l_ ]_p[ mha_ f[nch, ^[l i]bcc
g[lc, oil gca^[f[c c ^_fc][n__[ `lohcc c
^_tpfoc_ nlmnolcf_ [mc[nc]_. L[ `_f ][ h ][tof foc
Day. Dintr-i^[n, ]ih]_hnl[l_[ gc m_ lcmcj_n_ c ho
g[c p^ hcgc] [fn]_p[ ^_]n m]_h[ ^ch V_a[m, ]h^ _l[g
h \[c_ c D[s g mlon[. gc [gchn_m] jc_jnof foc
aif, \ot_f_ foc j_ anof g_o, [ncno^ch_[ foc
m`c^ni[l_ bcjhinct[hn ][l_, jlch ]igj[l[c_, `[]_ ][
jl_mn[h[ foc Ah^_h m jf_[m]. Riof g\i\i]cn ^ch
i\l[dcc g_c h`fil_n_ []og îailcnil.
Ef_]nilof c f[m ][jof j_ oh ogl c mol^_. Eo
nl[a [^h] [_l h jc_jn c h]_l] m gc l_][jn
][fgof. Sf[p Dighofoc ] [g ct\oncn ninoc m i\ch
l_[]c[ îlcn.
Te-[c ah^cn f[ gincpof j_hnlo ][l_ [onilcncf_
R_jo\fc]cc [o ìmn [nn ^_ haôcni[l_, ^[n `cch^
[]coh_[ n[ ^_ nl^[l_ [ mn[nofoc? g ]b_mncih_[t _f,
do]hô-m_ ]o òl]ofc[. Olc]ch_ [fn]ch_p[ [l `c ìst
^_d[ _r_]on[n. No c no.
Ac]c m_ h^l_[jn h m][oh.
R_jo\fc][ [ ìmn ]o i]bcc j_ nch_ ^ch ]fcj[ h
][l_ [c i\chon m]ilof j_l`_]n, ^_ 1500 ^_ joh]n_, f[
Er[g_h. Ag [`f[n ^_ hin_f_ n[f_ c ^_ j_lìlg[h_f_ ^_
f[ [hnl_h[g_hn_f_ ^_ ôj-[gc[t ^_ f[ Dl[ke. Mai
gofc ]ihal_mg_hc n_-au nominalizat pentru a fi
l_j[lnct[n m olg_tc i ][lc_l jifcnc] h[chn_ ]bc[l
m h]b_c [hof hnc f[ Dl[e_. D[l, `ch[fg_hn_, m-au
^_]cm m n_ nlcgcn h [lg[n, j_hnlo ] _nc h gi^
]f[l `]on j_hnlo [mn[. h ]_l]olcf_ jon_lcc _nc i
]_f_\lcn[n_. Cih^[gh[l_[ n[ j_ gincp ^_ fcjm ^_
fic[fcn[n_ [l l_jl_t_hn[ i jc_l^_l_ olc[ j_hnlo
R_jo\fc].
VP - 142
O[l_ Ah^_h nc_ [^_plof h f_anol ]o `_fof h
][l_ [o ìmn o]cc jlchcc g_c c M_nc[m? C [o
jfncn ]o pc[[ j_hnlo fcjm[ fil ê devotament? Oare
[onilcncf_ g jl_oc_m] [nn ^_ gofn h]n _tcn m
g _r_]on_ h ]co^[ ch`l[]cohcc j_ ][l_ ni]g[c [g
comis-i f[ ][l_ m_ [^[oa f_anolcf_ g_f_ ^_ `[gcfc_
]o hcn_ nl^nilc?
Cum de m-[c pton jlch ][gjomof ^_ f[ Dl[e_? f
hnl_\. Nu-gc [gchn_m] m `c [otcn ] [c pctcn[n
universitatea.
Ah^_h n[c_ i \o][n ^_ gc_t ^_ j[fgc_l.
Ah, nu! N-[p_[c ]og m [`fc [[ ]_p[.
M h]lohn hnl_\ni[l_.
Ac ìmn< mno^_hn f[ Dl[e_ h []__[c j_lci[^ ]o
mine?
Ef_]nilof h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j.
A^gchcmnl[c[ [ jmnl[n m_]l_nof [mojl[
c^_hncncc g_f_. Ap_[g [jn_mjl_t_]_ [hc _l[g h
anul al doilea ]h^ no, f[ îcmjl_t_]_ [hc, [c p_hcn
f[ Dl[e_. Epc^_hn, ]o nicc [g [otcn i ali[t ^_
fo]lolc ^_mjl_ nch_ c ht\nccf_ n[f_.
Aotch^ [mn[, Ah^_h tg\_n_, c[l i]bcc c m]fcj_m]
g[fccim.
Fcof Ef_]nilofoc m_ jfcg\[ jlchnl_ hic, mno^_hcc ^_
la Drake, iar eu habar n-[g [pon. M ]ojlch^_ oh p[f
^_ gh^lc_ f[ ahôf ] fc^_lof R_jo\fc]cc g-a
l_g[l][n j_ pl_g_[ ]h^ _l[g h ][gjom. Ajic m]onol
din cap, sigchô-g pchip[n ] [n_hc[ foc gc
jliô]_ jf]_l_.
Ec, mj_l ] ho nin ]_ [c [otcn ^_mjl_ gch_ [ ìmn
^_ lo.
Ch^ l^_, Ah^_h `[]_ i alijc gc] h i\l[tof
mnha. I[l lmof foc, h mch_, _ fchcncnil.
Nu. Nu tot.
Ph c gc_ l_jfc][ [mn[ gc mgofa_ oh molm.
Ap_[g hin_ \oh_, ^[l mohn ]ihpchm ] m_]l_n[l[
^_][hofoc _ `_lc]cn ] h-i m g[c [j[l h \cliof _c.
VP - 143
Dighci[l[ Wbcn[e_l?
Ah^_h ]f[nch ^ch ][j. O ]fcj, l_hoh f[
[ncno^ch_[ ìlg[f c f[m _nc]b_n[ ^_ij[ln_, m_ [[t
g[c l_f[r[n h m][oh c `[]_ oh a_mn ]cl]of[l ]o
òl]ofc[.
c _o [g ìmn ]b_g[n h \cliof _c, c[l [mn[ _l[
[got[hn j_hnlo ] _[ ho [p_[ hc]c ]_[ g[c p[a c^__
]ch_ mohn. Ag ^[n ^_ h_][t `cch^] g-[g ôm h m[f[ ^_
mjiln c [g m]bcg\[n joncf_ al_f_, ^_ [hnl_h[g_hn, ]o
altele din burete.
Dogh_[pi[mnl [c `]on [mn[?=
gc [gchn_m] ]f[l ch]c^_hnof. Ahof hnc, ]olmof ^_
[hnl_h[g_hn gcfcn[l. Poncf_ ^ch \ol_n_ òm_m_l
l_[fct[n_ _rnl_g ^_ l_[fcmn. Ch^ mno^_hcc m-au
[jf_][n m f_ lc^c]_ gjl_oh, m_ [n_jn[o ][ [lg_f_
m `c_ al_f_, [[ ] f_-[o [jo][n ]o [phn c dogn[n_
^chnl_ _c [o ]ton j_ mj[n_. Agchncl_[ [mn[ gc mgofa_
oh bibin mch]_l ^_ lm.
A ìmn _rnl[il^ch[l= Cjcn[hof ^_ f[ chmnlo]c_ m-
[ hòlc[n f[ ]ofg_.
Tl_\oc[ ][ `c_][l_ ^chnl_ hic m `[]_g g][l i
boa]h h `[]ofn[n_, ho?
Ah^_h lhd_n_ c \[n_ ^[l[\[h[ ]o ^_a_n_f_ h
j[b[lof ^_ [gj[hc_.
hm no jl_[c m ][ot_tc ]_f_ g[c gofn_ jli\f_g_.
Nu tu ai provocat la un moment dat evacuarea colegilor
de la curs?
Ba da. Istoria Republicii 3-0-2.
Poch d_h[n, h]_l] m gc g[m_t anof, ^[l
]no_f_ gc gjc_^c] a_mnof.
Sno^_hnof ^ch ofncgof [h ][l_ mnn_[ fha gch_
mi-[ tcm ] ho mohn ][j[\cf m chn_m] g[h_n[ [f[lg_c
de incendiu cu arma lui de antrenament.
Ab. V^ ] hnin^_[oh[ [c `]on [f_a_lc bune.
El[g \i\i[]. c ^_mnof ^_ cg[nol, nl_\oc_ m
recunosc asta.
VP - 144
T_ ]ihnl[tc]. Loh^ h ]ihmc^_l[l_ ni[n_
[mj_]n_f_, [ mjoh_ ] _l[c ]o gofn g[c g[nol ^_]n
[hcc j_ ][l_ c [p_[c.
Ah^_h tg\_n_, c[l _o g g\odil_t c[l.
Ac mcaol[h[ ^_ mch_ [ ohoc ig g[c h plmn. N-ai
tc]_ ] [c ]ch]cmjl_t_]_ [hc. Ag ìmn `_lc]cn m n_
]ohim], h m`lcn, h m_[l[ [c[, f[ \[f.
O[l_ ]_ m_ hngjf _ [c_p_[? Eo mn[o gh]h^ c
^_jhh^ [gchnclc ^ch pl_golcf_ \oh_, ^ch A][^_gc_,
gjl_oh ]o Ef_]nilof Plcgi? Mc me pare ireal. Sunt
ofocn ^_ ]n ^_ oil gc pch_ m ^cm]on ]o _f, m
jiln []_[mn ]ihp_lm[c_ ^_mjl_ fo]lolc ][l_ gc mohn
`[gcfc[l_, hnl-oh gig_hn h ][l_ pc[[ g_[ _ jfch ^_
]co^_hcc. E i ]ihp_lm[c_ h ][l_ jin mjoh_ ilc]_
`l m g n_g ] [ô] h gi^ []]c^_hn[f pl_i i`_hm
f[ [^l_m[ mn[nonofoc ]_foc ^ch `[[ g_[.
Ajic, gc [ô] [gchn_ ^_ ]_ mohn, ^_ `[jn, [c]c. I[l
gh][l_[ ^ch aol ][jn aomn ^_ ]_ho. Ti[n_ [mn_[
mohn j_hnlo D[s. R_m_hncg_hn_f_ g choh^, ^_c ho _
]il_]n m mcgn [mn[. S[o ji[n_ _? M hnl_\ ^[] mohn
hnl-[^_pl a[n[ m igil j_ ]ch_p[ ^_ ^l[aof foc.
Uh mif^[n \[a ][jof j_ o. f m[fon j_ Ah^_h,
[jic c ^l_a_ af[mof mnhd_hcn, l_[fcth^ ] jli\[\cf
l-[ hnl_lojn j_ Ef_]nil h gcdfi]of ^cm]oc_c ]o
gch_. Ah^_h c mol^_ ]o \ohpich c c `[]_ m_gh ]o
gh[ m chnl_.
Er]_f_h, îghof m_h[nil B[lom_ K[gcih pl_[ m p
pil\_[m], f [hoh mif^[nof.
Spune-c îghofoc m_h[nil ] mohn i]oj[n, c
lmjoh^_ Ah^_h. O m-f ]ihn[]n_t ôj ]ch.
M n_g ] îghof m_h[nil chmcmn m discute cu
ôgh_[pi[mnl ^_ ola_h. E pil\[ ^_< <
Sif^[nof m_ ocn f[ gch_, [jic al\cn, m_ ô]_ m-i
ijn_[m] Ef_]nilofoc f[ ol_]b_. Tinoc, jlch^ ^ch
t\il hcn_ `lhnolc ^_ `l[t:
Sn[^ci[h_f_< Vl_[ m p nl[hmgcn< M_m[d< Al
nl_\oc m p h]b_c[c cina imediat.
VP - 145
Ah^_h lc^c] i mjlh]_[h.
A[ [ mjom? Ec \ch_, _o ^_]c^ ]h^ gc h]b_c
cina. Transmite-i acest mesaj domnului senator Kamion,
]h^ ]ihmc^_lc ijilnoh m i `[]c. Sjoh_-c ] olgnilof
m_h[nil ][l_ gc p[ nlcgcn_ oh [mn`_f ^_ g_m[d
impertinehn p[ lmjoh^_ h `[[ g_[ ^cl_]n.
Sif^[nof f m[fon ]o [jfig\, jfch ^_ mch_ f[ ahôf
] p[ nl[hmgcn_ oh [mn`_f ^_ g_m[d ohoc m_h[nil.
Da, domnule. Imediat.
C[l_ _ hog_f_ no? f g[c hnl_[\ Ah^_h, h[chn_
][ igof m jf_]_.
Locotenent Felipe Garza, _r]_f_h.
Ef_]nilof mol^_.
c gofog_m], îghof_ fi]in_h_hn G[lt[. N-i m
uit acest serviciu.
Sif^[nof h]_[l] m-c g_hch gch[ cgj_h_nl[\cf,
^[l ]cn_m] gh^lc_ h i]bcc foc c oh tg\_n a[n[ m
c h`fil_[m] j_ \ot_. S_ h]fch h `[[ foc Ahên.
Dighof_ Ef_]nil, g ihil[c. V gofog_m].
Ajic c_m_ ^ch m[f.
Plcp_m] `[m]ch[n m]_h[. Razor [ [pon ^l_jn[n_ hnl-
i jlcpch: hnl-[^_pl, hnl_ S_h[n c hiof Ef_]nil
_rcmn i mn[l_ ^_ n_hmcoh_. D[l Ah^_h ho _ jlimn. A
jl_fo[n jon_l_[ ^_ g[c joch ^_ i mjngh c ^_d[
jli]_^_[t _r[]n [[ ]og nl_\oc_: h]_[l] m
hnl_[m] fic[fcn[n_[ gcfcn[lcfil `[ ^_ _f. M
hnl_\ ]_ [fn]_p[ g[c `[]_ ][ m f_ ]nca_
h]l_^_l_[. Alg[n[ R_jo\fc]cc [ ìmn ^_pin[n nloj c
suflet precedentului Elector; de fapt, acest
devotament a fost probabil lucrul care i-[ ^[n [nn[
jon_l_. I[l Ah^_h _ c _f ]ihnc_hn ^_ [mn[ c
[]cih_[t j_ ]n ^_ con_ ji[n_. O\c_]ccf_ S_h[nofoc
mohn choncf_ h `[[ oh_c [lg[n_ ][l_-f momch_ `l
nicio ezitare pe Elector.
D[l [lg[n[ ho-f momch_ j_ Ah^_h `l hc]ci
_tcn[l_, gc l_[gchn_m]. P_hnlo ] Razor c i[g_hcc
VP - 146
lui tot militari suhn c _c. Tl^nilcc ^ch lhôf
mif^[cfil h]_j c _c m []cih_t_.
D_]c<
Ah^_h c g[c n[c_, n[]nc]im, i \o][n ^_ `lcjnol.
M-[c [ôm jh [c]c ][ m-gc ]igohc]c ] f-ai
[don[n j_ oh ch`l[]nil m _p[^_t_?
O ]fcj, h m[f ho m_ [o^_ ^_]n ]fch]b_nof `]on
^_ òl]ofc[ foc Ah^_h fipch^ `[lòlc[. h gchn_ gc
lmoh chmnlo]cohcf_ foc Razor lucrurile pe care
nl_\oc_ m f_ mjoh, il^ch_[ h ][l_ nl_\oc_ m `[]
asta.
No< Ag p_hcn [c]c m p ]igohc] ] m_ jfhoc_n_
asasinarea domniei voastre.
Ef_]nilof f[m dim n[]gof c lc^c] îo ^_a_n_
mo\clc h ^cl_]c[ mif^[cfil.
Lm[c-ne singuri!
Dighof_ Ef_]nil, h]_j_ ohof ^chnl_ _c, ho [p_g
pic_ m `[]_g [mn[.
Ah^_h m]i[n_ oh jcmnif ^_ f[ \lo (oh gi^_f h_alu,
elegant, pe care nu l-[g g[c pton hc]ci^[n jh
[]og) c f [[t j_ g[m, fha `[lòlc_.
E h l_aof, ]jcn[h_. Vic `c h mcaol[h. c
[]og, p lia j_ nic m h_ fm[c mchaolc.
F_g_c[ ]l_c[ Ah^_h c m-a adresat cu numele gradului
le face semn sof^[cfil, c[l []_nc[ m_ h]ifih_[t c
c_m ^ch m[f h n]_l_. Pf_[] jh c ]_c [m_ ][l_
mnn_[o fha gch_. Ag lg[m mchaolc _o c Ef_]nilof.
N_ ^_mj[ln î[l ]_c nl_c g_nlc c dogn[n_ [c g_m_c ^_
f_gh ^_ ]cl_.
Ah^_h c joh_ [g\_f_ ]i[n_ j_ g[m c-i
gjl_oh_[t ^_a_n_f_.
Ac p_hcn [c]c ][ m g [p_lnct_tc?
Da.
D[l [g [otcn ] [c ìmn jlchm h V_a[m. D_ ]_ ho
te-ai predat?
V_h_[g h]i[]_, mjl_ ][jcn[f. Vic[g m [doha f[
D_hp_l c [\c[ [jic m g jl_^[o, ][ m [g g[c gofn_
VP - 147
[hm_ m mn[o ^_ pil\ ]o ôgh_[pi[mnl. No pic[g m
`co [l_mn[n, f[ hngjf[l_, ^_ i j[nlof h V_a[m.
c ]og [c m]j[n ^_ P[nlcic? g hnl_[\ Ah^_h c
gc [loh] i jlcpcl_ _tcn[hn, m]_jnc]. Uh^_ mohn _c
[]og? Co mcaol[h ] n_ olgl_m].
F[] i j[ot, ]i\il i]bcc h jghn c gc ^l_a
glasul.
h hi[jn_[ h ][l_ [g ct\oncn m m][j, [g mlcn
hnl-oh nl_h ][l_ m_ h^l_jn[ mjl_ V_a[m.
Rgh_g [ghîc n]oc j_hnlo i ]fcj, [jic Ah^_h
f[m òl]ofc[ ^ch gh c m_ n_la_ f[ aol,
n[gjihhô-m_ ]o _lp_nof. No nco mcaol ^[] gc
crede povestea cu evadarea sau nu.
c ]_ jf[holc [p_[o ]o nch_ ^[] h-ai fi fugit?
No i`_lc _f_g_hn_ ]f[l_=
Nu cunosc toate detaliile legate de ceea ce aveau
^_ ah^ h ]_ g jlcp_n_. hm nco ] joh f[ ][f_ oh
atac la una dintre opririle domniei voastre din
nolh_of ^_ g\l\n[l_ [ nloj_fil ^_ j_ `lihn. I[l _o
nl_\oc[ m c [don. Ao jig_hcn nl_c fi]olc: L[g[l,
W_mnqc]e c Bolfchanih. Ah^_h, P[nlcicc [o i[g_hc j_
jitccc, [c]c, h ]_l]of j_lmi[h_fil [jlijc[n_ ^_ c_.
nco ] gc-am asumat un risc folosindu-i prenumele,
^[l h]_l] m g_hch []_[mn hio gi^[fcn[n_ ^_
[\il^[l_. Ef hc]c ho j[l_ m m_mct_t_ `_fof h ][l_ g-
am adresat lui , m_ [jf_[] j_mn_ `[lòlc_ c g
mno^c[t.
Cog ^_ ncc ni[n_ [mn_[? g ]b_mncih_[t. c
P[nlcicc mohn ]ihnc_hc ] no ncc? D[s _ c _f
cgjfc][n h jip_mn_[ [mn[?
Clatin din cap.
Eo ho nl_\oc[ m [`fo hcgc]. I[l ]o D[s h-am mai
pil\cn ^_ ]h^ [g jf_][n.
Ac jon_[ mjoh_ ] mohn_c jlc_n_hc?
C_ hnl_\[l_ \ct[l< Amn[ pl_[ Ah^_h, m-f am_[m]
pe Day?
VP - 148
D[, c lmjoh^, h]_l]h^ m ho g f[m ^cmnl[m ^_
[gchncl_[ foc D[s ghachô-gc jlof. D[s [l_ gincp_f_
foc ][ m lgh ]o P[nlcicc, c[l _o j_ [f_ g_f_ ][
m jf_]. D[l, ^[, ]l_^ ] ^[.
Ah^_h gc gofog_n_ ]o i h]fch[l_ [ ][jofoc.
Ac mjom ] _rcmn i[g_hc, jlchnl_ [jlijc[cc g_c,
^_ ][l_ nl_\oc_ m nco. Cch_ mohn _c?
L[m òl]ofc[ ^ch gh c g [jf_] j_mn_ g[m.
Dic mif^[c ^ch a[l^[ n[ j_lmih[f mohn ]_c ][l_
pil h]_l][ m n_ igi[l_.
Ah^_h m_ [f\_n_ f[ `[.
C_c ][l_ g jt_m] mohn m_f_]n[c ]o g[l_ alcd.
c ]ch_ c m_f_]n_[t? c l_jfc], h]lo]chô-mi
\l[_f_ j_ jc_jn.
Plof gc [foh_] j_mn_ oh ogl. Co ]i[^[ i]bcofoc,
jlch^ mnlfo]cl_[ j_lf_fil.
No ]ihn_[t ^[] g ]l_tc m[o ho. D[l p_lc`c].
Fc_ [g ^l_jn[n_ c ho p_c golc, `c_ al__m] c [noh]c
eu voi muri.
Sjl_ moljlch^_l_[ g_[, Ah^_h m_ lc^c] ^ch m][oh, m_
h^l_[jn ^_ mj[n_ c jilh_n_ ]nl_ gch_. S_ [[t j_
m][ohof ^_ fha gch_ c m_ nl[a_ c g[c [jli[j_ ^_
gch_. Cfcj_m], h ncgj ]_ _f gc mno^c[t `[[.
June.
Vi]_[ c _ [nn ^_ \fh^, ] []og _ [jli[j_ i
i[jn.
Vl_[o m [g h]l_^_l_ h nch_< c pl_[o ][ no m
[c h]l_^_l_ h gch_<
nc_ ]-c [m]oh^ ]_p[. c ^ m_[g[ ] [fn]_p[ m_
[`f h mj[n_f_ h]_l]lcc g_f_ ^_ [-f h_f[ c pl_[
m nco c _o [mn[. Ah^_h m_ [jf_[] mjl_ g[m c c
pl gchcf_ h \otoh[l_f_ j[hn[fihcfil.
Ch^ [ golcn n[n[, h]_j_ _f, limnch^ `c_][l_
]ophn l[l, ^_ j[l] [l chnl[ j_ oh n_lcnilco
jlcg_d^cim, _l[g ]igjf_n mchaol. Ag mn[n fha j[nof
foc jh c-[ ^[n mo`f_nof. c ninoc, mohn
recunos]nil ] m-[ hngjf[n [[ n-[g [pon [hm[
VP - 149
[mn[ c ]o g[g[. Joh_, nco ]og _ m lgc mchaol j_
lume.
Gnof gc m_ ]ihnl[]n ôl_lim. Cnca-i
h]l_^_l_[= mn[ _ lifof g_o, ohc]of gincp j_hnlo
][l_ g [`fo [c]c.
gc j[l_ lo m [o^ [mn[, c ijn_m]. i-mi pare
lo j_hnlo g[g[ n[.
Ah^_h h]fch ][jof h m_gh ] gc []]_jn
]ihîf_[h_f_.
Mama a fost Princepsul Senatului. Tata n-a mai
pil\cn hc]ci^[n ^_mjl_ _[< ^[l g \o]ol ] []og mohn
gjl_oh.
Am mai auzit zvonuri despre fostul Princeps. Cum a
murit mama lui Anden din cauza unei boli autoimune,
cg_^c[n ôj h[n_l_. Nog[c Ef_]nilof ji[n_ hogc
liderul Senatului [[ ], h ofncg_f_ îo ^_]_hcc,
de la moartea ei, Republica nu a mai avut un Princeps.
h]_l] m `[] ocn[n mn[l_[ ^_ \ch_ j_ ][l_ [g
hcercat-i ]h^ [g pil\cn ]o Ah^_h ^_mjl_ Dl[e_, ^[l _
g[c al_o ^_ `]on [mn[ ^_]n [g ]l_ton. Gh^_n_-te
f[ D[s= gc mjoh mchaol ]n ^_ h]hn[n [ ìmn
prietenul g_o ^_ jf[hof P[nlcicfil c ^_ c^__[ oh_c
noi Republici.
M \o]ol ] jlchcc nc c-au amcn j[]_[. Cbc[l
h_f_a ]_ hm_[gh m-i pierzi pe cei pe care i-ai
iubit.
Ah^_h m_ ah^_n_ f[ ]_ [g mjom, chhô-c îo
^_a_n_ [jm[n_ j_ \ot_. Al_ ^chcc h]f_n[c. A
jl_fo[n lifof ^_ ]ihô]nil, ^[l _ h] oh ]ijcf.
T[nf foc _l[ i `caol hmjcghnni[l_. D[l Ah^_h? No
_ mo`c]c_hn ^_ jon_lhc] ][ m ch [l[ ohcn. Blom],
gc [gchn_m] jlcg_f_ hijc ^_ ôj gi[ln_[ foc M_nc[m.
Pfha_[g jh h tilc ]o cg[ach_[ `caolcc
h_hmo`f_cn_ [ `l[n_foc g_c h gchn_. O[l_ c hijcf_
foc Ah^_h nl_] `l migh? O[l_ ]og n_ mcgc ]h^ c
jc_ltc n[nf (ch^c`_l_hn ]n ^_ g[f_`c] [ ìmn _f) c
VP - 150
nl_\oc_ m n_ `_l_nc ^_ i]bcc ]_filf[fc j_hnlo [-l
jeli? Oare Anden l-[ co\cn j_ n[nf foc?
An_jn h ncgj ]_ _f g jlcp_n_. D_ gh][l_[ ^ch
farfurie am uitat demult. Pal m `c nl_]on il_ hnl_ac
jh ]h^ Ah^_h c f[m gchcf_ h dim c i`n_[t.
No _ hc]coh m_]l_n ] n[n[ _l[ \ifh[p ^_ gofn
pl_g_. Ch^ [n_jc ][ oh ig j_ ][l_ f co\_nc m
gi[l< Ahc ^_ tcf_<
Ac]c nl_m[l_ pctc\cf, ^_pi[fhô-c ôl_l_[.
Sunt ]ihpchm ] m_hncg_hnof _ ì[ln_ ^c`_lcn ^_
[]_f[ j_ ][l_ f [c ]h^ ^_]_mof chn_lpch_< j_
h_[n_jn[n_.
Ch^ limn_n_ []_mn_ ofncg ]ophn, g jlcp_n_ h
ochi.
L[ h]_jon, ho mohn mcaol ^[] m_ l_`_l f[
jlchcc g_c m[o f[ M_nc[m ji[n_ f[ nic nl_c , dar
`_fof h ][l_ i mjoh_ gc hfnol hîc_fcf_.
h]_[l] m gc nl[hmgcn ] nc_ ]_ m-[ hngjf[n ]o
`[gcfc[ g_[. c ] ho _ ^_ []il^.
nco ] _nc n[l_ jlc]_jon ]h^ pch_ pil\[ ^_
cjin_t_. Uhcc ]bc[l ]l_^ ] gc-[g inlpcn n[nf ][ m-
i iau locul.
E ][ c ]og [l h]_l][ m ^cm]on_ ]o gch_ ]i^[n.
Ch^p[ [c jl_mojom ] D[s f-[ o]cm j_ `l[n_f_ no. C
gi[ln_[ jlchcfil nc [ ìmn oh []]c^_hn. D[l []og
ncc [^_plof.
C_n_hcc R_jo\fc]cc jl_mojoh ] mohn ôg[hof
fil. C mohn f[ `_f ][ n[n[. Cl_^ ] mohn i g[lcih_n
][l_, jol c mcgjfo, [ gin_hcn jitcc[ ^_ fc^_l jlch
pich[ jlchn_foc mo.
Doj i m]oln _tcn[l_, Ah^_h hni[l]_ i]bcc mjl_
gch_ c g jlcp_n_ ]o i chn_hmcn[n_ ][l_ gc n[c_
lmo`f[l_[.
No mohn. D[l ^[] lgh mchaol< D[] lgh mchaor,
ho pic jon_[ m m]bcg\ hcgc]. D[] lgh mchaol,
atunci sunt la fel ca tata.
VP - 151
A]og ho g g[c gcl ] [ plon m c[ ]ch[ ]o gch_.
Ah^_h joh_ f[ ][f_ ]_p[ h_g[cpton. c [l_ h_pic_ ^_
gch_. No _ mjlcdchcn ^_ ]_n_hc c hc]c ^_ S_h[n. Al_
nevoie de cineva cal_ m ]o]_l_[m] jijilof j_hnlo _f.
c i[g_hcc ][l_ jin ch`fo_h[ g[m_f_ mohn_g< _o c
Day.
Turnura pe care a luat-i ]ihp_lm[c[ g h_ôg_l_n_.
Anden nu e ho j[l_ m `c_ omul descris de
P[nlcic, i g[lcih_n cpcn h ][f_[ afilci[m_c
l_pifocc. D[] l_[fg_hn_ pl_[ m ]nca_ jijilof ^_
j[ln_[ foc, ^[] Ah^_h mjoh_ [^_plof< ^_ ]_ P[nlcicc
f pil giln? Pi[n_ ] gc m][j ]_p[. Pi[n_ ] h ]_
f jlcp_n_ j_ Ah^_h _rcmn fo]lolc j_ ][l_ Razor le
nc_, c[l _o ho.
Pin m [g h]l_^_l_ h nch_? g hnl_[\ el.
A[ ]og mn _f ]o mjlh]_h_f_ lc^c][n_ c i]bcc
glcc, jin ]cnc h`f]l[l_[ j_ ]bcjof mo.
Rc^c] i]bcc c c hnfh_m] jlcpcl_[. Pin m [g
h]l_^_l_ h _f? No mohn ]ihpchm, ^[l, ^_i][g^[n,
golgol lmjohmof ]_f g[c mcaol:
Da.
Niof Ef_]nil m_ h^l_[jn ^_ mj[n_ c c gjcha_
m][ohof ^_ fha g[m. h] ho gc ^[o m_[g[ ^[] g
crede.
C__[ ]_ [g pil\cn m lgh hnl_ hic. Ag m f_
mjoh a[l^c_hcfil ^ch dolof g_o ^_ [p_lncmg_hnof no.
Sj_l m-c amcg j_ ]_c îc nl^nilc.
Ah^_h gc tg\_n_, [jic c f[m ][jof j_ oh ogl
c mol^_ ^ch hio.
D[] c amcg, Joh_, [ pl_[ m g[c ^cm]ong. S_
j[l_ ] [p_g gofn_ h ]igoh.
Copchn_f_ foc gc `[] i\l[dcc m îail_[m].
c, ]o [mn[, hnl_p_^_l_[ m-[ h]b_c[n.
T_ lia, ho n_ al\c. T_lgch-c g[m[. Ch^ pei fi
a[n[, mif^[cc g_c n_ pil ô]_ ^ch hio h [j[ln[g_hnof
unde vei sta sub arest.
VP - 152
ijn_m] oh gofog_m]. Ah^_h m_ lmo]_n_ j_ ]f]c_
c c_m_ ^ch m[f. Sif^[cc l_chnl. Zaiginof
l_p_l\_l[hn jliôm ^_ j[cc fil ^_mnl[g fchcn_[ ][l_
îgh_[ h []_mn mj[co ]o î[l ]n_p[ ]fcj_ h[chn_.
L[m ][jof h dim c g jl_`[] ] ghh] ]o g\o]nolc
gc]c l_mnof gh]lcc. Ah^_h _ oh j_lmih[d g[c ]igjf_r
^_]n gc-[g h]bcjocn chcc[f. A\c[ []og gc ^[o m_[g[
]n ^_ hal_oh[n gc-_ l_mjcl[c[ c ]_ n[l_ gc \[n_
inima. O[l_ jin m [g h]l_^_l_ h Ah^_h? S[o m g
bizui pe Razor? M jlch^ ]o gchcf_ ^_ g[lach_[ g_m_c
][ m g ][fg_t. Ih^c`_l_hn ][l_ _ [^_plof, nl_\oc_
m gc `[] di]of ]o gofn jlo^_h.
Doj ]ch, h fi] m `co ôm c h]bcm hnl-o
]_fof i\chocn, [doha hnl-oh [j[ln[g_hn ]ol[n c
forim, hnl-i ][g_l ]o ]ipil j_ dim, ]o i o ô\f
c ali[m c oh j[n g[l_ c gi[f_. No _rcmn hm
hc]ci `_l_[mnl. h [`[l[ j[nofoc, h h]j_l_ ho
_rcmn hc]ci [fn jc_m ^_ gi\cfc_l, hc]coh i\c_]n j_
][l_ m-l pot lo[ c m-f nl[hmìlg h [lg. Schaol[
^_]il[coh_ _mn_ ighcjl_t_hnof jilnl_n [f foc Ah^_h,
h][mnl[n h n_h]oc[f[ ohoc[ ^chnl_ j_l_c. Li][fct_t
imediat camera de luat vederi: e un obiect mititel,
[`f[n ^_[mojl[ occ, ^cm]l_n [gjf[m[n j_ n[p[h.
Dincolo de o, [m_ a[l^c_hc mohn j_ jitcc_.
Ti[n hi[jn_[ gic [acn[n. Sif^[cc m]bcg\
nol_f_. Dcgch_[[ ^_pl_g_, ohof ^chnl_ _c gc \[n_ h
o, nl_tchô-g.
Ph []og, ninof _ \ch_, gc ijn_n_ `_g_c[-
a[l^c[h. No ocn[ ]ch_ _ ôg[hof.
Ajic c_m_ ^ch ][g_l c oh [fn mif^[n i hfi]oc_n_.
M g\l[] h n]_l_ hnl-oh b[f[n ]fôlim ^_
][nc`_[. Scgolcf_ gc mohn h [f_ln, c[l gchcf_ gc
nl_gol [jli[j_ cgj_l]_jnc\cf. Cno_f_ ^_ f[
h]b_c_nolc tilhc_ oil. h[chn_ ho _l[g mcaol, ^[l
[]og nco ] P[nlcicc gc olgl_m] `c_][l_ j[m.
Sif^[ii lui Razor [o h]_jon m-c i]oj_ jitcccf_ h
[jlijc_l_[ chn_c. S-[l jon_[ ][ j_ `[n[ [mn[ m ho i
VP - 153
g[c p^ hc]ci^[n, hm ^_-acum studiez chipul
`c_]loc mif^[n ^ch jl_[dg[ g_[, hnl_\hô-g ][l_ _
^_pin[n R_jo\fc]cc c ][l_ [j[lch_ alojlcc
P[nlciilor.
VP - 154
10. DAY
Alt vis.
M-[g nl_tcn gofn jl_[ ^_pl_g_. E ^cgch_[[ tcf_c h
][l_ gjfch_m] ijn [hc. Logch[ [\c[ [ h]_jon m m_
l_p_lm_ h ][m jlch `_l_mnl_, [fohah^ ]ofilcf_
hnoh_][n_ [f_ hijcc. M lc^c] h j[n h ][jof
i[m_fil c g `l_] f[ i]bc. Uh j[b[l ]o [j, j_
dogn[n_ aif, mn h _]bcfc\lo j_ g[lach_[ oh_c
hijnc_l_ p_]bc. hnl-oh ]if m_ [`f mchaol[ hi[mnl
jf[hn ^_ chn_lcil, i c_^_l j_ ][l_ E^_h [ [ôm-o
[][m ^ch ]ch_ nc_ ]_ ali[j ^_ aohic. Lod_lcc c m-au
hnchm j_ ji^_[, h ]on[l_[ mi[l_foc. Jibh mìlc_
taiginim h ]ifof foc. Pc]ci[l_f_ c c_m [`[l ^_ mo\
i jnol j_nc]cn c [nlh j_mn_ g[lach_[ j[nofoc.
E^_h ho m_ p_^_ j_ hc]c_lc; jli\[\cf ] _ ]o g[g[.
D_ i\c]_c, ^[] g nl_t_m] jl_[ ^_pl_g_, g hnch^
f[ fi] h j[n c g ah^_m] f[ ]_p[ fchcncnil gc
cg[ach_t i j[ml_ m[o oh f[] c, jh f[ olg, g
l_f[r_t mo`c]c_hn ]n m g[c [cj_m] oh jc]. D[l [tc
gc _ cgjimc\cf m `[] [mn[. M lc^c] j_ g[lach_[
j[nofoc c gc nl[a îo im_n_ ^_mj_l_]b_[n_.
h m_]oh^[ h ][l_ jnloh^ n sufragerie, realizez
] ]_p[ _ h h_l_aof. M[g[ î[lg_ j_ ][h[j_[, ]o E^_h
h \l[_ c ]o jnol[ nl[m jh f[ og_lc. hm n[n[
ho _ [c]c. Plcpcl_[ gc [f_[la jlch h]j_l_. Ti]g[c
ce s-[ hnilm [m_[l ^_ j_ `lihn< n mod normal,
lgh_ [][m ]_f joch trei-j[nlo tcf_. E jl_[ ]olh^
][ m `c jf_][n ^_d[.
T[n[? ijn_m].
M[g[ m_ gc] joch c [noh]c n[].
Ajic [o^ moh_nof hòh^[n [f occ ]o jf[m fipchô-
m_ ^_ ni]. O]bcc gc m_ gl_m]. M l_j_^ hnl-[]ifi c
m]in ][jof [`[l. M fip_n_ i j[f ^_ [_l rece.
T[n[? ijn_m] ^ch hio.
VP - 155
L[ h]_jon, ho p^ j_ hcg_hc. Doj ][l_ hnl_tl_m]
mcfo_n[ n[ncc ^_mjlchthô-m_ ^ch og\l. T[n[.
O c[o f[ òa ho gc j[m ] hilicof c jc_nl_f_
j[p[dofoc gc talc_ nfjcf_ jlch _mnol[ t^l_hocn
[ im_n_fil. Scfo_n[ []__[ og\lcn g[c `[]_ ]cp[
j[c, [jic g [o^_ c m_ hni[l]_. Pin p_^_[ []og
jlof [n_h-^_m]bcm [f n[ncc, i]bcc foc haonc, ^_
]ofi[l_[ gc_lcc c \[l\[ m]oln. E h[fn c jimnol[
foc ^_a[d i _f_a[h hhm]on. M[g[ mjoh_ g_l_o ]
[l[n ^_ j[l] [l ì descins dintr-un vechi basm
gihaif. Io_m] j[mof.
T[n, ct\o]h_m] ]h^ [doha f[ _f, h og\l.
Ef ha_hoh]b_[t c g lc^c] h \l[_.
Pf_]c ^_d[? f hnl_\.
gc j[l_ lo. D[hc_f, golgol _f.
Vi]_[ foc j[l_ i\imcn.
Ag ìmn ]b_g[n h[jic j_ `lihn.
Ochii mi se umplu de lacrimi.
Deja?
Tl_\oc_ m n_ hnil]c cg_^c[n h ][m. S ho n_
p[^ jifccncc `]h^ i m]_h.
Dar abia ce-[c p_hcn, h]_l] m jlin_mn_t. To< Atc
_ tco[ g_[ c<
T[n[ c joh_ gchcf_ j_ og_lcc g_c. h i]bcc foc
citesc un avertisg_hn, jlcpcl_[ foc gc nl[hmgcn_, ^_
`[jn, ni[n_ []_f_ fo]lolc j_ ][l_ n[n[ [l pl_[ m gc
f_ ji[n mjoh_ ]o pi]_ n[l_: Vl_[o m lgh. D[l
nl_\oc_ m jf_]. ncc ][l_ _ mcno[c[. No g[c [ô]_
pil\[ ^_mjl_ [mn[= h fi]of []_mnil ]opchn_ gc mjoh_
hm:
ntoarce-n_ [][m. D[hc_f. Poj-o pe mama din
partea mea.
Vi]_[ h]_j_ m gc nl_gol_, ^[l gc tc] ] nl_\oc_
m `co ]ol[dim.
Ch^ i m n_ p_^_g c[l?
O m g hnil] ]olh^. T_ co\_m].
gc joh_ i gh j_ ]l_n_n.
VP - 156
S g [n_jc, ^[?
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j. T[n[ g[c lgh_ joch fha
gch_, [jic m_ lc^c] c jf_[]. Eo g hnil] h ][m.
A ìmn ofncg[ ^[n ]h^ f-[g pton.

A nl_]on i tc. Sn[o mchaol, h j[nof ][l_ gc-a fost
l_j[lnct[n ^_ P[nlcic, hnl-unul din dormitoarele
]igoh_. gc mno^c_t j[h^[hncpof ^_ f[ an. Plof gc
][^_ j_ `[, h]n _ ][ c ]og g-[ ocn[ f[ j[h^[hncp
printr-oh pf mnlfo]cnil. M[c ^_pl_g_, h[chn_ m
g_la f[ ô, K[_^_ gc-[ ^[n i mnc]f ]o oh a_f ][l_ m
gc h^_jln_t_ pijm_[o[ ^ch jl. P_hnlo olgni[l_[
j[ln_ [ jf[hofoc, gc-a spus ea.
Cch_p[ ]ci]h_n_ f[ o.
Day?
Vi]_[ moh h\ocn. gc nl_\oc_ i m_]oh^ ][ m g
l_ilc_hn_t c m gc ^[o m_[g[ ] c [j[lch_ foc
Tess. Tocmai m-am trezit dintr-oh ]ig[l f_a[n ^_ ]_[
de-[ ijn[ g_[ tc ^_ h[n_l_. h] p^ ninof ][ c ]h^
al `c ìmn c_lc, c[l i]bcc gc mohn licc c og`f[c
^_ f[ jfhm. Ch^ g-[g ^_n_jn[n, [o h]_jon m-mi
[f_la_ jlch gchn_ cg[achc ]o E^_h f_a[n j_ i n[la,
olfh^, h pl_g_ ]_ [mcmn_hcc chd_]n_[t ]bcgc][f_ h
_f, c ]o Jibh mnh^, f_a[n f[ i]bc, h `[[ onui
jfonih ^_ _r_]oc_. c ]o g[g[. No l_o_m] m ijl_m]
^_lof[l_[ []_mnil cg[achc c ]b_mnc[ [mn[ g
hh_\oh_n_. D[] f am_m] j_ E^_h, ]_ `[]? Cog h[c\[
i m l_o_m] m-f m]in ^ch R_jo\fc]? Tl_\oc_ m gct_t
j_ `[jnof ] Razor p[ jon_[ m g [don_ m gc
l_]oj_l_t `l[n_f_. c, ][ m f am_m], nl_\oc_ m [g
alcd ][ Ah^_h m gi[l.
Bl[_f_ g îl j_hnlo ] ni[n ^cgch_[[, mo\
mojl[p_ab_l_[ foc K[_^_ c [ foc P[m][i, [g hp[n
]og m nl[a ]o jo][.
Nu-c `[]_ alcdc ^[] ho-l hcg_l_nc j_ Ef_]nil,
mi-[ tcm P[m][i, ]h^ _r_lm[g nl[mof f[ chn; c
jfcg\[ j[fg[ j_ \l[of g_o, c[l [mn[ g `]_[ m
VP - 157
li_m]. No ]ihn_[t. Vil `c [fcc ]o nch_, ][l_,
ch^c`_l_hn ^_ mcno[c_, f pil ]ol[. Razor vrea doar
cg[ach_[ n[ [chnch^ [lg[ [mopra Electorului. Nu e
j_l`_]n? V_hcn j_ `lihn m momch ^cm]olmolc ^_
g\l\n[l_ [ mif^[cfil, _ î\iln ^_ afi[h_ ]bc[l
h gcdfi]of mon_fil foc ^_ nloj_. Ab, ]_ clihc_=
Apoi Pascao mi-[ i`_lcn ohof ^chnl_ tg\_n_f_ foc
caracteristice.
Eroul poporului f o]c^_ j_ ncl[h. C_ g[c jip_mn_
va fi!
D[, ]bc[l [[, ]_ g[c jip_mn_=
D[s? chmcmn T_mm, ^ch mj[n_f_ occ. Razor pl_[ m
discute cu tine.
Ab, ^[= T_mm _ h] []ifi c g ]b_[g.
D[, jic m chnlc.
Cijcf[ c pl ][jof j_ o.
S[fon, gc mjoh_. D_ ]h^ _nc [c]c?
S `cc \oh ]o _[, gc-[ tcm K[_^_. Vic îc p
jinlcpcc. O hngjch j_ T_mm ]o oh gc] molm.
Habar n-[g, c lmjoh^. M i^cbh_[g joch. D_ pl_i
îo il_ ji[n_?
Razor n_ ]b_[g h m[f[ jlch]cj[f. Ap_g hcn_
imagini cu June. Am crezun ] ji[n_ [c<
O transmisiune? hm_[gh ] [ l_ocn. E h] \ch_.
S[l h jc]ci[l_. h m`lcn, p_nc ^_mjl_ June
ahôf ] i pic p_^_[ ^ch hio (]bc[l ^[] î[l j_ i
][g_l ^_ gihcnilct[l_, cg[ach_[ `cch^ h_]f[l c ]o
jolc]c) c h_l\^[l_[ g [g__m].
Vin imediat.
P_ bifof gc], ][l_ ô]_ ]nl_ m[f[ jlch]cj[f, g[c
gofc P[nlcic i m[fon j_ T_mm. E[ c tg\_n_
`c_]loc[, l^_ c `[]_ afog_ chi`_hmcp_ ]o _c, ][ c
]h^ c-[l ]ohi[n_ ^_ i p_hc]c_. Dic \c_c i \[n
p_m_fc ]o j[fg[ j_ ogl.
Gl\cc-p haibii, copii! Nu-f fm[c j_ Razor m
p [n_jn_=
VP - 158
N_ hni[l]_g [ghîc c i p_^_g j_ K[_^_, ][l_ nl_]_
h òa j_ fha hic, h^l_jnhô-m_ h ^cl_]c[ mfcc
jlch]cj[f_. S_ ijl_n_ ninoc c i c[ j_ ôj og_lc j_
T_mm, [jic c ]coòf_n_ jlof c i joj h di[] j_
obraz.
Jol ] _nc ]_[ g[c h]_[n ^ch ni[n a[][,
scumpa mea.
T_mm l^_ c i gjcha_ ^_ fha _[. Fimn[ \[lg[hc
c `[]_ ]o i]bcof, ôj ][l_ i c[ ^ch hio f[ jc]cil c
^cmj[l_ ôj ]if, h m[f[ jlch]cj[f. M ocn ôj
K[_^_, joch moljlchm ^_ []_[mn g[hc`_mn[l_ ^_
[`_]coh_ p_hcn ^ch j[ln_[ _c. No _ ohof ^chnl_
fo]lolcf_ f[ ][l_ m n_ [n_jc ^ch j[ln_[ _c. No g-am
g[c ah^cn f[ [mn[, ^[l []og gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n ^_ \ch_
m_ jlc]_j_ T_mm m f_a_ jlc_n_hcc, c mcgn j_ P[nlcic
]n mohn ^_ l_f[r[c h jl_[dg[ _c. c _o _l[g f[ `_f
^_ l_f[r[n ]h^ _l[g gjl_oh j_ mnltc. h gi^ ]f[l,
mn[ _ joh]nof _c ìln_. T_mm pch^_]. T_mm [fch.
Ajic j_ fha hic nl_]_ B[rn_l. Ch^ \c[nof c
[ncha_ \l[of, T_mm f[m i]bcc h dim. f p^ ]og i
m[fon m]oln ^ch ][j, j_hnlo ][ cg_^c[n m m_ ocn_
oln f[ gch_. Doj ]_ B[rn_l ho g[c ji[n_ m h_ [o^,
g [jf_] mjl_ T_mm.
Care-c `[t[ ]o _f? i hnl_\.
Cijcf[ m_ l_tog f[ [ lc^c][ ^ch og_lc; [jic, g
ghac_ ]o gh[ j_ \l[.
Nu-f \a[ h m_[g, gc mjoh_ _[, l_j_nh^ ]_ gc-a
tcm c K[_^_, ]h^ [g [dohm jlcg[ ^[n h noh_f. E
ciclotimic.
Mc_-gc mjoc, ah^_m] _o jim[].
D[] c `[]_ h_][tolc, m g [hohc, golgol, ][
lmjohm.
T_mm lc^c] c[l ^ch og_lc.
E-h l_aof, D[s. M ^_m]ol] ]o _f.
Blom] g mcgn joch ][m prost mi-am oferit
[donilof ^_ j[l] [ `c ìmn oh gh^lo jlch, ]f[l_
j_ oh ][f [f\. hm T_mm [l_ jli\[\cf t_]c ^_ hic
VP - 159
jlc_n_hc a[n[ m-c hnch^ i gh f[ h_pic_. C[ m ho
g[c joh f[ mi]in_[f `[jnof ] m_ ji[n_ ^_m]ol][ c
mchaol.
Ch^ [doha_g h m[f[ jlch]cj[f, oh aloj gc]o m-a
[ôh[n ^_d[ h `[[ ohoc[ ^chnl_ _]l[h_f_ ^_ g[c g[lc
^cg_hmcohc ^_ j_ j_l_n_. P_ _f lof_[t cg[achc
jl_fo[n_ ^_ j_ i ][g_l ^_ m_]olcn[n_. Razor e aproape
h `[[ alojofoc, ]o \l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_ j_ jc_jn
hnl-i jimnol l_f[r[n. P[m][i c K[_^_ mohn fha
_f. M p^ c g ]b_[g mjl_ _c.
Day, spune Razor, \nhô-g j_ ogl.
K[_^_ g m[fon m]oln ^ch ][j.
M \o]ol m n_ p^ [c]c. Enc \ch_? Ag [otcn ] ho
te-[c mcgcn jl_[ \ch_ [tc ^cgch_[.
halcdil[l_[ foc gc ^ i mn[l_ ^_ \ch_; gc
[gchn_n_ ^_ `_fof h ][l_ pil\_[ n[n[ ]o gch_.
Sohn \ch_, c lmjoh^. Sohn î[l i\imcn ôj
]fnilc_.
E normal. A fost un zbor stresant.
gc `[]_ m_gh ]o gh[ hmjl_ _]l[h.
H[]e_lcc hinlc h_-[o `]on limn ^_ i hl_acmnl[l_
cu Joh_. P[ln_[ [o^ci _ m_j[l[n, ^[l i m-o auzi
]olh^. M-[g ah^cn ]-[c pl_[ m p_tc `cfgof ]bc[l c
[[.
Ochii mi s-au lipit de ecran. Imaginile sunt clare
c jfch_ ^_ ]ofi[l_, _ ][ c ]og h_-am afla undeva
mom, hnl-oh ]if [f ][g_l_c. V^ i m[f `logim
gjiî\cn, ]o i g[m _f_a[hn ^_]il[n c mif^[c
hclocc h fohaof j_l_cfil. Thlof Ef_]nil mn
hnl-ohof ^chnl_ ][j_n_f_ g_m_c. Joh_ m_ [`f h
]_ff[fn ][jn. E g\l][n hnl-i li]bc_ mjf_h^c^,
][l_ gc `[]_ chcg[ m \[n g[c l_j_^_. Ch^ [g ìmn
_o jlctihc_l h R_jo\fc], [g ìmn \non gl c
[loh][n hnl-i ]_fof gol^[l. h][l]_l[l_[ foc Joh_
[ô]_, g[c ]olh^, ]o i p[][h. Sohn ool[n j_hnlo
_[, ^[l, h []_f[c ncgj, mohn c joch hnlcmn[n.
Cbc[l c ôj ]_ [o nl^[n R_jo\fc][, ]_c ]o mn[nonol
VP - 160
foc Joh_ i ô] \ch_, h pl_g_ ]_ i[g_hc ][ gch_
mo`_l.
Ti[n fog_[ g jlcp_n_ ]o [n_hc_ h pl_g_ ]_
olgl_m] cg[achcf_ ]o Joh_.
M \o]ol ] c _ \ch_, mjoh ]o `[[ mjl_ _]l[h.
Sohn ^_d[ ^_taomn[n ^_ gch_ hmogc j_hnlo ] g-am
fm[n ^cmnl[m ^_ ahôlc [nn ^_ lon]ci[m_.
A ìmn i gc][l_ chn_fca_hn ^ch j[ln_[ _c m
h]_[j m ^cm]on_ ]o Ef_]nilof ^_mjl_ [hcc j_nl_]oc
f[ Dl[e_, gc mjoh_ Razor, l_toghô-gc ^cm]oc[
^chnl_ Joh_ c _òf mn[nofoc, h ncgj ]_ cg[achcf_
curg. I-[ jf[hn[n jip_mn_[. h ]ihncho[l_, gc
h]bcjoc ] i pil mojoh_ ohoc n_mn jifcal[` c [noh]c,
^[] Joh_ i m `c_ ^_mnof ^_ \oh h]n m-f nl_[], i
m [p_g ][f_ fc\_l mjl_ Ah^_h. Ulgni[l_[ `[t [
jf[hofoc himnlo, ]_[ ^_ gch_-m_[l, [l nl_\oc m
g_[la ][ ohm.
D[] i m `c_ ^_mnof ^_ \oh h]n m-f nl_[].
Sj_l[h_ h[chn_ ^_ pl_g_.
Fi[ln_ \ch_, lmjoh^, h]_l]h^ ][ _rjl_mc[ `__c
m ho-gc nl^_t_ ahôlcf_.
hl_acmnl[l_[ m_ ^_lof_[t c f p^ j_ Ah^_h
ilîhhô-f_ mif^[cfil m c[m ^ch ][g_l, c[l _o
mcgn m_ht[c[ ^_ hi^ h an, ^cm]ihìln ][l_ nin
]l_n_ h chn_hmcn[n_. mn[ _ oh ncj mi`cmnc][n,
jon_lhc] c ]o [onilcn[n_. S_ [jf_[] mjl_ Joh_, `cch^
[]og ì[ln_ [jli[j_ ^_ _[, ][ m c mjoh ]_p[, [jic
[ghîc l^ c mil\ ^ch [gj[hc_. Mc-i pot imagina
gjl_oh. S_ jinrivesc.
Joh_ ]bc[l `[]_ i nl_[\ \oh, gc mjoh_ T_mm,
^hô-c jlof ôj ol_]bc. Ef_]nilof _ ]igjf_n pldcn
de ea.
Vl_[o m i ]ihnl[tc], ^[l P[m][i, jfch ^_ p_m_fc_,
m_ \[a c _f h ^cm]oc_.
T_mm [l_ j_l`_]n ^l_jn[n_ p_tc ]og c
mnlfo]_m] i]bcc? c tc] _o: [[ [l[n oh \l\[n
VP - 161
sedus. S-[ h^laimncn jh j_mn_ ol_]bc ^_ `[n[
hi[mnl. h ]n_p[ tcf_, _[ i m-l joace pe degete.
Razor h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j, ^[l _hnotc[mgof foc _
mai temperat.
E-[^_pl[n, [^[oa []_mn[, ^[l nl_\oc_ m h_
[mcaolg ] Ah^_h h-i g[hcjof_[t _f j_ Joh_.
Ih^cpcôf _ oh jifcnc]c[h hhm]on. O m am_m] i ][f_
m m]bcg\ ]n_p[ ]opchn_ ]o Joh_.
M \o]ol ] Razor c jmnl_[t, hnl-un moment ca
mn[, _]bcfc\lof c jlo^_h[. hm []og nl_\oc_ m
hnil] mj[n_f_ _]l[hofoc. Nc]ci m_]oh^ ho [g fo[n h
]ihmc^_l[l_ jimc\cfcn[n_[ ][ Ah^_h m `c_ ][j[\cf m i
manipuleze pe June.
No c g[c [m]ofn j_ ]_c ^ch dol, pi]cf_ []_mnil[ gc
j[l ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c h^_jln[n_. Fcl_n_, T_ss are
^l_jn[n_; jin ]cnc c _o îlch[ ^_ j_ ]bcjof
Ef_]nilofoc. A]og m_ lc^c] c m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ fi]of
oh^_ Joh_ mn, h]no[n ^_ m][oh, [jic m_ [jf_[] ][
m-c pil\_[m] g[c ^_ [jli[j_. Tl_m[l. Cog [l jon_[
]ch_p[ m c l_tcmn_? Joh_ _ j_l`_]n ^ch toate
joh]n_f_ ^_ p_^_l_. gc ^[o m_[g[ hm ] ho mohn
mojl[n ^ch ][ot[ [nl[]c_c j_ ][l_ Ah^_h i mcgn_ `[
^_ _[, ilc]og _f i m `c_ giln h ]olh^, ho? C_ gc
jliô]_ i mn[l_ ^_ lo _ `[jnof ], j_ hl_acmnl[l_[
[mn[, lmof foc Joh_ j[l_ mch]_l. C[ i cum ea se
mcgn_ \ch_ h ]igj[hc[ foc. Joh_ ji[n_ pil\c ^_ f[
_a[f f[ _a[f ]o \l\[c ][ Ah^_h, ]o [lcmni]l[cc. E
`]on j_hnlo ncjof mn[ ^_ pc[ ][l[]n_lcmnc] _fcn_c
l_jo\fc][h_. Cog [l jon_[ `[n[ [mn[ m `c_ pl_i^[n
`_lc]cn [fnolc ^_ ]ch_p[ ][ gche, de un om care nu
[l_ hcgc] h \otoh[l_ h [`[l[ ohil \c_n_ [al[`_ ^_
blnc_? M lmo]_m] j_ ]f]c_ c h]_j m g
h^_jln_t ^_ aloj. Ag pton nin ]_ gc îl_[g.
An_[jn-g=
Plcp_m] j_mn_ ogl. T_mm [f_[la ôj gch_, jlof
venindu-c j_ `[. Adoha_ fha gch_ [foh_]h^ ][ j_
ab_[.
VP - 162
Enc h l_aof? g hnl_[\, mno^cchô-mi
_rjl_mc[, h pl_g_ ]_ i jilhcg j_ bif, mjl_ ][g_l[
mea.
O m `co, c lmjoh^. D_ ]_ m ho `co h l_aof?=
Tinof ^_]ola_< j_l`_]n, [^[oa ]o oh tg\_n ]lcmj[n.
Bch_. nco. Vic[g î[l m `co mcaol.
T_mm tg\_n_ `]h^ alijc_ h i\l[dc, c[l _o g
g[c hgic jlcpch^-o.
Sohn \ch_, molci[l. S_lcim. To _nc h mcaol[h,
eu f[ `_f. P[nlcicc mohn j_ ^logof ]_f \oh c g
pil [don[ m-f am_m] j_ E^_h. Nc]c h-am nevoie de mai
mult.
L[ [otof ]opchn_fil g_f_, ]ijcf[ m_ fogch_[t f[
`[, c[l ]ifolcf_ \ot_fil c m_ lc^c] hnl-oh molm
jith[.
ncc ] fog_[ [ h]_jon m pil\_[m] ^_mjl_ nch_?
Rc^c] ^ch mjlh]_h_ hp_m_fcn.
Cbc[l [[? c ]_ tc]_ fog_[?
Ao h]_jon m ]cl]of_ tpiholc ]og ] _nc \ch_ c
mhnim, c[l _f_ m_ gjlnc_ ]o l[jc^cn[n_. Nog[c
^_mjl_ [mn[ m_ pil\_n_. Nog_f_ no [ ìmn m]lcm j_
tcôlcf_ ^ch ni[n [l[, h oh_f_ fi]olc ]bc[l c
j_mn_ jilnl_nof Ef_]nilofoc. c pch_ m ]l_tc?
Pretutindeni izbucnesc protesn_. c i[g_hcc c
m][h^_[t hog_f_.
Eh_lac[ foc T_mm m_ g[c îgif_n_.
Ph c ]_c [`f[c h ][l[hnch, h Lim Aha_f_m.
Bhoc_m] ] []og nin il[of _ h ][l[hnch.
Ao h]bcm Lim Aha_f_m-ul?
Cb_mnc[ [mn[ g ^ j_ mj[n_. h[chn_ [g [`f[n ]
sectoarele co hog_ ^_ jc_nl_ jl_ci[m_ [o ìmn
h]bcm_, ^[l hc]ci^[n ho [g g[c [otcn ^_ i ][l[hnch
][l_ m `c_ cgjom f[ m][l [nn ^_ g[l_.
De ce? Din cauza epidemiilor?
Nu din cauza epidemiilor.
O]bcc foc T_mm m_ gl_m] ^ch jlc]ch[ h]hnlcc.
VP - 163
Din cauza revofn_fil. R_jo\fc][ [ [hoh[n i`c]c[f
] [ chmncnocn ][l[hnch[ ^ch ][ot[ _jc^_gc_c, ^[l
[^_plof _ ] nin il[of [ h]_jon m m_ l_pifn_
gjinlcp[ hiofoc Ef_]nil. S-[ lmjh^cn tpihof ] _f
][on m n_ jlch^ johh^ f[ \n[c_ ìl_f_ j_ ][l_ f_
are la dispozcc_, c[l ohcc P[nlcic f_ mjoh i[g_hcfil
] Ah^_h [ ìmn ]_f ][l_ [ ilîh[n< < C[l_ [
ilîh[n ][ `[gcfc[ n[ m<
Cijcf[ _tcn c m_ hli_n_ f[ `[.
M lia, P[nlcicc pil m-f `[] j_ Ah^_h m j[l
lo, g[c lo ^_]n n[c]-su. Razor tc]_ ] jlin_mn_le
^ch Lim Aha_f_m mohn i ijilnohcn[n_ _rnl[il^ch[l
j_hnlo hic. h ][jcn[f [ nl_\ocn m `c_ ]b_g[n_ gcc
de trupe suplimentare.
E i ijilnohcn[n_ _rnl[il^ch[l, l_j_n _o,
amintindu-gc ]og [o h\ocn [onilcncf_ ofncg_f_
proteste din Los Angeles.
Da, c ninof c m_ ^[nil_[t, D[s. To [c a_h_l[n
gc]lcf_ [mn_[ m[o, g[c \ch_ tcm, tpihof ]
nlc_nc. I^__[ ] no [c _p[^[n c hmo`f__n_ j_
i[g_hc; _c mohn òlcic ^ch ][ot[ `_fofoc h ][l_ _nc
nl[n[n. To _nc unicul om pe care Republica pare
incapabil m-f ]ihnlif_t_. Log_[ _ [n_hn f[ nch_,
D[s, ]o nicc [n_[jn olgni[l_[ n[ gc][l_.
habcn ]o hiôlc, h_p_hchô-gc m ]l_^ ]_ [o^. E
imposibil. Republica n-[l j_lgcn_ ][ l_pifn_f_ m
m][j_ [nn ^_ gofn ^_ mo\ ]ihnlif c [mn[ hnl-unul
dintre cele mac g[lc il[_ ^ch [l. No-c [[? O[l_
jijof[c[ ]bc[l [ ct\oncn m ]ijf__[m] [lg[n[ fi][f
^ch Lim Aha_f_m? O[g_hcc ]bc[l m_ l_pifn ^ch ][ot[
g_[? An_[jn olgni[l_[ n[ gc][l_. S `co [f
h[c\cc ^[] _o nco ][l_ [l nl_\oc m `c_ olgni[l_[
g_[ gc][l_= Eo ho h]_l] ^_]n m gc am_m] `l[n_f_
asta-c nin c hcgc] g[c gofn. Cf[nch ^ch ][j,
chinuindu-g m-gc l_jlcg oh p[f \lom] ^_ n_[g. Ag
plon m [g jon_l_[ ^_ [ fojn[ gjinlcp[ R_jo\fc]cc<
Amn[ [g h]_l][n m `[] h nic [hcc nc[, ho-c [[?
VP - 164
Acum ] [g jlcgcn []_[mn jon_l_< ho nco ]_ m `[] ]o
ea.
D[, mcaol, l_o_m] m ha[cg. To c \[c di] ^_
mine? Sunt doar un vagabond din Los Angeles.
Da. Unul celebru.
Zg\_nof ]ihn[acim [f foc T_mm g hp_m_f_n_ c j_
gch_. Ch^ [doha_g f[ o[ ][g_l_c g_f_, ]ijcf[ g
habcihn_n_ h \l[. Ihnlg h îlgcnil.
Hai, Day! Nu-c g[c [gchn_nc ^_ ]_ [o ìmn ^_
[]il^ P[nlcicc m n_ l_]lon_t_? Razor [ tcm ] [c
jon_[ ^_p_hc f[ `_f ^_ jon_lhc] ][ hmoc Ef_]nilof.
Ti[n fog_[ ^ch [l nc_ ]ch_ _nc. c ]_fil mai
gofc i[g_hc ]bc[l f_ jf[]_ ^_ nch_. Ol [mn[ _ ]_p[ ^_
][l_ m `cc gh^lo, ho?
M ô] mjl_ j[nof g_o c g [_t. Nc]c g][l ho
m_mct_t cg_^c[n ] T_mm m-[ nl[m c _[ fha gch_.
T]_l_[ g_[ i `[]_ m ^_pch m_lci[m.
L[ ncj[ [mn[ ]bc[l cc, ho? g hnl_[\, h_n_tch^
]o i gh ]op_lnol[ ^_ j_ j[n. No _ ][ `_n_f_ ]o ][l_-
c `]_[c ^_ ][j h L[e_.
Poftim?
O m_]oh^, mohn h_ôg_lcn. T_mm ]l_^_ ] h] g g[c
ah^_m] f[ `[jnof ] Ah^_h _ h^laimncn ^_ Joh_.
Obrajii copilei s-[o ]ifil[n hnl-i ho[h lit[fc_ c,
\lom], mcgn ] g c[ ]o ]fôlc, m_ht[c_ ^_l[hd[hn
chh^ ]ihn ] hic mohn_g [c]c mchaolc. T_mm g
chnoc_n_ ]o i]bcc _c g[lc. E fcgj_^_ ] _
h^laimncn ^_ gch_. hnin^_[oh[ [g ncon ]og m g
^_m]ol] ]o `_n_f_ ]lil[ fc m_ [jlch^_[o ]f]c_le
ôj gch_, ^[l []_f_[ _l[o hcn_ mnlch_. El[o tipe
][l_ nl_]_[o jlch pc[[ g_[, c[l fo]lof []_mn[ ho [p_[
hc]coh `_f ^_ ]ihm_]ch_. T_mm _ ^c`_lcn. No nco ]og
m g l[jiln_t f[ c^__[ ] hic îc [g jon_[ m `cg g[c
gofn ^_]n jlc_n_hc.
Pc, ]_ pl_c m tc]? i hnl_\.
Dch m_]oh^[ h ][l_ pil\_f_ gc c_m ^ch aol, gc
pch_ m-mi ard una singur.
VP - 165
Nu-c g[c `[]_ alcdc; mohn ]ihpchm ]-i m `c_
bine.
Cijcf[ m]ocj ofncgof ]ophn ]o ]co^, ôj ][l_
n[]_ ^ch hio. D[, _ ]f[l ] [g tcm ]_ ho nl_\oc[.
S ncc ] ho g-[g [fnol[n P[nlcicfil `cch^] [g
vrut.
T_mm m_ lc^c] ^_ j_ j[n c g jlcp_n_ ]ogp[ ^_
mom. E ]lcmj[n c c nin mnlha_ c ^_m`[]_ joghcc.
M-[g [fnol[n P[nlcicfil ^ch ][ot[ n[. Fcch^] ho
nc[g ]_ m g[c `[] ôj ]_ Joh_ n_-a arestat. M-am
ah^cn ] ji[n_ i m l_o_m] m-c ]ihpcha m n_
salveze, dar eu nu am puterea de a negocia pe care o
[l_ Joh_. E[ ji[n_ m-c jliô] ilc]_ h_[dohm, c[l no
nin i p_c jlcgc h[jic. Joh_ ji[n_ m `[] ilc]_
gjinlcp[ [onilcncfil l_jo\fc][h_, c[l _f_ nit o vor
accepta.
Cijcf[ lc^c] nihof.
Ch^ Joh_ [l_ h_pic_ ^_ ]_p[, Joh_ i\ch_. h
m]bcg\, fo]lolcf_ ^_ ][l_ [g _o h_pic_ ho ]ihn_[t
hc]c ]n h_alo mo\ ohabc_. Pi[n_ ^[] [ `c ]ijcfof ^_
[ol [f R_jo\fc]cc, [noh]c [c ch_ c f[ gch_.
Copchn_f_ _c g lnesc profund.
Nu-c [^_pl[n= _r]f[g, lc^c]hô-g c jlchth^-o
^_ gchc. Cog jic m mjoc [[ ]_p[?= Ag ]l_m]on
gjl_oh j_ mnltc. Ac c^__ ]_ hm_[gh [mn[ j_hnlo
mine?!
T_mm mnlha_ ^ch \ot_ c c h^l_[jn jlcpclcf_ h
mom, mnlôchô-m_ m ho jfha.
D[s, h]_j_ _[ ^ch hio, n_-[c hnl_\[n pl_i^[n ^_
]_ c jf[]_ [[ ^_ gofn ^_ Joh_? Vl_[o m tc]< <
Loh^ h ]ihmc^_l[l_ giôf h ][l_ [c ìmn [l_mn[n c
ni[n_<
Scutur din cap.
C_ pl_c m mjoc?
Cijcf[ nl[a_ [^h] [_l h jc_jn.
Ag g[c pton ]b_mnc[ [mn[ oh^_p[, ]l_^ ] j_
JumboTron-uri. Se vorbea despre prizonierii din
VP - 166
Colonii, despre cum m_ _c h^laimn_m] ^_ ]_c ][l_-i
ch ][jncpc.
M h]lohn. Ig[ach_[ []_f_c T_mm j_ ][l_ i ]ohim]
h]_j_ m m_ ^_mnl[g_ hnl-oh hil ^_ momjc]cohc c
ahôlc hegre.
Cl_tc ]-gc jf[]_ ^_ Joh_ `cch^] g-a arestat?
Cl_tc ] mohn ]bc[l [[ ^_ ôm ]o ][jof?
D[s<, ]ihncho T_mm ]o jlo^_h. Joh_ n_-a dat pe
gh[ [onilcncfil.
h^_jln_t ]o oh a_mn \lon[f gchcf_ gc]cc g_f_
prietene.
No pl_[o m pil\_m] ^_mjl_ [sta.
T_mm ]f[nch ^ch ][j [\non. O]bcc c mnlfo]_m]
din pricina lacrimilor.
i-[ igiln g[g[, D[s.
M nl[a oh j[m g[c ^_j[ln_ ^_ _[. M mcgn ^_ j[l]
mi-[l `c ^[n i j[fg j_mn_ `[.
No _[ [ igiln-i j_ g[g[, c l_jfc].
E ][ c ]og [l `c o]cm-o cu gh[ _c, ijn_n_
copila.
Scgn ]og tcôf ^_ [jl[l_ ^ch chn_lcilof g_o m_
lc^c] ^ch hio, h]bcthô-g h ]_l]of foc.
Ucc ] nin _[ g-[ c [don[n m _p[^_t. M-a
m[fp[n. Am]ofn, _nc<
Eu te-[g m[fp[n ^_ t_]c ^_ ilc. D[l ^[] _o [ `c
fost cea care te-[l `c ^[n j_ gh[ [onilcncfil c
familia ta ar fi murit din cauza asta, m-ai mai fi
iertat?
habcn h m_].
T_mm, ho nco ^[] _rcmn pl_oh fo]lo j_ ][l_ _o
m ho c-l pot ierta.
Cbc[l ^[] [ `c l_mjihm[\cf ^_ gi[ln_[ g[g_c
n[f_? No, ho ]l_^ ] gc-ai fi ierta-o.
T_mm c [chn_n_ i]bcc [mojl[ g_[. Vi]_[ c-a
]jn[n oh nih ôl, hcn_ ch`f_rcohc g_n[fc]_.
L[ [mn[ g l_`_l. P_ Joh_ i nl[n_tc ^c`_lcn.
Amn[ ho hm_[gh ] ho ch f[ nch_.
VP - 167
Cijcf[ gc cahil l_jfc][ c-c ^ h[chn_.
D[] [l nl_\oc m [f_ac hnl_ [ g m[fp[ j_ gch_
m[o j_ Joh_ c h-[c [p_[ hc]ci m_]oh^ ^_ jc_lôn< ]_-
ai face?
Flomnl[l_[ m_ []ogof_[t h gch_ c mcgn ]og g
hli_m] f[ `[.
Pe care dintre noi ai salva-o?
T_mm m_ n_la_ j_ `[ ]o gh_][ h [n_jn[l_[
lmjohmofoc g_u.
O`n_t _h_lp[n. Sjoh_-c h[c\cc [^_plof=
P_ nch_. h l_aof? T_-[ m[fp[ j_ nch_.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h m_ hgi[c_ c, h ]fcj[ [mn[,
^cmj[l_ ol_hc[ j_ ][l_ a_fitc[ c ol[ c-o imprimau
j_ ]bcj. Uh mnlij ^_ \ohn[n_ _ mo`c]c_hn ][ T_mm m
se transforme f[ fi] hnl-oh ha_l<
De ce?
No nco.
gc nl_] gh[ jlch jl, ch][j[\cf m gc ^[o m_[g[
^_ ]_ ho jin m jl_c[o ]ihnlifof [mojl[ ^c[fiaofoc.
Fcch^] Joh_ h-ar avea nevoie de ajutorul meu.
C_ jlimnc_, ]_ g[l_ jlimnc_= Pli\[\cf ] ho [ `c
jonon m mjoh ]_p[ g[c lo ^_ [nn< Copchn_f_ gc-au
t\ol[n ^ch aol jol c mcgjfo, c[l []og _ jl_[ nltco
][ m f_ g[c l_nl[a. c mn[ hc]c g][l ho _ gincpof
[^_pl[n. A m[fp[-i j_ T_mm j_hnlo ] _ T_mm, j_hnlo
] ho gc jin cg[ach[ ] [l jon_[ m c m_ hngjf_
c_p[ lo. hm ho [g la[tof ^_ [-i explica. Copila se
lmo]_n_ j_ ]f]c_ c h]_j_ m m_ h^_jln_t_ ^_
mine.
Mofog_m] ] c-_ gcf, gc [loh].
Af_la ôj _[, ^[l, ]h^ i c[o ^_ gh, T_mm c-o
nl[a_ h[jic ]o oh a_mn pcif_hn.
gc j[l_ lo. No [mn[ [g plon m tc]. No ^_ gcf _
pil\[. T_mm, _o<
E h l_aof, m_ lmn_n_ _[. E [^_plof-[^_pl[n,
ho? Ec, i m n_ l_hnfh_nc ]o Joh_ ]olh^. Amn[ ^[]
VP - 168
ho ]ogp[ m_ binln_ ] g[c \ch_ lgh_ [fnolc ^_
[onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc.
Cijcf[ nc_ ]n ^_ ôl_ munt cuvintele pe care mi le
[loh], ^[l ho h]_[l] m-c hôf]_[m] nihof.
ncc ] B[rn_l ]l_^_ ] i m h_ nl^_tc? D_-asta
nu-c jf[]_ ^_ nch_. h]_[l] m g ]ihpcha ^_ nl_[\[
[mn[ ^_ ]h^ g-[g [fnol[n fil. No nco< ji[n_ ] [l_
dreptate.
M [\[hîh_[t []ifi, j_ bif. Scgn pchipc[ ][ j_
oh ]ocn ][l_ gc n[c_ ][lh_[, ^_ j[l] g-ar diseca.
P_ ^_ [fn j[ln_, mohn òlcim: pl_[o m i [jl j_ Joh_
c m c _hogl foc T_mm ni[n_ fo]lolcf_ f[ ][l_ `[n[
[mn[ [ l_hoh[n ^_ ^l[aof g_o. D[l< [l_ T_mm ^l_jn[n_?
O[l_ ho g [ga_m]?
VP - 169
11. JUNE
Azi-hi[jn_ [g [pon oh ]ig[l. Ag pcm[n ] Ah^_h f-a

al[c[n j_ D[s, n_lah^ ni[n_ ch`l[]cohcf_ j_ ][l_
acesta le-a comis. Apoi i-[g pton j_ P[nlcic
nlhô-f j_ D[s j_ i mnl[^ hnoh_][n c nlahô-i
oh afih h jc_jn. Razor s-[ hnilm mjl_ gch_ c gc-a
tcm: Amn[ _ j_^_[jm[ n[, îghci[l Ij[lcm, j_hnlo ]
[c ]if[\il[n ]o Ef_]nilof. M-am trezit brusc. Eram
[mo^[n c nl_gol[g ch]ihnlif[\cf.
O tc c i hi[jn_ (g[c _r[]n, îot_]c c nl_c ^_
il_) nl_] jh ]h^ f p^ ^ch nou pe Elector. De data
[mn[, hnfhcl_[ [l_ fi] hnl-i ][g_l jifcal[`.
h ncgj ]_ a[l^c_hcc g m]in ^ch ]f^cl_ jlchnl-un
]ilcîl, f[ ][jnof ]loc[ h_ [n_[jn g[c gofn_
d__jolc, l_g_gil_t nin ]_ [g hp[n f[ Dl[e_ ^_mjl_
òh]cih[l_[ ^_n_]ni[l_fil ^_ minciuni. Examinatorii
pil h]_l][ m g chncgc^_t_; gc pil hni[l]_
mf\c]cohcf_ gjinlcp-mi. Se vor folosi de moartea
foc M_nc[m, ^_ []__[ [ jlchcfil g_c m[o ji[n_ ]bc[l
^_ Offc_. c, ]o mcaol[h, ^_ D[s. A[ ], nl_]h^
jlch []_f ]ilcîl, g ]ih]_ntrez asupra acestor
mf\c]cohc c j_ `c_][l_ i h]bc^ oh^_p[, ^_j[ln_,
hnl-i n[chc [ gchcc. L_ l_ô] f[ n]_l_.
Snl\[n_g ][jcn[f[. V^ il[of g\]mcn j[l] ^_
mnlfo]cl_[ ch^_]cm c ]_hoc_ [ []_mn_c ^cgch_c ]o
tj[^. Sif^[c c goh]cnilc g_la al\cc j_ nlino[l_,
jlch òci[l_f_ ^_ fogch jlic_]n[n_ mjl_ j[p[dof o^ ^_
fgjcf_ mnl[^[f_. JumboTron-urile de aici sunt
aca[hnc]_, oh_f_ m_ h[f jh f[ _n[dof [f
]ch]cmjl_t_]_f_[, c[l g_a[ì[h_f_ chmn[f[n_ j_ ]f^clc
mohn g[c hic ^_]n ]_f_ ^ch Lim Ahaeles: vocea
]l[chc]ofoc ho _ hmicn ^_ j[l[tcc c taigin_ ^_
ìh^. Tl_]_g j_ fha C[jcnif Tiq_l. c mno^c_t
j_l_cc h_n_tc, j[hiolcf_ ^_ mnc]f ]_ jlin_d_[t
VP - 170
`c_][l_ \[f]ih, [mn`_f h]n ilc]ch_ [l momch_ oh
^cm]olm ^_ []ifi [l `c j_l`_]n [jl[n. V_]biul Elector
a trecut printr-oh [mn`_f ^_ [n[] h[chn_ ^_ [ `c
instalate aceste panouri ^_ mnc]f ]ch_p[ [ h]_l][n
m f gjon_ ni]g[c f[ _n[dof [f j[nlot_]cf_[. Doj
asta, Republica a ridicat rapid aceste bariere. Pe
JumboTron-urile de pe Capitol Tower m_ p^ ôhac ^_
og_t_[f ][l_ ^cmnilmcih_[t cg[ach_[ ^_ j_ _]l[h_,
^[l, ]bc[l c [[, nin l_o_m] m ]cn_m] ^ch g_lm
unele dintre titluri.
Uhof ^chnl_ _f_, ][l_ gc moh ]ohim]on, gc [nl[a_
[n_hc[.
DANIEL ALTAN WING EXECUTAT

PE 26 DEC., DE UN PLUTON
D_ ]_ m_ g[c ^còt_[t h] ncl_[ [mn[, ]h^ ni[n_

]_f_f[fn_, ^ch []__[c j_lci[^, [o `]on ^_gofn fi]
[fnil chìlg[cc g[c l_]_hn_? Pi[n_ ] pil m-i
]ihpcha j_ i[g_hc ] [[ m-[ hngjf[n.
Un alt titlu apare pe ecran.
ELECTORUL URMEAZ S ANUNE

PRIMA LEGE DIN NOUL AN AZI,
LA CAPITOL TOWER, DENVER
Vl_[o m g ijl_m] c m l_]cn_m] ncl_[, ^[l g[ch[

aih_n_ j_ fha _]l[h_, [jic ]fnilc[ m_ h]b_c_.
Pilnc_l[ ^ch ^l_jnof g_o m_ ^_m]bc^_. Ncn_ mif^[c g
h`[] ^_ \l[_ c g m]in [`[l. Sohn instantaneu
[moltcn ^_ mnlcan_f_ gofcgcc ^_ jlcpcnilc c ^_
]_f_ [f_ t_]cfil ^_ l_jiln_lc `_^_l[fc, ][l_ c
h^l_[jn gc]cf_ _]l[h_ jnl[n_ [f_ [j[l[n_fil ^_
ìnial[`c[n h ^cl_]c[ g_[. Ch^ c jlcp_m] j_
i[g_hcc ][l_ h_ h]ihdi[l, i\m_lp ], j_ fha ]_c
][l_ [o p_hcn [c]c î[l ][ m g p[^ j_ gch_, g[c
mohn c [fcc. Mofc [fcc. Plin_mn_[t h mnl[^,
VP - 171
olf ]opchn_ ^_hcal[ni[l_ f[ [^l_m[ Ef_]nilofoc c
[jic mohn nlc c fo[c j_ mom ^_ jifcc_. Ccp[
`fonol j_ ^_[mojl[ ][j_n_fil j[h][ln_ `]on_ de ei,
]bc[l c [noh]c ]h^ mohn h^_jln[c ^_ a[l^c_hc.
Joh_ Ij[lcm _ h_pchip[n= m]lc_ j_ oh[ ^chnl_
pancarte.
Uh^_ _ D[s? m_ p_^_ j_ i [fn[.
Uhof ^chnl_ j[thc]c g habcihn_n_ ][ m g
^_jf[m_t h[chn_.
N-[c f[ ]_ n_ ocn[ [c]c, m_ lmn_n_ igof la mine,
gjchahô-g m ol] i m_lc_ foha ^_ nl_jn_ c m
chnlo j_ ]ilcîlof olc[ [f oh_c ]f^clc
guvernamentale.
h mj[n_, taiginof ^_ [`[l m_ [n_ho_[t jh ]h^
l_p_l\_l[ccf_ j[cfil hinlc mohn mchaol_f_ fo]lolc
][l_ m_ g[c [o^. Niot_]c c îo de secunde mai
nltco, h_ ijlcg h `[[ oh_c j_l_]bc ^_ oc f[n_, ^_
mnc]f. Ajic ]ch_p[ m][h_[t i ][ln_f mo\cl_ (][g
[jn_ ]_hncg_nlc c dogn[n_ j_ îcmjl_t_]_ ]_hncg_nlc
c dogn[n_, h_[al, ]o oh mnl[n fo]cim,
l_`f_]nilct[hn c ]o mn_g[ [olc_ [ R_jo\fc]cc hnl-un
]if) j_ oh _]l[h ^_ []]_m c ]o nicc jnloh^_g hnl-
i h]j_l_.
Camera-jifcal[` _ ]cfch^lc]. Al_ oh jf[ìh ][ i
]ojif di[m c îcmjl_t_]_ jcf[nlc [lachncc h
fohaof j_l_cfil linohdcc. G[l^c_hcc g f_[a, h
jc]ci[l_, hnl-un aparat; \l[_f_ c h]b_c_nolcf_ gc
mohn jlchm_ h \llc g_n[fc]_. Ajic mif^[cc gc
fcj_m] hcn_ \onihc g_n[fc]c, l_]c (j[cmjl_t_]_, h
nin[f), j_ an, i\l[dc, `lohn_, j[fg_, af_th_ c
f[\_f_ jc]ci[l_fil. Sohn [[ ^_ gofc gcfcn[lc [c]c,
îot_]c, ]o ninof< [m_ ^chnl_ _c, ][l_ l_jl_tchn
]igcmc[ ^_ _r[gch[l_, [o \[h^_lif_ [f\_ j_ \l[_ c
i]b_f[lc ]o f_hncf_ p_ltc. Ucf_ mohn `]on_ ^chnl-o
mnc]f ^_ i nl[hmj[l_h j_l`_]n j_ ][l_ m_ [`f oh
mcg\if j_ ][l_ f p_tc î[l ^[] n_ occ ]o g[l_
[n_hc_ un cerc tc[n j_ dogn[n_, ]__[ ]_ hm_[gh
VP - 172
] mnc]f[ _ \fch^[n ohc^cl_]cih[f, [mn`_f ], ^[]
[ l_oc ]ogp[ m g _fc\_l_t, mif^[cc ^ch [`[l[
h]j_lcc [l jon_[ m g gjon_, ^[l _o ho [ jon_[
m nl[a h _c c hc]c m mj[la ocf_ ][ m _p[^_t. h
afara camer_c f p^ j_ Ah^_h, ][l_ mn gjl_oh ]o
îc m_h[nilc c îot_]c c j[nlo ^_ mif^[c. Thlof
Ef_]nil ho j[l_ jl_[ `_lc]cn. E jlchm hnl-i ^cm]oc_
]o m_h[nilcc, ][l_ h]_[l] m c [m]oh^ [p_lmcoh_[
`[ ^_ _f h mj[n_f_ tg\_n_fil `[fm_, i\_^c_hn_.
Dighci[l Ij[lcm, gc m_ [^l_m_[t _r[gch[nilof
principal.
E i `_g_c_, ]o i]bc ^_ oh p_l^_ ì[ln_ j[f, jl
\fih^ c oh n_h [f\ ][ ^_ jil_f[h. Ih^cpc^[ g
mno^c[t ][fg, j_hnlo ][ [jic m [j_m_ j_ oh [j[l[n
gc] c h_alo, j_ ][l_ f ch_ h gh[ ^l_[jn.
Sohn î]nilc[ S[^bq[hc. O m-c joh_g i m_lc_ ^_
hnl_\lc. h ][fcn[n_[ n[ ^_ ìmn [a_hn l_jo\fc][h,
mohn ]ihpchm ] ncc f[ `_f ^_ \ch_ ][ gch_ ]n ^_
_`c]c_hn_ mohn []_mn_ [j[l[n_. Vig ^_n_]n[ c ]_[ g[c
h_hm_gh[n nl_mlcl_ [ n[. C_f g[c oil nl_gorat al
gchcfil. C[n_ailc] n_ m`noc_m] m h_ mjoc [^_plof.
Copchn_f_ _c l_jl_tchn î[l h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ g
g[hcjof[ h[chn_ m h]_[j n_mnof. Vl_[ m g
]ihpcha ^_ _`c][]cn[n_[ `l al_ [ []_mnoc ^_n_]nil
^_ gch]cohc. Cl_^_ ], ^[] g pic n_g_ g[c n[re de
_f, l_[]ccf_ g_f_ pil `c g[c ]f[l_. M ocn h i]bcc
_c. R_mjcl h]_n, hilg[f. O]bcc nl_\oc_ m-c lgh
l_f[r[c; ho mnlha_ ^ch \ot_.
N-[g hc]ci jli\f_g, c lmjoh^, `cch^] h-am
nimic de ascuns.
Di]nilc[ c `[]_ ^_ fo]lo _r[gchh^ _f_]nlizii
care mi-[o ìmn fcjcc j_ jc_f_, [jic jlic_]ccf_
`__c g_f_ ][l_ jli\[\cf ] [j[l c j_ _]l[h_f_ ^ch
][g_l[ ^ch mj[n_f_ g_o. Dch ][ot[ _giccfil, i]bcc
ch^cpc^_c òa h ni[n_ ^cl_]ccf_, c[l jc]nolc
gchom]of_ ^_ nl[hmjcl[c_ c-au acoperit partea
supelci[l [ `lohcc. Pli\[\cf ] h-a mai testat
VP - 173
hc]ci^[n oh ôg[h [f mn[nofoc [nn ^_ `[cgim c, ]o
mcaol[h, h-[ g[c `]on [mn[ h `[[ ohoc ig [nn ^_
important precum Electorul.
Doj ]og g [n_jn[g, î]nilc[ S[^bq[hc h]_j_ ]o
hnl_\lc mcgjf_, cl_f_pante.
Nog_f_ no _mn_ Joh_ Ij[lcm?
Da.
Ch^ n_-[c hm]on?
Pe 11 iulie.
c ]_ plmn [c?
Cch]cmjl_t_]_ [hc, ]ch]c fohc c 28 ^_ tcf_.
Tonul vocii mele n-[l_ hc]ci ch`f_rcoh_, ho ^_a[d
hc]ci _gic_. D_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ lmjoh^, `[] i
j[ot ^_ ]n_p[ m_]oh^_, ncgj h ][l_ gc cgjoh m ho
l_mjcl jliòh^, c[l [mn[ `[]_ ][ chcg[ m-gc \[n g[c
l_j_^_. D[] gc gihcnilct_[t j[l[g_nlcc `ctc]c, pil
p_^_[ `fo]no[cc c j_ j[l]olmof hnl_\lcfil ^_
]ihnlif. L_ p[ `c gofn g[c ^c`c]cf m c ^_[ m_[g[
]h^ gchn ]o [^_pl[n.
C_ ]i[f jlcg[l [c olg[n?
Harion Gold.
c ôj []__[?
Filgof[c hnl_\[l_[ jl_]cm=
Di]nilc[ S[^bq[hc nl_m[l_ oil, ^[l c l_pch_.
Pl_[ \ch_, îghci[l Ij[lcm, gc lmjoh^_, ^_
^[n[ [mn[, ]o i pi]_ clcn[n. C_ fc]_o [c olg[n ôj
Harion Gold?
M ocn mjl_ j_lmi[h_f_ ][l_ g olgl_m] ^_ ^ch]ifi
^_ mnc]f. S_h[nilcc gc _pcn jlcpcl_[ c m_ jl_`[]
chn_l_m[c ^_ `cl_f_ ][l_ m_ h]if]_m] gjl_dolof
g_o, hm Ah^_h g jlcp_n_ ^cl_]n, `l m ]fcj_[m].
Harion High.
Pentro ]n ncgj?
Doi ani.
c [jic<
VP - 174
Izbucnesc pentru a-c `[]_ j_ _r[gch[nilc m ]l_[^
] [g ^c`c]ofnc h [-gc ]ihnlif[ _giccf_ (c,
implicit, rezultatele testului).
i apoi am petrecut trei ani la Universitatea
Dl[e_, g lmn_m] f[ _[. Ag ìmn []]_jn[n f[
îcmjl_t_]_ [hc c [g [\mifpcn-o la cincisprezece ani,
[nn ^_ \oh [g ìmn. c-[g lmjohm f[ hnl_\[l_?
A]og, ncj[ g oln_ ^_-a dreptul.
D[, gc lmjoh^_ _[ m]oln.
Boh. Anoh]c m ]ihnchog.
Er[gch[ni[l_[ mnlha_ ^ch \ot_ c c ]i\i[l
privirea ]nl_ [j[l[nof h_alo. Amn[ ][ m ho m_ ocn_
h i]bcc g_c.
Ac g[c gchcn pl_i^[n? g hnl_[\.
Tl_]_ f[ hnl_\lc g[c ]igjfc][n_. gc []]_f_l_t ^ch
hio l_mjcl[c[.
Da.
Ac gchcn pl_oh g_g\lo [f [lg[n_c m[o pl_oh
oficial guvernamental?
Da.
Imediat ôj ]_ lmjoh^ f[ hnl_\[l_[ [mn[, p^ oh
p[f ]co^[n ^_ mn_fo_ oh^_p[, f[ g[lach_[ ]gjofoc g_o
pcto[f. Cfcj_m] ^_ îo ilc. S]hn_c_lcf_ ^cmj[l c
imaginea lucrurilor din jur, a camerei, redevine
]f[l. Etcn jl_ ^_ i m_]oh^, ^[l ]h^ î]nilc[
sesizeat [mn[ c n[mn_[t ]_p[ f[ [j[l[n, g
mnlôc_m] m l_pch f[ mn[l_[ chcc[f, ]ihnlif[n,
fcjmcn ^_ _gic_.
L-[c gchcn j_ pl_ohof ^chnl_ jli`_milcc ^_ f[
Drake?
Nu.
L-[c gchcn pl_i^[n j_ `l[n_f_ no?
Dintr-i^[n, ][g_l[ m_ _p[jil. E hfi]ocn ê o
cg[ach_ ][l_ nl_gol, ]o i mo`l[a_lc_ `[gcfc[l,
m]f^[n h fogch[ ][f^ [ ôj-amiezii. Imaginea
^_pch_ nin g[c ]f[l. Uh ]_fo [f\ î[lg_ fha
jc]ci[l_f_ g_f_. Uh [îf_m]_hn h[fn, ]o jlof h_alo,
VP - 175
mn [fnolc ^_ gch_, ]o \l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_ j_ jcept.
E M_nc[m. Fl[n_f_ g_o m_ h]lohn c m_ [jf_[],
odihnindu-c ]i[n_f_ j_ a_hoh]bc.
M-[c gchcn pl_i^[n, Joh_?
S]_h[ [mn[ g `[]_ m ]fcj_m] i][n. Ncgc] ho _
[^_pl[n, gc mjoh. Pifcal[òf jlic_]n_[t hcn_
cfotcc g_hcn_ m g ^_mn[\cfct_t_. Am mai auzit de
[mn`_f ^_ g[chc. Sohn ìfimcn_ h mj[n_f_ `lihnofoc.
Aj[l[nof [l_ ][j[]cn[n_[ ^_ [ mcgof[ c ^_ [-c chô]_
cg[achc jlch ]ijc_l_[ [\cfcncfil ]l_c_lofoc ^_ [
]l_[ m]_h_, jli]_m jlch ][l_ ][j_c m_ht[c[ ] nin ]_
vezi e aievea. Metias pare [[ ^_ l_[f= E ][ c ]og [
jon_[ m hnch^ gh[ c m c ^[o jlof h_alo ôj
ol_]b_ m[o m mcgn ]og gh[ g_[ gc]o m_ ]oc\l_n_
h j[fg[ foc g[l_. Ajli[j_ ] gc pch_ m ]l_^ ] mohn
[]ifi, h []__[c ][g_l ]o _f. h]bc^ i]bcc, ^[l
cg[ach_[ gc lgh_ h`cjn h gchn_, mnlfo]cni[l_ ][
lumina zilei.
D[, lmjoh^.
mn[ _ [^_plof. O]bcc foc M_nc[m m_ gl_m] [
moljlct c [ nlcmn__; [jic, `l[n_f_ g_o ^cmj[l_,
gjl_oh ]o Offc_ c nin [j[ln[g_hnof. Ag l_p_hcn h
mijlocul camerei-jifcal[` ]_hocc. Sn[o h jc]ci[l_,
h `[[ î]nilc_c S[^bq[hc, ][l_ ]ihncho m hin_t_
fo]lolc. E[ `[]_ i gc][l_ [jli\[ni[l_ ^ch ][j. Ag
lmjohm ]il_]n. h]_l] m gc mnjh_m] nl_golof
gchcfil, j_ ][l_ f_ ch hnchm_ j_ fha ]ilj, ]o
joghcc mnlhc.
Fi[ln_ \ch_, golgol ch^cpc^[ i ]fcj g[c nltco.
Copchn_f_ g_f_ mohn l_]c ][ ab_[[.
Ac ^_ ah^ m-f ìfim_nc j_ `l[n_f_ g_o
gjinlcp-gc c j_hnlo olgni[l_f_ hnl_\lc?
S[^bq[hc lc^c] i]bcc ^_ j_ hinc_.
L-[c pton j_ `l[n_f_ no?
P[l_ g[c l_f[r[n []og, c[l moî[l_[ de pe frunte i
s-a evaporat.
VP - 176
A[^[l, _r[gch[nilcc ho jin ]ihnlif[ ncjof
pctcohcfil, ho nco ]_ p^ _o. D[l jin m jlipi[]_
[j[lcc[ ohil [gchnclc. ch `lohn_[ mom c i]bcc
[chncc [mojl[ î]nilc_c.
Da.
hnl_\lcf_ ]ihncho.
P_mn_ ]_ [h [c mlcn ]n [i fost la Drake?
Peste anul al doilea.
Cn_ [p_lncmg_hn_ jlcpcni[l_ f[ joln[l_[ n[ [c
jlcgcn ]n [c ìmn f[ Dl[e_?
Optsprezece.
h[chn_ ^_ gi[ln_[ `l[n_foc no, [c [pon pl_i^[n
ahôlc h_a[ncp_ h ]_ jlcp_n_ R_jo\fc][?
Nu.
< c [[ g[c ^_j[ln_. R_[fct_t ] ncj[ h]_[l] m-
gc h_onl[fct_t_ _giccf_, [mn`_f h]n m g `[] m
f[m a[l^[ dim, c[l _[ m ji[n m gc i\m_lp_
l_[]ccf_ `ctc]_ [noh]c ]h^ gc p[ joh_ i hnl_\[l_
l_f_p[hn. M_nc[m gc [j[l_ h] ^_ îo ilc. D_
`c_][l_ ^[n, chmjcl jliòh^ c g ìl_t m jmnl_t
[_lof h jfghc ncgj ^_ ]n_p[ m_]oh^_. Sohn
]b_mncih[n [mojl[ giôfoc h ][l_ [g m]j[n ^_
P[nlcic c [ m]ijofoc gcmcohcc ]o \ig\. R_j_n ]__[
ce i-[g mjom foc Ah^_h f[ ]ch. Ph [c]c, ninof _
\ch_. D_n_]nilof ch^c] `[jnof ] [g mjom [^_plof.
D[s nlc_n_?
h ]fcj[ [mn[, D[s m_ g[n_lc[fct_[t h `[[ g_[.
Sn f[ î[l ]n_p[ t_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc ^cmn[h.
Af\[mnlof i]bcfil foc _ [nn ^_ ]f[l, h]n gc jin
]ihn_gjf[ jlijlc[ cg[ach_ iafch^cn []ifi. Ch^ g
p_^_, `[[ c m_ fogch_[t ]o oh molm l_f[r[n. Blom],
mcgn ] nhd_m] ôj _f, c[l fo]lof mn[ gc ^
m_ht[c[ ] g jl\o_m]. No _ l_[f. Tinof _ i
jlic_]c_. gc f[m l_mjcl[c[ m m_ ][fg_t_.
De ce l-[c [don[n j_ D[s m _p[^_t_, ]h^ nc[c ]
_ ]on[n j_hnlo [nn ^_ gofn_ ch`l[]cohc gjinlcp[
statului? Ai sentimente pentru el?
VP - 177
O hnl_\[l_ j_lc]ofi[m< gc jmnl_t ]ogjnof.
No. Pol c mcgjfo, h-[g plon m gi[l ^_ gh[ g_[
j_hnlo i ch`l[]coh_ j_ ][l_ h-a comis-o.
Di]nilc[ m_ ijl_n_ ^ch m]lcm c lc^c] mjl_ gch_
din mjlh]_[h.
Ac lcm][n _hilg j_hnlo i j_lmi[h j_ ][l_ h-o
]ohin_[c [jli[j_ ^_fi].
Mijesc ochii.
Amn[ ho mjoh_ ]ch_ nc_ ]_ fo]lolc alit[p_ ^_mjl_
nch_. Pi[n_ ] [l nl_\oc m `cc c no h mcno[c[ h
][l_ ]ch_p[ _ j_ ][f_ m `c_ _r_]on[n j_hnlo i
al__[f ]igcm ^_ nch_.
Tcj[ ho l_[]cih_[t f[ nihof g_o ][omnc]. Ig[ach_[
foc D[s m_ ^cmcj_[t. gc g[c joh_ hcn_ hnl_\lc ^_
]ihnlif, cl_f_p[hn_. Doj ][l_ tc]_:
To c D[s mohn_c [`cfc[c P[nlcicfil?
D[s gc [j[l_ ^ch hio. D_ ^[n[ [mn[, m_ [jlijc_ ^_
gch_ [nn ^_ gofn h]n jlof foc `ch ][ gn[m_[, gc
ghac_ i\l[dcc. M nl[a_ mjl_ _f j_hnlo oh mlon
[jm[n. Ig[ach_[ m_ ^_mnl[g c _ hfi]ocn, mo\cn, ^_
i m]_h hi]nolh. E òlnoh. D[s m_ ]bchoc_n_ m
h[chn_t_ jlch jfi[c_. Dch jc]cil c jc]ol mnge,
fmh^ h olg[ foc i ^l. Ajic ][^_ h a_hoh]bc, h
`[[ foc Razor. c ninof ^cmj[l_. M mnlôc_m] m gc
jmnl_t pi]_[ _a[f.
Am fost.
S_ p[ h]_l][ [m[mch[l_[ afilcimofoc himnlo
Elector?
L[ [mn[ ho _ h_pic_ m gchn. Plcpcl_[ gc m_
h^l_[jn mjl_ Ah^_h, ][l_ h]fch ^ch ][j, hnl-un
a_mn j_ ][l_ f jl_mojoh [ `c ^_ h]ol[d[l_.
Da.
c P[nlcicc mohn ]ihnc_hc ] no f_ ]ohinc
planurile?
No, ho mohn ]ihnc_hc.
S[^bq[hc m_ ocn mjl_ ]if_acc _c c, ôj ]n_p[
m_]oh^_, h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j c m_ lmo]_n_ ^ch hio
VP - 178
mjl_ gch_. D_n_]nilof ch^c] `[jnof ] [g mjom
[^_plof.
Ercmn mif^[c, h [jlijc_l_[ Ef_]nilofoc, ][l_ [l
putea sprijini tentativa de asasinat?
Da.
Ulg_[t [fn_ ]n_p[ m_]oh^_ ^_ fchcn_, pl_g_ h
][l_ î]nilc[ m_ ]ihmofn ]o ]if_acc h jlcpch[
lmjohmofoc g_o. Dch hio, h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j. D_
^[n[ [mn[, m_ c hni[l]_ ]o `[[ ]nl_ Ah^_h c
senatorii.
Sjoh_ [^_plof.
Ah^_h c lmjoh^_ nin ]o i gc][l_ ^ch ][j.
Bine, zice el.
Dch ][ot[ j_l_n_foc ^_ mnc]f, pi]_[ c m_ aude
hòh^[n.
V lia m ]ihncho[c.
S_h[nilcc mn[o ]o \l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_ c ]o \ot_f_
mnlhm_.
Cb_mncih[lof î]nilc_c j[l_ ] ho m_ g[c m`l_n_.
M hpfoc_ hnl-oh nil_hn ch`chcn ^_ hnl_\lc.
Ch^ p[ [p_[ fi] n_hn[ncp[ ^_ [m[mch[n?
n timpul cfnilc_c j_ ][l_ Ef_]nilof i p[ `[]_
]nl_ il[of L[g[l, ^ch Cifil[î, ^_ j_ `lihn.
ncc oh^_ p[ `c Ef_]nilof h mcaol[h?
Da.
Uh^_ [l nl_\oc m g_[la h fi]?
ntr-oh [fn il[ ^_ al[hc.
D[s p[ fo[ c _f j[ln_ f[ n_hn[ncp[ ^_ [m[mch[n?
Da.
D_ ]_ _ c _f cgjfc][n?
L_ _ ^[nil P[nlcicfil, `cch^] c-au vindecat
piciorul.
L[g[l, golgol î]nilc[ S[^bq[hc, h ncgj ]_
n[mn_[t c [fn_ fo]lolc h [j[l[nof h_alo. Pl_mojoh
] Ef_]nilof c p[ m]bcg\[ lon[.
O [fn j[ln_ [ jf[hofoc [ ìmn h]b_c[n.
VP - 179
h m`lcn, hnl_\lcf_ ]ihn_h_m]. Di]nilc[ gc
hni[l]_ mj[n_f_ ][ m ^cm]on_ ]o ]_cf[fc. Eo lmo`fo
c g l_f[r_t, mjlcdchcn ^_ jifcal[`. Sohn h ][g_l[
[mn[ ^_ _r[]n îo il_ c ]ch]c gchon_. O]bcc g_c c
hnfh_m] j_ ]_c [c foc Ah^_h. Thlof Ef_]nil mn
fha o[ ^_ mnc]f, ]o \l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_ mnlhm j_
jc_jn. E h]ihdol[n ^_ mif^[c.
An_jn[c, f_ mjoh_.
Er[gch[nilcc m_ ijl_m] ^ch ^_fc\_l[l_ c m_ ocn
hmjl_ Ef_]nil.
M[c [g i ofncg hnl_\[l_ j_hnlo chpcn[n[ hi[mnl.
Di]nilc[ S[^bq[hc ]fcj_n_ c `fonol ^ch gh mjl_
mine.
D_mcaol, îghof_ Ef_]nil. V lia.
Ah^_h m_ [jlijc_ ^_ mnc]f[ ][l_ h_ m_j[l.
D_ ]_ g [doc?
gc nl[a og_lcc h mj[n_ c f jlcp_m] h i]bc.
P_hnlo ] pl_[o m `co c_ln[n.
Enc ^_pin[n R_jo\fc]cc?
Uh ofncg jinjolco ^_ [gchnclc gc [j[l_ h `[. M
p^ chhô-f ^_ gh j_ `l[n_f_ g_o, j_ mnltcf_ ^ch
m_]nilof himnlo, Ro\s. Sohn_g gjl_oh, [ghîc ]o
\l[_f_ lc^c][n_, m[fonh^ hmjl_ JumboTron-olc, h
ncgj ]_ l_]cng dolghnof. I[n ]bcjof foc M_nias,
tg\_nof foc, ^[l c _rjl_mc[ halcdil[n ^ch ofncg[
hi[jn_ h ][l_ f-[g pton. Ucn_ c ^l[j_f_f_
l_jo\fc][h_ ^_ f[ hgilghn[l_[ foc. Mc m_ ^_lof_[t
jlch `[[ i]bcfil hm_ghlcf_ ihfch_ [f_ foc M_nc[m
[p_lnctlcf_ foc, ghc[ f[ [^l_m[ R_jo\fc]cc je care
]opchn_f_ foc i ^_a[d[o. f p^ j_ Tbig[m [chnch^
[lg[ [mojl[ g[g_c foc D[s. V^ ][jof `_g_cc fmhô-se
\lom] j_ mj[n_, h olg[ cgj[]nofoc ]o afihof. S_
jl\o_n_. E pch[ g_[. f p^ j_ Tbig[m jlchthô-c
][jof h gchc h ][g_l[ ^_ chn_lia[niliu, muncit de
l_al_n_, ^[l i\_^c_hn ch]ol[\cf, p_hc] jlctihc_l [f
faptei comise.
VP - 180
No g[c mohn ^_pin[n R_jo\fc]cc. S[o g[c mohn? M
[`fo [c]c, h ][jcn[f, [donhô-c j_ P[nlcic m f
[m[mch_t_ j_ hiof Ef_]nil, c[l ]_foc ][l_ i]oj []_[
òh]c_ c-am jurat ]h^p[ ]l_^ch. O m-f igil c
[jic i m òa. nco ] ^_n_]nilof ^_ gch]cohc i m-mi
ch^c]_ nl^[l_[ mohn ^cmnl[m, ]ihmog[n ^_
]ih`fc]nof ^chnl_ h_]_mcn[n_[ ^_ [ lm]ogjl[
al__fcf_ `]on_ `[ ^_ D[s c `[jnof ] gc ^cmjf[]_
jliòh^ c^__[ ] pic fm[ R_jo\fc][ f[ gcf[
P[nlcicfil.
Corpul mi-_ mnl\non ^_ oh `cil. Sohn î[l hcn_
cg[achc. Di[l [gchnclc. Cihnchoc m n[] jh ]h^
\ncf_ chcgcc gc m_ îgif_m]. Snlha ^ch jf_i[j_,
chmjcl jliòh^ c [jic ^_m]bc^ c[l i]bcc.
D[, lmjoh^. Sohn ^_pin[n Republicii.
An_jn m p^ i fogch lic_ f[ ^_n_]nilof ^_
gch]cohc, m m_ [o^ pl_oh moh_n ^_ [n_hcih[l_ ][l_
m [l[n_ ] gchn. D[l hcgc]. Di]nilc[ S[^bq[hc mn ]o
][jof jf_][n c n[mn_[t h ][lh_nof _f_]nlihc].
Zc]_ [^_plof, [hoh _[ h ]_f_ ^ch olg.
Am trecut testul. Nu-gc pch_ m ]l_^< Aj[l[nof
ch^c] `[jnof ] [g mjom [^_plof. E î[l i g[ch<

M[c nltco, j_ m_[l, mn[o j_ g[lach_[ j[nofoc ]o
][jof h gchc. Cno_f_ gc [nlh h ]ihncho[l_ f[
h]b_c_nolc, ^[l [fn`_f mohn fc\_l m g gc]. hm
[o^ moh_nof hòh^[n [f ]ihp_lm[ccfil i][tcih[f_
joln[n_ h `[[ occ g_f_. Acele altc mohn h]
acolo.
M mcgn _joct[n. No [l nl_\oc m `co [[ ^_
i\imcn, ]]c, ^_ ]h^ [g ìmn [l_mn[n, ho [g ^_jom
hc]coh _ìln `ctc]. D[l hnl_\lcf_ î]nilc_c
S[^bq[hc gc m_ hpln_m] h] jlch gchn_ c, ]ig\ch[n_
cu lucrurile pe care mi le-[ mjom Tbig[m, g nin
\hnoc_. gc ch ][jof h gchc, h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ f_
ch_ f[ ^cmn[h. Uh^_p[, h [fn j[ln_, [onilcncf_
VP - 181
^_fc\_l_[t ^[] m g al[c_t_ m[o ho. Tl_gol joch,
^[l nco ] h ][g_l _ cald.
S_gh_f_ ]f[mc]_ [f_ chmn[flcc oh_c \ifc, [j[l_
ahôf mog\lo. Pi[n_ _ pil\[ ^_ pclomof _jc^_gc_c.
Ironia unec [mn`_f ^_ mcno[cc g hnlcmn_[t c g
h`lc]i_[t h []_f[c ncgj. D[l mohn p[]]ch[n.
Probabil ] _ î[l i l]_[f h ìh^, M_nc[m gc-a
mjom hnin^_[oh[ ] mohn joch g[c m_hmc\cf f[
m]bcg\lcf_ ^_ pl_g_.
M_nc[m< A]og ] mohn mchaol, gc j_lgcn m g
halcdil_t. Ufncgof g_o lmjohm, h ncgjof n_mnofoc
jifcal[`, [l `c nl_\ocn m ^_]f[h_t_ oh m_gnal de
[f[lg. D[l ho m-[ hngjf[n [[. Amn[ hm_[gh ]
sunn h] ^_pin[n R_jo\fc]cc, ]bc[l `l m gc ^[o
m_[g[? Uh^_p[, h [^h]of mo`f_nofoc, [j[l[nof gc-a
^_n_]n[n ô\ccf_ f_a[n_ ^_ joh_l_[ h jl[]nc] [
planului de asasinat.
D[l, ^[] ^_]c^ m ho gc h^_jfch_m] lifof, ]_ m_
p[ hngjf[ ]o D[s? V[ nl_\oc m am_m] i ][f_ jlch
][l_ m-f ]ihn[]n_t `l ncl_[ foc Razor. c-apoi? E
]f[l ] D[s ho f p[ jlcpc j_ Ef_]nil [[ ]og f p^
_o. h jfom, ho [g hc]coh jf[h ^_ l_t_lp. Gh^_n_-
n_, Joh_= Tl_\oc_ m am_m] un plan alternativ,
[mn`_f h]n hc]cohof ^chnl_ hic m ho gi[l.
D[] pl_c m n_ ltpln_nc, gc-a spus Metias,
[noh]c `-i ^ch chn_lcilof mcmn_gofoc. hnltcc
[mojl[ []_mn_c [gchnclc, ^_c `lcmi[h_f_ ho g f[m m
g ]ih]_hnl_t ]og nl_\uie.
Dintr-i^[n, [o^ ìlìn h `[[ occ. P_l]_j
sunetul tocurilor pocnindu-se regulamentar, indiciul
_pc^_hn ] oh i`c]c[f m[o [fnof [ p_hcn m g
pctcn_t_. An_jn h fchcn_. h m`lcn, p^ ]f[h[
gc]hô-m_. h ][g_l chnl Ah^_h.
Dighof_, mohn_c mcaol ] ho îlcc ]cp[ mif^[c
fha ôgh_[pi[mnl?
Ah^_h î[l ]f[nch ^ch ][j c `[]_ oh a_mn ]nl_
gcfcn[lcc ^ch `[[ occ.
VP - 182
V lia m ho p `[]_c alcdc, f_ mjoh_ _f. Dil_m]
m jiln i ^cm]oc_ ]ih`c^_hc[f ]o îghci[l[ Ij[lcm.
N-i m ôl_t_ gofn.
Copchn_f_ foc gc [gchn_m] ^_ []_f_[ j_ ][l_ f_-am
limncn ]bc[l _o ]h^ f-[g pctcn[n j_ D[s, h ]_fof[
din Batalla Hall.
Sif^[nof f m[fon m]oln j_ Ah^_h c h]bc^_ o[,
fmhô-ne singuri. Ridic ochii de-acolo de unde stau,
j_ g[lach_[ j[nofoc. Cno_f_ ][l_ gc f_[a gchcf_
m]in taigin_ g_n[fc]_ h fchcn_[ h]j_lcc. Ef_]nilof
ho _ g\l][n h i\chocn[ ohcìlg i`c]c[f; []og
ji[ln i b[ch h_[al, foha jh h jghn, ]o i
ôha lic_, p_lnc][f, j_ jc_jn. R_mnof p_gchn_fil
mohn ^_ i _f_a[h mcgjf (i ]g[ h_[al, ]o aof_l,
i p_mn h_[al c _[, ]o [m_ h[mnolc mnlfo]cnilc,
j[hn[fihc h_alc, \i][h]c h_alc ^_ jcfin). Plof c
fo]_n_ c _ jc_jnh[n ]o alcd. L[ \lo [l_ i mchaol
[lg, j_ ][l_ hm, ^[] g-[ binl m f [n[], ho [l
jon_[ m i m]i[n mo`c]c_hn ^_ l_j_^_ ][ m g
gjon_. Ah^_h _ mch]_l h h]_l][l_[ foc ^_ [-mi
[ln[ ] [l_ h]l_^_l_ h gch_.
Razor mi-[ mjom ], ^[] pic amc pl_oh gig_hn
jlijc]_, h ][l_ m jin m f igil j_ Ah^_h mchaol,
m i `[]. S jli`cn ^_ i][tc_. A]og c[n-f hm j_
Ah^_h, mnh^ h `[[ g_[, h_[n_jn[n ^_ pofh_l[\cf,
c[l _o ho m]bc_t hc]c ]_f g[c gc] a_mn. D[] [
h]_l][ m f o]c^ [c]c, [ [p_[ t_li [hm_ m f g[c
p^ pl_i^[n j_ D[s m[o m m][j ]o pc[.
Ah^_h m_ [[t fha gch_, [ph^ alcd m g_hch i
[hogcn ^cmn[h hnl_ hic. Dchnl-i^[n, g mcgn
d_h[n ^_ [mj_]nof g_o. Sn[o ]i]i[n, `lhn ^_
i\im_[f; jlof gc _ ^_mjf_ncn c mohn g\l][n h
b[ch_f_ ^_ hi[jn_. c, ocn_ [[, h b[fof mn[ mn[o _o
[fnolc ^_ `logimof jlch [f R_jo\fc]cc. Tinoc, gc
h^l_jn chon[ c h]fch ^ch ][j ]n ^_ al[cim jin.
Sohn Joh_ Ij[lcm, gc l_[gchn_m]. No f pic fm[ m
p[^ ]_ b[im _ [c]c, h mo`f_nof g_o.
VP - 183
Ag plon m n_ [hoh ]-[c [pon ^l_jn[n_, h]_j_
Anden.
Scgn mch]_lcn[n_ c ]fôl h pi]_[ foc.
Dic mif^[c ^ch a[l^[ g_[ [o ^cmjlon h ôj-
amiaza asta. Au fugit.
Doj ]og _l[ jom f[ ][f_ pc]f_oaof, ]_c îc mif^[c
[o òacn. O`n_t c hnil] mjl_ Ah^_h i jlcpcl_
ool[n, j_ ][l_ [g _r_lm[n-o anterior. Asta pentru
][tof h ][l_ Razor olgl_n_ m]_h[.
Unde sunt acum?
No ncg mcaol. C_l]_n[cc hinlc h]_[l] m ^_[
de urma lor.
Ah^_h c `l_[] m]oln gchcf_ hgho[n_.
Comandantul DeSoto [ [ôm i a[lhcnol hio ^_
mif^[c ][l_ m h_ hmi_[m].
Razor. c jf[m_[t j_ jitccc jlijlccc mif^[c, m_
[jlijc_ h]_n ^_ jl[^.
A pl_[ m-c gofog_m] j_hnlo [donilof no, Joh_,
]ihncho Ah^_h. Vl_[o m-gc ]_l m]ot_ j_hnlo ] [
nl_\ocn m nl_]c jlch n_mnof ]o jifcal[òf. Sohn
convins c-[ ìmn h_jf]on j_hnlo nch_, ^[l _l[
necesar. h ilc]_ ][t, c mohn l_]ohim]nil j_hnlo
lmjohmolcf_ ih_mn_. O m g[c lgc [c]c, ]o hic,
]n_p[ tcf_. Ph pig `c mcaolc ] j_lc]ifof
l_jl_t_hn[n ^_ jf[holcf_ P[nlcicfil [ nl_]on. S-ar
jon_[ m g[c [p_g oh_f_ hnl_\lc j_hnlo nch_. Doj
[]__[, pig amc i gi^[fcn[n_ jlch ][le se fii
l_chn_al[n h [lg[n[ R_jo\fc]cc.
Mofog_m], c mjoh, ^_c ]opchn_f_ g_f_ mohn
absolut goale.
Anden se apropie de mine.
Ag pil\cn m_lcim f[ ]ch, gc ijn_n_ _f;
]opchn_f_ c m_ limniaif_m] al\cn_, ^[l \ot_f_ [\c[ ^_
c m_ gc].
E agitat. Brum], ^_pch c _o j[l[hic]; ô] oh ^_a_n
f[ \ot_ c lc^c] mjl_ _f i jlcpcl_ jfch ^_
mo\h_f_molc. Ah^_h gl_n_ i]bcc, ^[l ho m_
VP - 184
h^_jln_[t. gc lc^c] \l\c[ ]o ^_fc][n__, [jic g
nl[a_ mjl_ _f ][ c ]h^ [l pl_[ m g mlon_. c
ijl_n_ \ot_f_ ]bc[l fha [f_ g_f_, fmhô-f_ m-mi
[ncha oil j[ln_[ ^_ dim [ i\l[tofoc. Scgn
òlhc]nolc j_ cl[ mjchlcc c, gjl_oh ]o _f_, oh
m_hncg_hn ^_ pchipc_.
C[ m ho `cg hl_acmnl[c j_ ][g_l_, gc ijn_n_
Anden.
Amn[ _ i gi^[fcn[n_ g[c mcaol ^_ [ ^cm]on[ h
m_]l_n; ^[] pl_ohof ^chnl_ a[l^c_hc [l \a[ ][jof j_
o, [l ]l_^_ ] Ef_]nilof gc òl oh mlon ho ] gc
ijn_n_ ]_p[. Al `c ^_ jl_`_l[n m m_ lmjh^_[m] oh
[mn`_f ^_ tpih. I[l P[nlcicc [l ]ihmc^_l[ ] f_ olg_t
planul.
Scgn j_ `[ lmo`f[l_[ ][f^ [ foc Ah^_h.
Ag h_pic_ ^_ [donilof no, gc golgol _f. D[] [c
`c []bcn[n ^_ ni[n_ ch`l[]cohcf_ ]igcm_ gjinlcp[
R_jo\fc]cc c _fc\_l[n, [c jon_[ m-l contactezi pe
D[s? S[o []og, ] ho g[c _nc ]o P[nlcicc, l_f[c[ n[
cu el s-[ h]b_c[n?
gc go] \ot[. F_fof h ][l_ Ah^_h [ limncn ]ophnof
l_f[c_ j[l_ m ch^c]_ `[jnof ] _f ]l_^_ ], f[ oh
gig_hn ^[n, hnl_ gch_ c D[s [ ìmn ]_p[. Ch^p[.
D_ ]_ pl_c m-f ]ihn[]n_t? f hnl_\.
Copchn_f_ [o ìmn tcm_ j_ oh nih [onilcn[l, c
ninoc mnjhcn, ]__[ ]_ gc ^ ^_ h_f_m ] ho
mo`_l [gh[l_, c[l [mn[ gc `[]_ jc_f_[ ^_ ach.
To c D[s mohn_c ]_c g[c co\cc i[g_hc ^ch
R_jo\fc]. D[] g-[ [fc[ ]o pic, [ jon_[ ]nca[
jijilof ^_ j[ln_[ g_[. Anoh]c, h fi] m h\o
l_pifn_ c m g ]bchoc_m] m ch [l[ ohcn, [ jon_[
m g ]ih]_hnl_t j_ l_[fct[l_[ m]bcg\lcfil ^_ ][l_
Republica are nevoie.
M c[ ]o [g__[f. Lo]lolcf_ m_ hngjf jl_[ \lom];
ninof _ i][hn. Pl_ ^_ i ]fcj, ho l_o_m] m am_m]
lmjohmof jinlcpcn. Ah^_h c [mog oh lcm] olc[
vorbindu-gc [[. habcn h m_], ]o i\l[dcc h] h
VP - 185
`f]lc ^ch ][ot[ [jlijc_lcc m[f_. gc m]bcg\ joch
jitcc[ ][ m jin m c p^ i]bcc.
D_ ]_ [g [p_[ h]l_^_l_ h nch_? f hnl_\, ]o i
pi]_ ][fg. C_ n_ `[]_ m ]l_tc ] D[s [l pl_[ m n_
ajute?
h i]bcc foc Ah^_h m_ ]cn_n_ binll_[.
Ag m m]bcg\ R_jo\fc][, c[l jlcgof j[m p[ `c []_f[
de a-l elibera pe fratele lui Day.
Scgn ]og gc m_ omo] aol[. Dchnl-i^[n, gc îl_m]
][ ^cm]oc[ [mn[ m `c_ joln[n mo`c]c_hn ^_ n[l_
[mn`_f h]n D[s m i ji[n auzi.
O m-l eliberezi pe Eden?
N-[l `c nl_\ocn m `c_ fo[n jlctihc_l. O m-l
_fc\_l_t gjl_oh ]o nic ]_cf[fc ][l_ mohn ìfimcc
pe front.
Uh^_ _ E^_h? c ijn_m]. Ch^ f<
h ofncg_f_ mjnghc, E^_h [ ]fnilcn ^_-a
lungul frontului. Tata l-a fo[n jlctihc_l, gjl_oh ]o
h] pl_i îomjl_t_]_ j_lmi[h_. Ao ^_p_hcn j[ln_
dintr-i hio []coh_ ^_ lt\ic. h _m_h, mohn
ìfimcc ][ [lg_ \cifiac]_ og[h_.
Cbcjof foc Ah^_h m_ hnoh_].
Eo i m joh ][jn ]cl]ofoc mn[ h_\oh_m]. Mch_
voi emite ordinof: E^_h p[ `c [ôm ^_ j_ `lihn c
halcdcn h ][jcn[f.
Amn[ _ ]_p[ hio. Amn[ m]bcg\ ninof.
Tl_\oc_ m am_m] i ][f_ jlch ][l_ m f [hoh j_
D[s ^_ _fc\_l[l_[ foc E^_h. h[chn_ ][ _f c P[nlcicc
m f igi[l_ j_ mchaolof ig ][l_ [l_ jon_l_[ ^_ [-l
elibel[< C[l_ _ ]_[ g[c \oh g_ni^ ^_ [-f [hoh[?
P[nlcicc nl_\oc_ ]-gc olgl_m] `c_][l_ gc][l_ j_
][g_l_f_ ^_ m_]olcn[n_, g ah^_m], fmhô-mi mintea
m fo]l_t_. V[ nl_\oc m c nl[hmgcn oh m_gh[f foc
D[s. Cbcjof foc gc [j[l_ h ah^. Vl_[o m [f_la f[
_f. gc îl_m] [[ ^_ n[l_ m c ^[o p_mn_[ [mn[ \oh<
D[l _ i p_mn_ \oh? R[coh_[ g [p_lnct_[t m ho g
b[t[l^_t. E jimc\cf ][ Ah^_h m g gchn, ninof [l
VP - 186
jon_[ `c i ][j][h. D[l ^[] [mn[ [l `c î[l i hio
h]_l][l_ ^_ [-l aresta pe Day, atunci de ce nu ar
l_]ola_ jol c mcgjfo f[ [g_hch[l_[ ]o o]c^_l_[ foc
Eden? Asta l-ar scoate imediat pe Day din
[m]ohtni[l_. h m]bcg\, Ah^_h [l_ ^_ ah^ m f
elibereze pe Eden.
Ef_]nilof [n_[jn l\^nil ]n ncgj _o n[].
Ag h_pic_ ][ D[s m [c\ h]l_^_l_ h gch_, gc
golgol _f.
c h]ihdil anof ]o \l[_f_ c gc [jlijcc \ot_f_
^_ ol_]b_[ foc. Ah^_h gcli[m_ [ f_gh ^_ m[hn[f c [
fh.
V[ nl_\oc m am_m] i gi^[fcn[n_ jlch ][l_ m-l
]ihn[]n_t c m-f ]ihpcha. D[l ^[] no f _fc\_l_tc j_
fratele lui, atunci o m [c\ h]l_^_l_ h nch_, c
golgol f[ lhôf g_o.
O m-c ]nca c c_ h]l_^_l_[. Vl_[o m ]l_tc
h gch_. Eo ]l_^ h nch_. Cl_^ h tch_ ^_ ì[ln_ gofn
vreme.
Ah^_h lgh_ n]on jl_ ^_ i ]fcj. R_mjcl[c[ c m-a
[]]_f_l[n c, ^chnl-i^[n, g jlcp_n_ altfel.
Igjl_mc[ []__[ ^_ [onilcn[n_ ^cmn[hn [ ^cmjlon. h
]fcj[ [mn[, h `[[ g_[ m_ [`f î[l oh \l\[n nhl,
un om oarecare, iar tensiunea dintre noi devine prea
g[l_. hnl-i ]fcjcn, Ah^_h c hni[l]_ `[[ mjl_
mine, iar buzele lui se lipesc de ale mele.
h]bc^ i]bcc. Slon[l_[ foc _ [nn ^_ oi[l= A\c[
^[] i mcgn c ninoc ho g jin [\ch_ m ho gc
îl_m] g[c gofn. Lha D[s, mcgn ]og ]_p[ ][ oh ì],
ca o foame ne cuprinde ji[n_ ] _ pil\[ ]bc[l ^_mjl_
ghc_, ^cmj_l[l_ [^h] c h_pic_. h m]himb,
mlon[l_[ foc Ah^_h _ î[l ^_fc][n__ c al[c_
l[`ch[n. Poln[l_ [f_[m, jon_l_ c _f_a[h asta
gc i`_l _f. O[l_ D[s p_^_ m]_h[ [mn[ jlch
chn_lg_^cof ][g_l_fil? Ghôf mn[ m_ h`ca_ ][ oh
jogh[f h gch_.
VP - 187
Slonof ôl_[t î[l ]n_p[ m_]oh^_, [joi Anden se
^_mjlch^_. Erjcl, ^_m]bc^ i]bcc c [n_jn ][ cg[ach_[
]_filf[fn_ fo]lolc ^ch dol m m_ fcgj_t_[m]. Ah^_h [
lg[m jl_[ gofn [c]c, ]o gch_; ^[] g[c hnltc_,
a[l^c_hcc ^_ f[ o pil h]_j_ m m_ halcdil_t_.
T_ lia m g c_lc j_hnlo nin ^_l[hdof, gc mjoh_
_f, ]o i h]fch[l_ oi[l [ ][jofoc, h[chn_ ^_ [ m_
lc^c][ h jc]ci[l_ c ^_ [-c [l[hd[ b[ch[.
S_ [m]oh^_ c[l h mj[n_f_ ìlg[fcmgofoc, hm
jitcc[ ]iljofoc nl^_[t i i[l_][l_ mnhd_h_[f; ^[l
[hch[n ^_ ]ifolcf_ aolcc c hnltc_ oh gc] molm.
O^cbh_n_-n_. Vig g[c mn[ ^_ pil\ gch_.
Doj jf_][l_[ foc Ah^_h, h]j_l_[ m-a cufundat din
hio hnl-i fchcn_ jliòh^. Sn[o ]o a_hoh]bcc f[
aol. Bot_f_ gc [l^ ^ch jlc]ch[ [ncha_lcc foc. gc
f[m gchn_[ m jli]_m_t_ nin ]_ _f gc-[ mjom, h preme
]_ ^_a_n_f_ gc ]_l]_n_[t chmcmn_hn ch_fof `]on ^ch
[al[`_ ^_ blnc_. P[nlcicc [o plon m h_ [fnolg
planului lor de a-f [m[mch[ j_ nhlof Ef_]nil. Plch
uciderea lui pretind ei [g [[ ì]of l_pifoc_c,
care ne-ar elibera de sub tirania Republicii. Am putea
readuce gloria vechilor Sn[n_ Uhcn_. D[l ]_ hm_[gh
[mn[ ]o [^_pl[n? C_ fo]lo j_ ][l_ ho hc-l poate oferi
Ah^_h ji[n_ p_hc i^[n ]o Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_? Lc\_ln[n_[?
P[]_[? Plimj_lcn[n_[? S_ p[ nl[hmìlg[ R_jo\fc][ hnl-
i [l ]o talc_-nori frogim fogch[c c m_]ni[l_
]ol[n_ c \ia[n_? P[nlcicc c-[o jligcm foc D[s ] f
pil amc j_ `l[n_f_ foc c ] h_ pil [don[ m _p[^g
h Cifihcc. D[l ^[] Ah^_h [l jon_[ `[]_ ni[n_
fo]lolcf_ [mn_[, ]o binll_ c ]o [donilof jinlcpcn,
^[] ho [g g[c [p_[ h_pic_ m òacg h Cifihcc? L[ ]_
[l ô]_ [m[mch[nof mn[? Ah^_h ho _ hc]c j_ ^_j[ln_ ][
n[nf foc. D_ `[jn, jlcg[ foc ^_]ctc_ i`c]c[f, h
][fcn[n_ ^_ Ef_]nil, _mn_ m h^l_jn_ i mcno[c_
a_h_l[n ^_ n[nf foc, m-l elibereze pe Eden, poate
]bc[l m ijl_[m] _rj_lcg_hn_f_ ]o _jc^_gccf_. D[] f
g_hch_g f[ jon_l_, p[ m]bcg\[ _f [l[ h \ch_? No [l
VP - 188
deveni Anden tocmai catalizatorul sperat de Metias,
igof ^_mjl_ ][l_ pil\_[ h hin_f_ m[f_ ^_ dolh[f?
Ercmn hm i jli\f_g g[c g[l_, j_ ][l_ ho l_o_m]
^_fi] m i ^_mfo_m]. E cgjimc\cf ][, hnl-un fel sau
altul, Razor m ho nc_ ] Ah^_h ho _ oh ^c]n[nil,
[m_g_h_[ jl_]_^_hnofoc Ef_]nil. h ìh^, Razor are un
al[^ mo`c]c_hn ^_ h[fn h]n m `c [`f[n ^_mjl_
tpiholcf_ jlcpch^ h[nol[ l_\_f [ foc Ah^_h. Mc_ c
lui Day ne-[ mjom ] g_g\lcc Cihal_mofoc ho f
[al__[t j_ hiof ]ihô]nil< ^[l hc]ci^[n ho h_-a
mjom ][l_ _mn_ gincpof []_mn_c ijitccc.
D_ ]_ m pl_[ Razor m f o]c^ j_ nhlof Ef_]nil
care i-[l jon_[ [don[ j_ P[nlcic m chmncnoc_ i hio
R_jo\fc]? h gcdfi]of []_mnoc col_ ^_ ahôlc, i
c^__ lgh_ ]f[l. A]og nco ]o ]_lncno^ch_ ]oc c
mohn ^_pin[n. No f pic [don[ j_ Razor m f igi[l_
j_ Ef_]nil. D[l nl_\oc_ m-f [p_lnct_t j_ D[s, ][ m
ho ]ihncho_ ]o jf[hof P[nlcicfil. Ag h_pic_ ^_ oh
m_gh[f. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] [l _rcmn[ i ][f_ ^_ [
]igohc][l_, [nn[ pl_g_ ]n D[s olgl_n_
hl_acmnllcf_ ]o gch_ gjl_oh ]o ]_cf[fc P[nlcic.
No p[ nc ^_ ]_ c nl[hmgcn m_gh[fof, ^[l nin _ g[c
\ch_ ^_]n hcgc]. gc [jf_] joch ][jof, [jic lc^c]
gh[ j_ ][l_ [g ch_fof ^ch [al[`_ ^_ blnc_ jlcgcn ^_
f[ D[s c gc fcj_m] îo ^_a_n_ ^_ ngjf. E m_gh[fof
pe care l-[g [f_m [noh]c ]h^ [g ^_m]chm h V_a[m.
Stop.
VP - 189
12. DAY
M[c nltco, h []__[c m_[l, g h^l_jn mjl_ m[f[

jlch]cj[f c g [fnol ]_filf[fc ][ m [`fo ][l_ _
olgni[l_[ `[t [ gcmcohcc. Razor s-[ hnilm. Uh aloj
gc], ^_ j[nlo P[nlcic, ]ihncho m fo]l_t_ hnl-un
]if [f h]j_lcc. Dch ]n_ jin m gc ^[o m_[g[,
g[dilcn[n_[ mohn b[]e_lc. Ah[fct_[t ]og mohn gontate
g_a[ì[h_f_ j_ i ]f^cl_. Ag h]_jon m l_]ohim]
[hogcn_ `__. Uhof ^chnl_ b[]e_lc _ ]b_f c _ li\omn
][ oh n[h], ^_c j[l_ joch ][g m]oh^. Uh [fnof [l_ oh
h[m olc[, jf[m[n j_ i `[ haomn, hnl_ îc i]bc ][
hcn_ m_gcfohc. M[c _ c i `[n ]o oh i]bc fcjm.
Ajli[j_ ni[n fog_[ [l_ ]n_ i ]c][nlc]_. mi
]ih]_hnl_t [n_hc[ [mojl[ foc Razor, ][l_, [`f[n h
j[ln_[ ^ch `[ [ mfcc, m_ [^l_m_[t gofcgcc.
Scfo_n[ c m_ ^_]oj_[t j_ ìhôf fogchim [f _]l[h_fil
]o blcf_ fogcc ][l_ m_ [`f h mj[n_f_ foc. gc
hnch^ joch anof ][ m p^ ^[] ho l_o_m] m i
am_m] ]ogp[ j_ T_mm gc]hô-m_ jlchnl_ ]_cf[fc ^ch
][g_l. Vl_[o m i c[o ^_ij[ln_ c m h]_l] m gc
]_l m]ot_. Ch^, h m`lcn, i tl_m], p^ ] mn
gjl_oh ]o [fc g_^c]c [`f[c h jl_ancl_. hnl-o
gh ch_ hcn_ c_l\olc p_ltc; f_ _rjfc], jfch ^_
l\^[l_, ]_fil ^ch dol, ]og m f_ ìfim_[m]. S[o, ]_f
joch, [[ jl_mojoh. M binlm] m [gh m]ot_f_.
Pli\[\cf ], gig_hn[h, T_mm ho [l_ h_pic_ ^_ gch_.
Ghôf mn[ g hnlcmn_[t c gc chô]e un sentiment
ciudat de disconfort.
Day!
h ]_f_ ^ch olg, T_mm g-[ i\m_lp[n c _[. c
lmjoh^ l[jc^ ^h^ ^ch gh.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h pch_ f[ gch_. Ajic m]i[n_ ^ch
\otoh[l îo j[mncf_ c i lif gc] ^_ j[hm[g_hn
]ol[n. Mc f_ h^_[m j_ ni[n_ h j[fg_.
VP - 190
S [c alcd ^_ nch_ h m_[l[ [mn[, ^[? gc mjoh_
j_ h_lmo`f[n_, `crhô-g ]o i jlcpcl_ `_lg.
No m_ g[c mcgn_ hc]c olg ^ch n_hmcoh_[ ][l_ m_
chmn[f[m_ h[chn_ hnl_ hic.
nco ]og n_ ]igjilc ]h^ h]_jc m òh]cih_tc j_
[^l_h[fch. S ho `[]c ]ch_ tie ce nebunie.
T_mm gc ch^c] ^ch ][j ]_f_ îo j[mncf_ [f\[mnl_
din palma mea.
O m n_ h]ft_[m], ^[] m_ `[]_ jl_[ `lca [`[l.
T_mm m_ ji[ln [nn ^_ g[nol, h]n [l jon_[ m [c\
_[ alcd ^_ gch_ jin joh_ lg[a. An_hc[ _c gc
]ih`_l i m_ht[c_ ^_ ]fôl.
M_lmc, molci[l, c lmjoh^, plh^ ][îolcf_ _c
h \otoh[l_. H_c, pl_[o<
M ijl_n_ ]o i gh [_t[n j_ \l[of g_o. M
jlcp_n_ ][ hnin^_[oh[, ]o i]bcc g[lc, c[l _o h]_l]
oh m_hncg_hn [nn ^_ ghac_nil, h]n g nl_t_m]
ah^chô-g ] [l `c [[ ^_ \ch_ ^[] [l jon_[ m
g_[la c _[ ]o gch_.
No ]ihn_[t. Di[l< jligcn_-mi c-i m `cc jlo^_hn.
h ]co^[ [ nin ]__[ ]_ m-[ hngjf[n, g-a iertat
deja. Oare lucrurile pe care mi le-[ mjom h[chn_ f_-a
mjom [[, f[ h_lpc? O[l_ _ h] mojl[n j_ gch_? M
[jf_] c i mnlha m]oln h \l[_.
c jligcn. D[l c no m [c alcd ^_ nch_.
T_mm g mnlha_ ^_ gcdfi] h m_gh ^_ lmjohm, [jic,
h[chn_ m g[c [jo] m gc ]_l m]ot_, m_ ô]_ c m_
[fnol ^ch hio ]_filf[fc g_^c]c nch_lc.
Doj jf_][l_[ _c, gc gon c[l [n_hc[ [mojl[ foc
Razor. C[l_ [l[n mjl_ oh _]l[h ]_ ^còt_[t cg[achc
ho ì[ln_ ]f[l_ ]_ h`c_[t i mnl[^ [`f[n h
[jlijc_l_[ fchccfil ^_ ][f_ `_l[n_ j_mn_ ][l_ _o c
K[_^_ [g nl_]on g[c ^_pl_g_. Dic mif^[c nl[p_lm_[t
_]l[hof h j[m al\cn. Ao aof_l_f_ lc^c][n_ ][ m m_
jlin_d_t_ ^_ f[jipc. c ohof, c ]_ff[fn gif`c_
]n_ i _gj[h[^[ [\olch^, ][l_ gc f[m aol[ [j.
Mh][l_[ ^ch ]ihm_lp_ [ P[nlcicfil l_jl_tchn oh for,
VP - 191
dar, frate, ce n-[ ^[ j_hnlo i jf]chn `c_l\chn_ ]o
carne!
h jlcgof lh^, [ pl_[ m [mcaol j_ ni[n fog_[
] jf[holcf_ hi[mnl_ ^_]ola j_l`_]n, mjoh_ Razor.
Aa_hnof himnlo [ l_ocn m m_ hnfh_[m] ]o Ef_]nilof
c c-[ gjlncn `[fmof jf[h ^_ [m[mch[l_.
h]_l]oc_n_ ]o ^_a_nof i tih ^_ j_ _]l[h.
Ihcc[f, Ef_]nilof jfhocm_ m pctcn_t_ c S[h
Aha_fi, ][ m lc^c]_ gil[fof nloj_fil, ôj ][l_ olg[
m m_ h^l_jn_ h]i[]_, mjl_ L[g[l. h m]bcg\, []og m_
[o^_ ] p[ g_la_ f[ Pc_ll[. h fi]of altcfil
m_f_]n[n_ chcc[f, p[ `c hmicn ^_ ]cp[ ^chnl_
mif^[cc hinlc.
Razor g jlcp_n_ òacncp, [jic [l[n ]o gh[ mjl_
_]l[h c n[]_.
O [fn hl_acmnl[l_ i hfi]oc_n_ j_ []__[ h_]f[l,
cu scena liniilor de tren din Lamar. Acum vedem un
îlgcnil. Plcgof fo]lo j_ ][l_ f m_mct_t _ i mcfo_n
tp_fn, [`f[n j_ g[lach_[ j[nofoi, cu genunchii
lc^c][c f[ \l\c_. Joh_? C[g_l[ _ [[ ^_ `logi[m< Co
]_lncno^ch_, ho [l[n ][ i ]_fof ^_ h]bcmi[l_, c[l
j[nof j[l_ gi[f_ c [l_ g[c gofn_ lhôlc ^_ jnolc.
A `c ^[n ilc]_ m `c [pon [[ ]_p[ h L[e_.
Cch_p[ g jlch^_ ^_ \l[.
Salut! Ac]c _l[c, cmn_of_=
Lha gch_ _ P[m][i, ]o p_hc]of foc tg\_n f\l[n
j_ hnl_[a[ `[ c ]o i]bcc c[ ^_ oh alc ^_m]bcm,
][l_ ^_a[d _hnotc[mg.
S[fon= c lmjoh^, ^h^ ^ch ][j.
gc hnil] jlcpcl_[ c[l mjl_ _]l[h. Razor [ h]_jon
m jl_tchn_ alojofoc ^[n_f_ a_h_l[f_ jlcpch^
olgni[l_[ `[t [ jf[hofoc, ^[l P[m][i g nl[a_ c[l ^_
gh_].
To c ]o gch_ c ]o [fc ]cp[ ]igcmcih[lc i m
jf_]g j_mn_ pl_i îo il_.
O]bcc c m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ _]l[h, ôj ][l_ l_pch
asupra mea.
VP - 192
Am]ofn= Razor pl_[ ][ alojof g_o m jlcg_[m] i
jl_t_hn[l_ g[c ^_n[fc[n ^_]n ]_[ j_ ][l_ f_-o face
_f ]_filf[fc. P_ B[rn_l c j_ Jil^[h ni]g[c ]_ c-am
pus la curent.
Ajli[j_ ] ho f g[c [o^, `cch^] []og gc _ ]f[l ]
silueta de pe pat e June. Tr_\oc_ m `c_ _[ ôj
`_fof h ][l_-c [loh] jlof j_mn_ og_lc c
]_l]_n_[t ][g_l[. E g\l][n h hcn_ jcd[g[f_ ][l_
j[l ì[ln_ ]ihìln[\cf_, ^[l, ]o ni[n_ [mn_[, nl_gol
^_ j[l] h îlgcnil [l `c `lca. O[l_ h]j_l_[ [c[
_f_a[hn _ ]_fof[ _c? n minn_ gc l_pch ]opchn_f_ foc
Tess.
Ac ocn[n, D[s? Joh_ [ igiln-i j_ g[g[ n[.
P[m][i g nl[a_ c[l ^_ gh c g i\fca m f
jlcp_m], [jic g ]ihô]_ h mj[n_ alojofoc.
Am]ofn-g, D[s, gc ijn_n_ _f. h m_[l[ [mn[,
h L[g[l, i m mim_[m] oh nl[hmjiln. Cu trenul. Vor
`c p[ai[h_ hnl_ac ]o [lg_, _]bcj[g_hn_, gh][l_ c
ni[n_ ]_f_ h_]_m[l_ mif^[cfil ^_ j_ `lihn. O m g[c
`c_ c oh [hm[g\fo hnl_a ^_ _]bcj[g_hn_ ^_ f[\il[nil.
Nic i m òlg hcn_ jlipctcc c i m [loh]g h [_l
un vagon plin cu grenade. Amn[ _ gcmcoh_[ hi[mnl ^ch
seara asta.
A]og Joh_ pil\_n_ ]o a[l^c[hof ^_ fha o, ^[l
[\c[ ^[] l_o_m] m i [o^. Razor c-[ h]b_c[n
^cm]olmof c m-[ jlchm hnl-i ]ihp_lm[c_ ]o îc
P[nlcic [g\cc a_mnc]of_[t, ^ch ]h^ h ]h^,
hmjl_ _]l[h c ^_m_h_[t ]_p[ h j[fg.
C_ m_hm [l_ m [loh]g h [_l oh p[aih jfch ]o
al_h[^_? f hnl_\ j_ P[m][i.
Amn[ _ `[fm[ n_hn[ncp ^_ [m[mch[n. Ihcc[f,
Ef_]nilof nl_\oc[ m pch h L[g[l. Amn[ h[chn_ m
pil\_[m] Joh_ ]o _f. Mcmcoh_[ hi[mnl ^ch m_[l[ [mn[
ar nl_\oc m-f ]ihpcha, ^[] ho _ ^_d[ ]ihpchm, ]
June i-[ mjom [^_plof. Pfom ]-i m `c_ i i][tc_
_r]_f_hn m òlg ]n_p[ al_h[^_.
VP - 193
Bc[nof c `l_[] gchcf_ ]o h]hn[l_[ ohoc
maniac.
Mggg. Ncnliafc]_lch.
Ridic dintr-i mjlh]_[h.
Eo c [fc nl_c ]igcmcih[lc i m l_tifpg j[ln_[
cu trenul, dar avem nevoie de un comisionar special
][l_ m f_ ^cmnl[a [n_hc[ mif^[cfil c a[l^c_hcfil.
Cog [^c] mj_]c[f?
A^c], gc lmjoh^_ P[m][i ]o mo\h_f_m, mn[ _
motivul pentru care Razor s-[ ^_]cm m n_ l_]ruteze,
D[s. Amn[ _ jlcg[ hi[mnl i][tc_ m f_ [lng ]_fil
^ch R_jo\fc] ] nlc_nc. D_-asta te-[ jom K[_^_ m-
c ^[c dim pijm_[o[ ^ch jl. Ch^ m_ p[ [`f[ ]-ai fost
pton h L[g[l, [n[]h^ oh nl_h l_jo\fc][h, i[g_hcc i
s-i c[ l[th[. C_f_\lof nhl ^_fch]p_hn []cih_[t
bine-g_lmc, ]bc[l c ôj ]_ aop_lhof [ h]_l][n m-l
_r_]on_? D[] hc]c [mn[ h-i m [_ mjclcnof ^_
l_pifn [f i[g_hcfil, [noh]c hcgc] h-i p[ `[]_. mn[ _
m]ijof himnlo: m ]l_g b[im. Ch^ pig `[]_ [mn[,
jijof[c[ p[ chnl[ hnl-o asemeh_[ mn[l_ ^_ [acn[c_,
h]n i m-c îl_[m] l_pifoc[ g[c gofn ^_]n ilc]_
[fn]_p[. E [ngim`_l[ j_l`_]n j_hnlo [m[mch[l_[
Electorului.
Fl_h_tc[ foc P[m][i g `[]_ m tg\_m] oh jc]. S
fojn gjinlcp[ R_jo\fc]cc? P_hnlo [mn[ [g ìmn hm]on.
D-mi mai mofn_ ^_n[fcc, c mjoh, `]hô-i semn
m ]ihncho_.
P[m][i m_ [mcaol ] Razor ]ihncho m ^cm]on_
jf[hof ]o ]_cf[fc, [jic gc `[]_ ]o i]bcof.
E]bcj[ hi[mnl i m ^_]ojf_t_ p[aihof ]o al_h[^_
f[ ]cp[ ecfig_nlc ^cmn[h ^_ a[l ]h^ i m
ajungem noi a]ifi, ho pl_[o ][ f[ `[[ fi]ofoc m `c_
g[c gofn ^_ i gh ^_ mif^[c ][l_ m jt_[m] nl_hof.
Ac alcd hm= h gi^ hilg[f, j_ fha fchccf_ [mn_[
`_l[n_ ho mohn jl_[ gofn_ nloj_, ^[l, h m_[l[ [mn[, i
m `c_ [fn`_f. Doj ]_ [o [`f[n ^_mjl_ [p_lncmg_hnof
foc Joh_, ]o jlcpcl_ f[ `[fm[ n_hn[ncp ^_ [m[mch[n,
VP - 194
[onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc h_ ][on j_mn_ nin. Fcc ]o
ochii-h j[nlo ôj mif^[cc [ôc h jfom. Tl_\oc_ m
]ncac ncgjof ^_ ][l_ [p_g h_pic_. c [c alcd ][
a[l^c_hcc m n_ p[^.
h l_aof. O m [p_c timpul necesar.
gc h]lo]c_t \l[_f_ c [ln mjl_ _f.
S-gc mjoc î[l oh^_ nl_\oc_ m [doha.
P[m][i l^_ c g \[n_ ]o jon_l_ j_ mj[n_.
Glit[p. Enc, ^_ ^_j[ln_, ]_f g[c \oh ]igcmcih[l
^chnl_ hic nic. O m m][jc ^_ mif^[cc c[ `l
jli\f_g_. N_ l_hnfhcg j_mn_ îo il_, fha chnl[l_[
j_ oh^_ [c p_hcn. O m h_ ^cmnlg ^_ gchoh_, ^_]c^_
\c[nof c ji]h_n_ ^ch ^_a_n_. Ab, c ho-c ^[ [n_hc_
foc B[rn_l= E î[l mojl[n ] jlcg_nc oh nl[n[g_hn
mj_]c[f c ^ch j[ln_[ g_[, c ^ch j[ln_[ foc T_mm.
Imediat ôj jf_][l_[ foc P[m][i, gc hnil]
jlcpcl_[ mjl_ _]l[h c mno^c_t mcfo_n[ foc Joh_. P_
gmol ]_ hl_acmnl[l_[ m_ ^_lof_[t, jlch^ ^ch t\il
`lhnolc ^ch ^cm]oc[ j_ ][l_ Razor i ji[ln ]o
]_cf[fc P[nlcic.
< [nn ]n m [otcg ]_ m_ hngjf, mjoh_ Razor.
L-a dus unde trebuia.
Aj[l_ j_ _]l[h cg[ach_[ foc Joh_ ][l_ j[l_ ]
gic_, ]o a_hoh]bcc lc^c][c jh f[ \l\c_. D_ ^[n[
[mn[, hl_acmnl[l_[ ho [l_ c moh_n, ^[l ho mn[o m
gc \[n ][jof ]o nl_[\[ [mn[. Ajic p^ j_ ]ch_p[ ][l_
chnl h ]_fof[ _c. Uh \l\[n nhl, ]o jlof h_alo c
i j_f_lch h_[al, _f_a[hn. E Ef_]nilof. Ogof m_
[jf_[] c h]_j_ m-c mjoh ]_p[ foc Joh_, ^[l ho
ct\on_m] m gc ^[o m_[g[ ]_ [hog_. Ch^ m_ [jlijc_ ^_
_[, jlc_n_h[ g_[ m_ ]lcmj_[t. Scgn ]og gc m_ m]ola_
mha_f_ ^ch p_h_. Ti[n nlh]h_[f[ c [acn[c[ ^ch
dolof g_o m_ ^cmcj_[t. Ef_]nilof jlch^_ hnl_ ^_a_n_
\l\c[ foc Joh_ c c lc^c] `[[ ]nl_ [ foc. c
[^do^_] oh fo]lo ^_mjl_ ][l_ ]l_^_[g ] î[l gc_ gc
_ l_t_lp[n, c[l [mn[ gc chô]_, ^chnl-i^[n, oh
sentiment cijf_cnil ^_ jc_l^_l_. gc pch_ m olfo. Co
VP - 195
]i[^[ i]bcofoc p^ ]og Ef_]nilof i mlon j_ Joh_. Mc
m_ j[l_ ] ôl_[t i p_hc]c_. Plcp_m] \ocg[] ]og, h
m`lcn, ]_c îc m_ ^_mjlch^ ohof ^_ ]_ff[fn, c[l
Ef_]nilof c_m_ ^ch ][g_l, fmh^-i j_ `[n mchaol,
ab_gocn j_ j[n. L[ ]_ m_ ah^_n_, i[l_, []og? No g[c
jin m jlcp_m]. Sohn j_ joh]nof ^_ [ hni[l]_ mj[n_f_
ecranului pentru a-f olg[ j_ P[m][i, plh^ m jf_] ^ch
m[f[ [mn[ [afig_l[n c m f[m oh^_p[ h olg
lucrurile pe care le-[g pton.
Dar tocmai atun]c ]_p[ gc [nl[a_ [n_hc[. Rc^c]
i]bcc mjl_ _]l[h _r[]n f[ ncgj ][ m i p^ j_ Joh_
ô]h^ îo ^_a_n_ f[ ngjf. S_gh[fof himnlo.
E nl_]on ^_ gc_tof hijcc ]h^ _o, P[m][i c [fc
nl_c ]igcmcih[lc h_ jc]ng ]n_ i ôha h_[al j_mn_
i]bc, h_ g\l]g h uniformele negre ale celor de pe
`lihn c h_ nl[a_g _j]cf_ gcfcn[l_ j_ ][j. Ajic,
j_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n ^_ f[ mimcl_[ g_[ [c]c, c_cg ^ch
[m]ohtni[l_[ mo\n_l[h [ P[nlcicfil. Sif^[c nl_] j_
fha hic ^ch ]h^ h ]h^, ^[l, ôj ]_ h[chng g[c
gofn c nl_]_g ^_ fchccf_ ^_ ][f_ `_l[n, p_^_g c
nloj_ ]ig[m[n_. C_lof _ h ]ihncho[l_ ]igjf_n []ij_lcn
^_ hilc c, h fogch[ mf[\ [ fgjcfil ^_ j_ mnltc,
m_ p^ p[folcf_ ^c[`[h_ ^_ f[jipc ][l_ m_ l_p[lm
j_mn_ hic. P[p[dof _ [foh_]im ^ch ][ot[ \olhc_c c [
tj_tcc ][l_ m_ nij_n_, c[l [_lof gcli[m_ [ lh]_^, [
òg c [ go]_a[c. gc lc^c] g[c mom aof_lof n[l_ c
habcn oh[ ^ch j[mncf_f_ [f\[mnl_ ^_ f[ T_mm. A
jl_`_l[ m `co ^ch hio ]o _[, h g[b[falele umede ale
Los Angeles-ofoc. Pcjc \ig\[ ]o jl[` [m]ohm h
b[ch, p_lc`c]h^ ^[] _ h] om][n. S]_h[ ^chnl_
Joh_ c Ef_]nil gc m_ ^_mì[l f[ ch`chcn h gchn_.
Semnalul lui June era pentru mine. Care parte a
jf[hofoc ho pl_[ m i g[c _r_]on? Vl_[ m l_hoh f[
gcmcoh_[ P[nlcicfil c m òa? D[] ^_t_ln_t []og, ce
m_ p[ hngjf[ ]o _[? S_gh[fof ji[n_ m hm_gh_ oh
gcfcih ^_ fo]lolc. Pli\[\cf ]bc[l ] _[ m-[ ^_]cm m
lgh [fnolc ^_ [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc. h^_jln_t
VP - 196
ahôf mn[, òlcim. No, Joh_ ho [l `[]_ [[ ]_p[.
Nc]c g][l ^[] Ef_]nilof hmoc i ]oln_[t? Oare asta
ar determina-i m lgh?
gc [gchn_m] c ] hl_acmnl[l_[ ho [ [pon moh_n.
Toate celelalte pe care le-[g pton jh []og [o [pon
sunet foarte clar. Razor chiar a insistat ca volumul
m `c_ ^[n f[ g[rcgog. O[l_ P[nlcicc [o m]im j[ln_[
audio? mi ascund ceva?
P[m][i h_ mjoh_ m h_ ijlcg h \_th[ oh_c [f_c, ho
^_j[ln_ ^_ a[l.
Tl_hof mim_n_ h ]ch]cmjl_t_]_ gchon_, h_
]igohc] _f.
Rmo`f[l_[ c m_ nl[hmìlg h [\ol.
B[rn_l, Ilcm, pic îc p_hcc ]o gch_.
F[n[ j_ ][l_ i ]b_[g Ilcm h[fn c mojf, ]o
i]bcc hòh^[c h ][j, [f_[la ^_ ]ifi-colo
tg\_n_, h m]bcg\ B[rn_l m_ ocn oln f[ P[m][i c
mnlha_ ^ch ^chc. f cahil c h]_l] m ho g ah^_m]
f[ c^_cf_ j_ ][l_ pl_[ m c f_ pl_ h ][j foc T_mm
^_mjl_ gch_. P[m][i `[]_ m_gh ]o gh[ spre cel de-al
nl_cf_[ ]igcmcih[l, i `[n gc] ^_ mn[nol, ]o ]i^c_
gjf_ncn_ ^_ oh lio [lgco, ][l_ nin nl[a_ ]o ]i[^[
ochiului la mine.
Jil^[h, no i m h_ ch^c]c ][l_ _ p[aihof ][l_ h_
chn_l_m_[t.
F[n[ `[]_ oh a_mn [jli\[nil ]o gh[.
Apoi Pascao se ocn f[ gch_.
D[s, gc ijn_n_. To ncc ]_ [c ^_ `]on.
Do] îo ^_a_n_ f[ ]itili].
D[, molci[l.
Ih^c`_l_hn f[ ]_ m_ l_`_l Joh_, []og ho _ gig_hnof
m c f[m ^_ ct\_fcn_ j_ P[nlcic. T_mm m_ [`f nin
h \oh]l, c[l E^_h b[\[l h-[g oh^_ _. h hc]coh caz,
ho [g ^_ ah^ m c joh j_ [ghîc h j_lc]if.
S f_ ^[c ^_ fo]lo mif^[cfil, ^[? F-c m n_
ol[m]=
VP - 197
Asta-c mj_]c[fcn[n_[ g_[, lmjoh^ c `[] m_gh ]o
gh[ hmjl_ []ij_lcolcf_ h j[hn c tcôlcf_
jlachcn_ ][l_ m_ lc^c] ^_[mojl[ hi[mnl.
Pentru un comisionar, toate astea sunt ca un fel de
ni\ia[h_ olc[_, [foh_]i[m_ ^ch jlc]ch[ ab_cc ^_jom_.
c gofog_m] h ah^ foc T_mm mcgn i ]fôl h
pchnl_ ^_ f[ j[mncf[ [f\[mnl; [l_ _`_]nof ohoc
][mnlih ]o moj `c_l\chn_ hnl-i m_[l hab_[n.
Pascao gc tg\_n_ f[la.
Bch_ [noh]c. H[c m f_ `[]_g i[g_hcfil i \o]olc_.
c jlcp_m] j_ ]_cf[fc ]og m_ h^_jln_[t al\cc
h fohaof ch_fil ^_ nl_h, jlch j_l^_[o[ ^_ f[jipc.
Ajic g [^h]_m] c g[c n[l_ h \_th c mno^c_t
]f^clcf_. Ti[n_ mohn p_]bc c jfch_ ^_ aolc, i`_lch^
joh]n_ ^_ mjlcdch _r]_f_hn_. P_hnlo ][ _r_l]ccof m
`c_ c g[c ^cmnl[]ncp, ni[n_ [o alchtc g_n[fc]_
loachcn_ ][l_ m_ hnl_n[c_ j_ mojl[`[[ tcôlcfil.
En[d_f_ moj_lci[l_ [f_ ohil[ ^chnl_ ]ihmnlo]cc mohn
complet descoperite, expus_ ]_lofoc hijcc. Afn_
]f^clc [o []ij_lcolc h]fch[n_, [f]nocn_ ^ch caf_.
h ]co^[ mcno[c_c, ho jin m ho g \o]ol f[ ahôf [
]__[ ]_ p[ olg[. Cihmnlo]ccf_ [mn_[ mohn j[l[^cmof
unui comisionar.
O jilh_m] j_ mnl[^, hmjl_ a[l. h `[ mohn ]_f
joch îo aloj_ ^_ mif^[c. S_ ji[n_ ][, j_ j[ln_[
]_[f[fn, m g[c `c_ c [fn_f_, j_ ][l_ ho jin m f_
p^ ^_ [c]c. Uhcc ^chnl_ mif^[c mohn [fchc[c h
fohaof ch_fil ^_ nl_h c [n_[jn. Sn[o ]o joncf_
lc^c][n_. Dohacf_ h_al_ ^_ j_ i]bc fo]_m] o^_ h
ploac_. gc nl_] c _o gh[ j_mn_ ôha[ ^_ j_ `[.
Ajic gc h^_m g[c \ch_ [j][ gcfcn[l j_ ][j. S
h]_[j ^cmnl[]c[=
gc am_m] oh joh]n ^_ mjlcdch \oh j_hnlo jc]cil j_
oh j_l_n_ c g ][l mjl_ []ij_lc. D_ `c_][l_ ^[n
]h^ f hîc, a[g\[ gc m_ `l_[] de proteza
cgjf[hn[n h jc]cil. M_n[fof _ l_]_ ][ ab_[[, ]bc[l
c jlch _mnol[ j[hn[fihofoc. Cn_p[ m_]oh^_ g[c
VP - 198
nltco, mn[o h mj[n_f_ ohoc ]i ^_ òg j_ ][f_ m m_
hloc[m], f[ nl_c _n[d_ ^_[mojl[ mifofoc. D_ [c]c
p^, [[ ]og g-[g [n_jn[n, ] _rcmn c oh [fn
nl_cf_[ aloj ^_ mif^[c, ^_ ]_[f[fn j[ln_ [ alcc. M
h^l_jn mjl_ ][jnof ijom [f ]f^clcc, [jic h]_j m
m[l, `l taigin, ^_ j_ i ]ihmnlo]c_ j_ [fn[, jh
]h^ [doha j_ oh []ij_lc h]fch[n. A]og mohn
mo`c]c_hn ^_ [jli[j_ ][ m ^cmncha _rpresiile de pe
`__f_ mif^[cfil. B[a gh[ h b[ch, g [mcaol ]
\ig\[ ]o jl[` _ h] ^_mnof ^_ om][n, ôj ][l_ g
f[m j_ pch_ c [n_jn.
Tl_] ]n_p[ gchon_.
Ajic g lc^c], m]in \ig\[ c i [loh] ]n ^_ ^_j[ln_
^_ a[l jin.
Buuum! h m_]oh^[ h ][l_ [ [nchm jghnof, \ig\[ [
_rjfi^[n, lc^c]h^ oh hil ^_ jl[` olc[, ][l_ habcn_
chmn[hn[h_o ni[n tih[ c ]ihncho m m_ limniaif_[m]
h p[folc j_ mnltc. Ao^ mnlcan_f_ mif^[cfil ^ch
[jlijc_l_[ alcc. Uhof ^chnl_ _c olf:
A]ifi= Tl_c mnltc g[c h dim=
D[] ho tc]_[c no [mn[, hcg_hc ho c-ar fi dat
m_[g[= Uh aloj jf_[] ^_ fha a[l c aih_n_ mjl_
fi]of oh^_ hilof ^_ jl[` [ hpfocn mnltcf_.
M f[m m [foh_] j_ []ij_lc. Cn_p[ caf_ m_
^_mjlch^, nlcgch^ h [_l p[folc ^_ j[lnc]of_ gc]c ^_
ab_[, ^[l, ]o ni[n_ cj_tef_ c nlijc_fcf_ ^_
^_^_mo\n, hc]c g][l _o ho jlch^ hcgc] ^ch taiginof j_
][l_ f `[]. P_ []ij_lc [foh_] ][ j_ j[nchi[l. Cl_m]
pcn_t[. L[jipc[ g jf_mh_n_ j_mn_ i\l[dc g[c ]o
jon_l_. Ch^ [doha f[ g[lach_[ []ij_lcofoc, gc c[o
[phn c m[l. Vton ^_ dim jli\[\cf ] j[l i `[hnig.
Ancha ]o \i][h]cc []ij_lcof ]f^clcc [fnol[n_,
][l_ m_ [`f ]bc[l fha a[l. Sif^[cc lg[c []ifi
ho mohn ^_fi] [n_hc. S_ ocn h fohaof mnltcc, mjl_
hilof ^_ jl[`. F[] oh gc] m[fn f[ ][jnof ]_foc ê-al
îcf_[ []ij_lc, [jic g jlch^ ^_ oh `_fch[l mnl[^[f
c [foh_] j_ mnfjof []_mnoc[ jh dim. An_lct_t
VP - 199
l[jc^, ]o oh m]lh_n h\ocn, j_ j[p[dof []ij_lcn ]o
`cc ^_ ab_[.
Ulg[c-g= f_ mnlca mif^[cfil.
A]og g p^ c _c j_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n. Sohn on soldat
i[l_][l_, h ohcìlg h_[al, ]o ôha jc]n[n j_mn_
ochi.
A fost atacat unul dintre depozite. S-ar putea ca
P[nlcicc m `c m]im h m`lcn ][jof=
L_ `[] m_gh ]o gh[ [g\_fil alojolc lg[m_ j_ fi].
Ti[n fog_[= Ol^chof ]ig[h^[hnofoc= R_j_^_=
Ajic g lmo]_m] j_ ]f]c_ c i c[o f[ ai[h h
^cl_]c[ ijom.
Doj ]og g [n_jn[g, ]olh^ mohn olg[n ^_ moh_nof
\i][h]cfil gcfcnl_nc. h hc]coh ][t mif^[cc nc[
ho [l h^lthc m cahil_ il^chof ]ig[h^[hnofoc, ]bc[l
^[] [mn[ hm_[gh m c jlm_[m] n_gjil[l jimnof.
Uh_ilc ho jic m ho co\_nc ^cm]cjfch[ ^_ `c_l [
l_jo\fc][hcfil<
Cihnchoc m [f_la.
Ch^ c-[g ôm j_ mif^[c f[ j[nlo-]ch]c mnltc
^_jln[l_, ^ch]ifi ^_ hilof ^_ jl[` c ^_ g[c gofn_
^_jitcn_, i ]in_m] \lom], j_ oh ]ilcîl haomn.
h[chn_ ][ gcfcn[lcc m [j[l c _c ^_ ôj ]if, òa
^l_jn ]nl_ ohof ^chnl_ tcôlcf_ [f_cc. Ch^ mohn f[
]n_p[ t_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc h `[[ foc, m[l c g
gjcha ]o jc]ci[l_f_ h ]lgc^. Rc^c] gchcf_ c g
jlch^ ^_ \lof ^_ f[ jlcgof _n[d, ôj ][l_, hnl-o
`l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^, g nl[a h mom. Pc]ci[l_f_ gc
[n_lct_[t mn[\cf j_ g[lach_.
Ch^ mif^[cc hpf_m] c _c j_ [f__, _o g-am topit
^_d[ h hnoh_lc]of oh_c[ ^chnl_ `_l_mnl_f_ ^_ f[
_n[dof hnc. c [o^ j_ jlcgcc mif^[c ijlchô-se,
apoi prind exclam[ccf_ ocgcn_ [f_ ][g[l[tcfil fil.
A]og ilc hc]ci^[n, gc mjoh. Rc^c] gh[, gc m]in
[j][ ^_ j_ ][j c gc f[m jlof \fih^-^_m]bcm m gc
m_ l_p_lm_ j_ og_lc. Uhof ^chnl_ mif^[c lc^c] i]bcc
mo`c]c_hn ^_ l[jc^ h]n m g p[^ hch^ ][ i
VP - 200
ma_[n ^ch ][^lof `_l_mnl_c c ^cmjlh^, j_ \lof
jlcgofoc _n[d, ôj ]ifof ]f^clcc.
Ac pton? S_ [o^_ cjnof ohoc[ ]loc[ ]f[l ho-i
vine a-c ]l_^_ i]bcfil. f[ [ ìmn D[s?
h ncgj ]_ _o gc mnl_]il f[\_f_ jc]ci[l_fil h
mj[ccf_ ^chnl_ ]lgctcf_ p_]bc, ol]h^ f[ _n[dof [f
doilea, tonul vocilor de dedesubt trece de la
h_ôg_lcl_ f[ òlc_. Uhof c h^_[gh j_ ]_cf[fc m
g gjon_. Snlha ^ch ^chc c m[l f[ _n[dof [f
doilea.
Plcg_f_ afi[h_ lc]i_[t ^ch j_l_n_. Uhof fip_n_
tcôf f[ ]cp[ ]_hncg_nlc ^_ gh[ g_[. No g ijl_m],
]c g ][l jh f[ ofncgof _n[d c, hnl-i mchaol
gc][l_, g m[fn j_ []ij_lcof h j[hn. Afn_ m]hn_c
fip_m] ]lgctcf_ ^_ mo\ gch_. h ^_jln[l_ p^ a[l[:
[ mimcn nl_hof. E j_ dogn[n_ [m]ohm h [\olc. E ijlcn
c _ jtcn î[l ^_ ]cp[ mif^[c, ]i\ilc ^ch
vagoane.
Foa j_ []ij_lc c g f[m m [foh_] j_ ]_[f[fn
j[ln_, ôj ][l_ _r_]on oh [fn m[fn c t\il jh j_
olgnilof []ij_lc. D_^_mo\n, ohcc ^chnl_ mif^[cc [o
h]_jon m m_ al\_[m] h[jic, ]nl_ nl_h. Pi[n_ ]
[o h_f_m, h m`lcn, ] ninof [ ìmn i ^cp_lmcoh_.
gc ^_tfcj_m] i]bcc ^_ a[l [\c[ ]h^ m[l j_ oh [fn
[]ij_lc.
Sohn f[ îo mnltc ^cmn[h.
Ajic, i _rjfitc_. Uh hil hjl[mhc], ^_m]bcm f[
]ofi[l_, m_ lc^c] ^_ oh^_p[ ^chmjl_ ch_. Ph c
[]ij_lcof oh^_ mohn m_ ]onl_gol. Igj[]nof g `[]_ m
gc jc_l^ _]bcfc\lof c m ][^ h a_hoh]bc. Amn[ _
explozia de care mi-[ tcm P[m][i. O ]fcj, g ocn f[
infernul care s-[ ^_tfhocn c [h[fct_t mcno[c[.
Mofc mif^[c m_ pil ndrepta spre locul respectiv. E
periculos, d[l, ^[] nl_[\[ g_[ _ m `[] jo\fc] `[jnof
] h-[g golcn, [noh]c [ `[]_ \ch_ m g [mcaol ]
mohn pton ^_ ]n g[c gofn_ j_lmi[h_ jimc\cf. M lc^c]
^ch hio c i loj c g[c n[l_ f[ òa, h^_mhô-mi din
VP - 201
òa jlof mo\ [j]. Sif^[cc ^_ ^_^_mo\n m-au
gjlcn h îo alojolc ohof m_ h^l_[jn mjl_
_rjfitc_, ]_ff[fn ]ihncho m g ][on_.
D_i^[n g ijl_m]. Sif^[cc nl_] h ai[h j_ fha
]f^cl_[ j_ ][l_ g [`fo. Fl m g[c jc_l^ i m_]oh^,
g f[m m [foh_] j_ []ij_lc jh [doha [nlh[n ]o
gchcf_ ^_ g[lach_[ dab_[\ofoc. B[a plòf \i][h]ofoc
h j_l_n_. h] i ^[n. c h] i ^[n. Ajic m[l j_
j[p[d. Sif^[cc jli\[\cf ] ^_-[\c[ [o l_[fct[n ] g-
au pierdut, iar eu deja m-[g ]oòh^[n h hnoh_lc]of
^_ f[ mif. A]og [f_la h lcng ]ihmn[hn h fohaof
mnltcc, ][ ilc]_ [fn mif^[n, h ^cl_]c[ nl_hofoc.
L[jipc[ m-[ h^_mcn. Ff]lcf_ ^_ ôj _rjfitc_
cfogch_[t ]_lof hijcc, c[l _o mohn mo`c]c_hn ^_
[jli[j_ ^_ nl_h ][ m [o^ mnlcan_ c nlijcnof
\i][h]cfil. O[l_ P[m][i c ]_cf[fc [o m]j[n n_`_lc?
Gl\_m] j[mof. Afc mif^[c jlch^ ]ihnol, ^_m]chth^
^ch p[fof ^_ f[jipc c g [fnol fil j_ h_i\m_lp[n_.
Af_lag gjl_oh h fohaof nl_hofoc. Tic [f_[la mjl_
locul incendiului.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n? mnlca oh j[thc] f[ oh [fnof.
No nco [g [otcn ] i m]hn_c_ a detonat
h]l]nol[.
Igjimc\cf= V[ai[h_f_ mohn ni[n_ []ij_lcn_<
Cch_p[ m c[ f_anol[ ]o ]ig[h^[hnof DeSoto. E
gh[ P[nlcicfil f[ gcdfi]. Tlcgcn_-c-c pil\
Ef_]nilofoc. Ao<
c ]ihncho m pil\_[m], ^[l _o ho g[c [o^.
h]_nch_m] jh ]h^ [doha f[ ][jnof ^cpctc_c, [jic
g mnl_]il h mj[cof mnlgn ^chnl_ îo p[ai[h_. Tic
mif^[cc j_ ][l_ c p^ m_ h^l_[jn ]nl_ ch]_h^co.
Afcc m_ [`f h tih[ oh^_ [g ^_nih[n \ig\[ ]o jl[`,
iar cei care m-[o ]on[n mohn jli\[\cf c []og ]igjf_n
h_ôg_lcc c m]ini]_m] mnltcf_ j_ ][l_ [g [f_la[n.
An_jn jh ]h^ mohn ]ihpchm ] ho g[c _ hcg_hc jlch
jl_[dg. Ajic g mnl_]il ^chnl_ p[ai[h_ c i c[o f[
ai[h h fohaof ]cc `_l[n_ j_ j[ln_[ ijom j_ ][l_ m_
VP - 202
[`f[o mif^[cc. gc f[m ^ch hio jlof fc\_l. A]og ho
mai tl_\oc_ ^_]n m [f_a gig_hnof jinlcpcn ][ m-mi
`[] gl_[[ chnl[l_ h m]_h.
P_ `c_][l_ ^chnl_ p[ai[h_f_ j_ fha ][l_ nl_] mohn
hcn_ chm]lcjcc gc]o_. Cl\oh_. Alg_ gihcnilct[n_.
Mohcc_. Mh][l_. Sohn n_hn[n m g ijl_m] f[ []_mn[
^ch olg, j_hnlo ] o parte din mine nu a uitat cum a
ìmn pc[[ h L[e_. gc mjoh ] []og ho g[c ][on bl[h
j_ mnltc c ] P[nlcicc [o i ]g[l \olôcn ]o
gh][l_ h ][lnc_lof a_h_l[f. M ìl_t m gc
]ihnchoc ^logof. Afn_ chm]lcjcc. Afn_ jlipctcc j_hnlo
front.
Apoi nl_] j_ fha oh mcg\if ][l_ g i\fca m g
ijl_m]. Scgn `cilc h \l[_ c jc]ci[l_. Af_la l[jc^
h[jic ][ m-f g[c p^ i ^[n, m ho ]ogp[ m gc m_ `c
jlon.
Nu. Uite-f= Gl[p[n h g_n[f. E oh m_gh j_ ][l_ f-[
l_]ohi[n_ ilcoh^_.
X-of \[l[n. Ghôlcf_ gc m_ [g_mn_]. V^ mcg\ifof
jc]n[n ]o pijm_[ lic_, ][ i l[h j_ o[ g[g_c g_f_.
Ajic j[nlof_f_ [hnc_jc^_gc]_ ][l_ chnl ^ch ][m h
][m h m_]nilof L[e_. P_ E^_h fo[n j_ mom. E
cgjimc\cf ][ mcg\ifof mn[ m hm_gh_ [fn]_p[ ^_]n ]
h nl_h m_ [`f `l[n_f_ g_o m[o ]_p[ ][l_ [l_ f_anol
]o _f. Olc]_ fo]lo f_a[n ^_ jf[hof P[nlcicfil gc
t\i[l ^ch gchn_. E jimc\cf ][ E^_h m `c_ [c]c.
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] ocf_ afcm[hn_ [f_ p[aihofoc mohn
h]oc[n_, [[ ] `[] ]cp[ j[c h mj[n_ c gc c[o
[phn. Ch^ [doha moficient de aproape, sar, fac trei
j[c l[jctc j_ j_l_n_f_ p[aihofoc, g jlch^ ]o gchcf_
^_ g[lach_[ ^_ mom c g m[fn ^_[mojl[ foc.
h gcdfi]of []ij_lcofoc m_ [`f oh ]b_j_ha g_n[fc]
]cl]of[l, ][l_ jli\[\cf ] _mn_ ìfimcn j_hnlo [ m_
jnloh^_ h chn_lcil. M nlm] j_ \oln ]nl_ _f c-i
jcjc ]o ^_a_n_f_ ]ihnolof. Gm_m] j[nlo h]oc_nilc.
h]_l] ]o ^cmj_l[l_ m f_ ^_m`[]. Sif^[cc m_ jin
hni[l]_ h ilc]_ m_]oh^. gjcha ]o ni[n jon_l_[ h
VP - 203
]b_j_ha, jh ]h^ m_ ^_m]bc^_ joch, ^_mnof ]n m
m[l hohnlu.
An_lct_t ]o i \o`hcnol hòh^[n. E [nn ^_
hnoh_lc] h]n, f[ h]_jon, ho p^ hcgc]. hnch^
gchcf_ c [ncha ]__[ ]_ gc m_ j[l_ [ `c i mojl[`[
]cl]of[l ^ch mnc]f. h]_nof ]o h]_nof, h]_j m
hnl_tl_m] fo]lolcf_ ][l_ g h]ihdi[l.
Sn[o h `[[ ohoc ]cfch^lo ^ch mnc]f, ][l_ _
[jli[j_ f[ `_f ^_ h[fn c ^_ f[la ][ p[aihof.
Ccfch^lof [l_ ]n_ oh ][j[] ^ch g_n[f h_n_^ h j[ln_[
^_ mom c f[ \[t. Egcn_ i fogch mf[\, [f\[mnl.
hohnlo, j_ ji^_[, m_ [`f i mcfo_n gc]o. Dchnl-
ohof ^chnl_ \l[_ c c_m hcn_ no\olc. gc ^[o m_[g[
chmn[hn[h_o ] _ oh \c__f. Al_ jlof m]oln c ]ol[n,
i g[l_ ^_ ihôf_olc gic. E g\l][n hnl-i m[fij_n
[f\, ][l_ f `[]_ m c[m h _pc^_h j_ ìhôf
hnoh_lc]ofoc ^ch p[aih.
Btcnof ì[ln_ mihil ][l_-gc lmoh h ol_]bc g
gjc_^c] m [o^ ilc]_ [fn]_p[. E E^_h. E Eden. El
nl_\oc_ m `c_. Ag ^[n fipcnol[ hc]c ho gc pch_ m
]l_^ ]_ \[`n [g. Flcilof g_o _ ]bc[l [c]c, f-am
amcn h gcdfi]of jomnc_ncc, h h_]ojlchmof
n_lcnilcofoc R_jo\fc]cc, c [mn[ ^[nilcn ohei
_rnl[il^ch[l_ ]ich]c^_h_. Pin m f m[fp_t. Pon_g m
òacg h Cifihcc g[c ^_pl_g_ ^_]n [ `c ]l_ton. Pon_g
m òacg h hi[jn_[ [mn[.
D[o òa[ f[ ]cfch^lo c h]_j m \[n ]o joghof h
mnc]f, mj_lh^, `l jl_[ g[l_ h]l_^_l_, ] m_ p[
sparge. Realizez hm ] g[n_lc[fof [l_ i alimcg_ ^_
]_f joch nl_ct_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc c ], [jli[j_ mcaol,
_ \fch^[n. O ]fcj, ho-gc ^[o m_[g[ ^[] \c[nof
^chohnlo [o^_ taiginof. Ajic p^ ninoc ] ^_m]bc^_
jf_i[j_f_. O]bcc c [f_[la h ni[n_ jlcf_. Plcpcl_[
c _ ]co^[n, h_ì][fct[n. Ajic, h]_[l] m m_
concentreze asupra mea.
gc nl_\oc_ ]n_p[ gchon_ \oh_ ][ m h_f_a ]
\c[nof ^ch `[[ g_[ ho _ E^_h.
VP - 204
Scgn aomnof [g[l [f ^_t[gaclcc. Cijcfof _ [[ ^_
gc]o c [nn ^_ [jlijc[n ][ plmn ^_ `l[n_f_ g_o,
h]n ho jin m ho g f[m ]ijf_cn ^_ cg[ach_[ `__c
foc E^_h. M[c _rcmn c [fcc ][l_ [o ìmn g[l][c ][
[ph^ nofjch[ [mn[ h_i\chocn ^_ pclom? D[, hilg[f ]
g[c _rcmn. D_ ]_ m `c_ E^_h mchaolof ^ch [l?
O pl_g_, _o c \c[nof lgh_g [[, `[ h `[.
Cre^ ] joncof g p_^_ c ninoc ho ct\on_n_ m c
ì][fct_t_ jlcpcl_[ [mojl[ g_[; nin mnlha_ ^ch
jf_i[j_ hnl-oh `_f ][l_ gc [gchn_n_ ^_ gcijc[ foc
Tess. Eden. M ah^_m] f[ ]og c mha_l[o clcmolcf_
^ch jlc]ch[ \ifcc< Jo^_]h^ ôj giôf h ][l_ \c[nul
mn[ m_ bif\_[t f[ gch_, gc _ fcgj_^_ ] _ [jli[j_
il\. Scgjnig j_ ][l_ f [l_ jli\[\cf c `l[n_f_ g_o.
Blom], joncof c_m_ ^ch nl[hm c m_ nln_ mjl_
gch_ ]n ^_ l_j_^_ ji[n_. c fcj_n_ [ghîo gchcf_
^_ mnc]f. Al_ i]bcc ^_ oh ]jloc j[f, ^[l opac. Nu-i
[]_f h_alo h`lc]inil j_ ][l_ f [p_[o i]bcc foc
E^_h ]h^ f-[g pton ofncg[ i[l. hm j[ln_[
ch`_lci[l [ clcmolcfil \c[nofoc _ ^_ oh gip h]bcm.
Dch ][ot[ mha_foc. O[l_ [mn[ hm_[gh ] _f c
Eden, de asemenea m_ pch^_], ^_]c ] mhgele se
l_nl[a_ m[o, ^ch ]ihnl, ] mha_f_ c chp[^_[t
i]bcc? Ufncg[ ^[n ]h^ f-[g pton, Eden avea ochii
]igjf_n h_][c h mha_.
Cine-c []ifi? hnl_[\ joncof.
Snc]f[ `[]_ ][ pi]_[ m c moh_ hòh^[n. Cbc[l c
^_ f[ ^cmn[h[ [mn[ [nn ^_ gc], nin ho l_o_n_ m
c `cr_t_ jlcpcl_[ [mojl[ g_[.
Revin la realitate.
Uh jlc_n_h, c lmjoh^ laocn. O m n_ m]in ^_-
aici.
Ch^ [o^_ [mn[, ^_m]bc^_ i]bcc f[la; j_ `_ci[l,
c h`fil_n_ chmn[hn[h_o mj_l[h[. Mchcf_ gc
[f_[la j_ mnc]f, ]onh^ ]_p[, ilc]_, ^_ oh^_ m jin
^_m]bc^_ ]cfch^lof mn[ h_hili]cn.
VP - 205
Cog òh]cih_[t ]b_mnc[ [mn[? E mcaol m-o
deschid?
Bc[nof \[n_ ^cmj_l[n ]o joghcc h mnc]f. E
halitcn.
Adon-g, n_ lia= mnlca, ]o i pi]_ nl_golh^.
Scoate-g ^_-aici. Te rog, scoate-g ^_-aici!
Mc m_ loj_ mo`f_nof ]h^ f [o^. A[ i `c c E^_h,
h`lc]i[n c il\, [n_jnhô-g hnl-un vagon
hnoh_][n m f m[fp_t? Tl_\oc_ m-l scot de-aici pe
\c[nof mn[. M fcj_m] ^_ ]cfch^lo.
Tl_\oc_ m-c jmnl_tc ][fgof, joncof_. Bch_? No
chnl[ h j[hc]. Cog n_ ]b_[g? Dch ]_ il[ _ `[gcfc[
ta?
P_ `[[ ]ijcfofoc [o h]_jon m m_ limniaif_[m]
lacrimi.
Nog_f_ g_o _ S[g V[n[h]bc, c[l `[gcfc[ g_[ _ h
H_f_h[, Mihn[h[, mjoh_ \c[nof c m]onol ^ch ][j
_h_lac]. Ac g_c ho nco oh^_ mohn. Pic m f_ mjoc ]
pl_[o m g hnil] [][m? Pic m<
Nu, nu pot. Nu-m \oh ^_ hcgc]. gc pch_ m mj[la ]o
joghcc j_l_cc g_n[fc]c [c p[aihofoc.
O m `[] nin ]_-i m jin. Cog m_ ^_m]bc^_
]cfch^lof mn[? f hnl_\ c[l. No _ hc]coh j_lc]if
^[] f ^_m]bc^?
Cijcfof gc `[]_ m_gh_ ^cmj_l[n_ mjl_ j[ln_[ ijom [
cilindrului. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] m_ ]bchoc_n_ ^ch
lmjon_lc m c h`lha n_[g[.
Bch_, \ch_= mjoh_, [jic m_ ijl_n_ joch,
h]_l]h^ m m_ ]ih]_hnl_t_. , ho _ hc]coh j_lc]if.
Cl_^. h j[ln_[ [c[ _ oh [j[l[n oh^_ ei introduc un
]i^, ]_p[. Ao^ moh_n_f_ n[mn_fil c [jic no\of m_
deschide.
Alerg spre locul pe care mi-f [l[n. Mc m_ j[l_ gc_
sau chiar se aude un zgomot slab de bocanci pe pavaj?
E oh mic ^_ _]l[h ^_ mnc]f, c ]igohc].
VP - 206
P_ ni[n mojl[`[[ _]l[hofoc m]lc_ ]o fcn_l_ licc
NCUIAT. M hnil] mjl_ \c[n c ]ci]h_m] h mnc]f.
c hni[l]_ jlcpcl_[ h ^cl_]c[ moh_nofoc.
Ercmn pl_i j[lif? Cog i n[mn_[t?
No nco=
Bc[nof lc^c] \l[_f_ h [_l; ]opchn_f_ c m_ h_[]
hnl-oh bibin ^_ jfhm.
Te rog, î[l<
La naiba= gc [gchn_n_ [[ ^_ gofn ^_ E^_h< Ch^ c
p^ f[]lcgcf_, gc m_ og_t_m] c gc_ i]bcc.
H[c^_, chmcmn, mnlôchô-g m ho m_ mcgn ]
af[mof gc nl_gol.
Tl_\oc_ m gc jmnl_t ]ihnlifof.
Gh^_n_-n_. M[c _rcmn pl_i jimc\cfcn[n_[ m
des]bc^ ]b_mnc[ [mn[? h [`[l[ n[mn_fil?
Bc[nof ]f[nch ^ch ][j.
No nco= No nco=
gc h]bcjoc ^_d[ ]_ [l tc]_ E^_h, ^[] [l `c h
fi]of []_mnoc jonc. Mc-[l ^[ hcn_ ^_n[fcc n_bhc]_,
ca un mic inginer ce este. Mi-ar zice ceva de genul:
E j_-acolo vreo mo]bc_ [m]ocn? h]_[l] m am_nc
oh ^cmjitcncp g[ho[f ^_ ^_\fi][l_=
Aôh-n_= gc m]in ]ocnof j_ ][l_ f jiln nin
ncgjof f[ ]_hnol. L-[g pton j_ E^_h ^_gihnh^ nin
`_fof ^_ ]b_mncc c l_]ih`caolh^ ]cl]ocn_f_ c
l_]ih_]nh^ ][\folcf_. Pi[n_ ] [l nl_\oc m h]_l] m
`[] []_f[c fo]lo.
gjcha f[g[ h `[hn[ gchom]of ^_ mo\ g[lach_[
_]l[hofoc c, ]o alcd, gjcha joch. Ch^ ]ihmn[n ]
ho m_ hngjf hcgc], gjcha g[c ]o jon_l_, jh ]h^
f[g[ m_ hî[c_. Amn[ ho g [don ]o hcgc].
E jl_[ mnlgn, bolborosesc singur.
C_ \ch_ _l[ ^[] c Joh_ m-ar fi aflat aici, cu
gch_= E[ jli\[\cf ] c-[l ^[ m_[g[ hnl-i `l[]coh_
^_ m_]oh^ ]og òh]cih_[t ]b_mnc[ [mn[. c _o, c
\c[nof lgh_g n]oc j_hnlo i ]fcj. Ajic joncof
VP - 207
f[m \l\c[ h jc_jn c h]bc^_ i]bcc; nc_ ] ho
_rcmn hc]ci [fn ][f_ ^_ [ ^_m]bc^_ ]cfch^lof.
Tl_\oc_ m-f m[fp_t. Tl_\oc_ m-l salvez pe Eden!
gc pch_ m olfo.
No gc m_ j[l_. Cbc[l m_ [o^ hcn_ mif^[c ][l_ m_
[jlijc_. Pli\[\cf ] p_lc`c] p[ai[h_f_.
S[g, pil\_n_ ]o gch_, c mjoh ]ijcfofoc. Enc
h] \ifh[p? C_-c `[] nc[?
Ef c n_la_ h[mof. Logch[ mj_l[h_c [ h]_jon ^_d[
m c m_ mncha j_ ]bcj.
Cch_ _nc no?
Cch_p[ ][l_ pl_[ m n_ [don_, c ijn_m]. Co ]n
gc mjoc g[c gofn_, ]o [nn gc p[ `c g[c oil m
rezolv problema asta.
No g[c mohn \ifh[p, gc lmjoh^_ S[g al\cn, ][ c
]h^ [l nc ] ho g[c [p_g gofn ncgj f[ ^cmjitcc_,
^[l [o tcm ] [g ]_p[ h mha_. c mjoh pclom
f[n_hn.
F[]_ i j[ot ^_ ah^cl_.
gc ^[o g_^c][g_hn_ ][ m ho g g\ifhp_m] ^ch
nou.
Se `l_[] f[ i]bcc foc ][l_ ho p^ hcgc],
cgjfilhô-g, `l ]opchn_, m f m[fp_t.
D_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ m_ ijl_n_ nl_hof, gc c[o
]n_ i jli\ ^_ mha_.
ncc ]ogp[ jlch ]_ il[_ [c nl_]on?
No< Ag [otcn i ^[n hog_f_ Bcmg[l]e<
S[g ho h]b_c_ jlijitcc[, ]th^ ^ch hio j_
ahôlc.
c Y[henih<?
Ag\_f_ mohn il[_ ^ch D[ein[, ^ch [jlijc_l_[
`lihnofoc. M ah^_m] f[ gi^[fcn[n_[ j_ ][l_ [o [f_m-o
][ m f nl[hmjiln_. Pli\[\cf ] ]cfch^lof g_hch_ oh
g_^co mn_lcf. Ih^cpctcc chnl, c[o i jli\ ^_ mha_,
iar mha_f_ _ [jic [g_mn_][n ]o ]_p[ ]_ []ncp_[t
virusul latent. S-ar putea ca tuburile pe care Sam le
[l_ h \l[_ m `c_ ìfimcn_ î[l ][ m f blh_[m].
VP - 208
C_f g[c jli\[\cf _mn_ ìfimcn j_ jimn ^_ [lg
\cifiac] gjinlcp[ Cifihccfil. L[ ahôf ] `l[n_f_
meu e purtat de colo-]ifi, h `_fof mn[, mcgn ] g
sufoc.
ncc oh^_ n_ ô] ^_ [c]c? f hnl_\ j_ S[g.
No. Eo< pl_[o î[l m g_la [][m=
Uh^_p[ j_ `lihn. No jin ^_]n m gc h]bcjoc ]c
[fc i[g_hc mohn jfcg\[c [[, ^_-a lungul frontului.
Mi-l cg[ach_t j_ E^_h mnlhm ab_g, hnl-unul dintre
nl_holcf_ [mn_[. Bc[nof [ h]_jon ^ch hio m jfha,
^[l g mcf_m] m f hnl_loj.
Am]ofn-g= Ac [otcn ^_ oh \c[n j_ ][l_-f ]b_[g
E^_h? Ac g[c [otcn j_ oh^_p[ jig_hcn hog_f_ mn[?
S[g jfha_ c g[c [\cncr.
No< No nco< Cch_<
No jin m g[c mn[o. Cogp[ ct\on_m] m gc c[o i]bcc
^_ f[ ]ijcf c òa f[ ocf_ afcm[hn_ [f_ p[aihofoc.
P[cc mif^[cfil m_ [o^ c g[c n[l_ nu pot fi la o
^cmn[h g[c g[l_ ^_ ]ch]c-[m_ p[ai[h_ ^_ gch_. Aloh]
i ofncg jlcpcl_ mjle Sam.
gc j[l_ lo. Tl_\oc_ m jf_].
Scgn ] gil limnch^ ]opchn_f_ [mn_[.
Poncof h]_j_ c[l m bibin_[m] c m \[n ]o
joghcc h mnc]f[ ali[m [ ]cfch^lofoc.
Nu!
Vi]_[ c m_ h_[].
i-[g mjom nin ]_ nco. T_ lia, ho g fm[ [c]c=
No g[c l_tcmn m f [o^. M ìl_t m lc^c] jc]cilof
j_ tpilof f[n_l[f [f oh_c[ ^chnl_ oc, [mn`_f h]n
g lc^c] c g [jlijcc mo`c]c_hn ^_ gofn ^_ jf[ìhof
p[aihofoc ][ m g jlch^ ]o gchcf_ ^_ g[lach_[
]b_j_haofoc ]cl]of[l. M m[fn f[ fi] h [_lof hijcc,
mo\ f[jipc[ ][l_ gc h_[j i]bcc c g jf_mh_n_ ]o
[]_ ^_ ab_[ j_mn_ `[. M ]bchoc_m] m gc l_am_m]
][fgof. gc _ [[ ^_ loch_ ^_ gch_ hmogc< Bc[nof [
h]_l][n m g [don_ ]o nin ]_ [ jonon, c[l _o [[ f
lmjfn_m]? Foach^, ][ m gc m[fp_t pc[[?
VP - 209
Sif^[cc ][l_ chmj_]n_[t p[ai[h_f_ mohn f[ pl_i
]ch]cmjl_t_]_ g_nlc ^cmn[h. h]bc^ ]b_j_haof c g
nlm] j_ \oln j_ []ij_lcof p[aihofoc, jh ]h^
[doha f[ g[lach_[ foc. M [loh] c [n_lct_t j_ jghn.
P[m][i [j[l_ ^ch \_th. O]bcc foc alc-deschis
sclipesc h hnoh_lc]. Pli\[\cf ] g ]on[.
D_ ]_ g[g[ h[c\cc _nc [c]c? gc ijn_n_. Tl_\oc[
m `[]c nl\ic []ifi, fha fi]of _rjfitc_c, ho?
Unde-ai fost?
No [g mn[l_[ h_]_m[l j_hnlo [-c lmjoh^_ `logim.
No []og= g lmn_m] f[ _f.
h]_j_g m [f_lag. E gig_hnof m h_ hni[l]_g h
mo\n_l[h. Tinof m_ ^_lof_[t l[jc^ h dolof himnlo,
hpfocn hnl-i ]_[ mojl_[l_[fcmn.
P[m][i ^_m]bc^_ aol[ m g[c [^[oa_ ]_p[, ^[l,
pthô-gc _rjl_mc[, _tcn, ôj ][l_ ^_]c^_ m i f[m_
\[fn.
<, h]_j_ _f ^ch hio, ^_ ^[n[ [mn[ ]o g[c joch
aplomb, ei, te-ai descurcat destul de bine. Probabil
] ^_d[ m-[ ôm pil\[ ] _nc h pc[, ]bc[l c `l
m n_ g[c ^[c h mj_]n[]if. c ]og [c [f_la[n j_
[]ij_lcolc [ ìmn _rnl[il^ch[l. O m p_^_g gch_
dimih_[ ]og p[ l_[]cih[ jijof[c[ f[ `[jnof ] c-
[c `]on [j[lcc[ [c]c.
Vth^ ] ho-c lmjoh^, P[m][i c go] \ot[ c ho
g[c [^[oa hcgc].
No [g ^_ [f_m. Tl_\oc_ m [n_jn jh ]h^ Razor
ô]_ f[ h^_jfchcl_ jf[hof ]o [m[mch[nof. A\c[ ôj
[]__[ g pil [don[ P[nlcicc m f m[fp_t j_ E^_h.
Scgn ]og ]l_n_ h gch_ oh p[f ^_ òlc_ gjinlcp[
nhlofoc Ef_]nil. T_ olm]. T_ olm] ^ch nin
mo`f_nof c dol m \[a oh afih h nch_ ]o jlcg[
i][tc[. P_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n, ^_ ]h^ g-[g [fnol[n
P[nlcicfil, gc ^[o m_[g[ ] c^__[ [m[mch[nofoc g
\o]ol. Vic `[]_ ninof ][ m g [mcaol ] [onilcncf_
R_jo\fc]cc ho m_ pil g[c [ncha_ hc]ci^[n ^_ `l[n_f_
meu.
VP - 210
h b[imof a_h_l[f jlipi][n ^_ ch]_h^co c h
blgf[c[ jliôm ^_ mif^[c, h_ mnl_]olg hmjl_
j[ln_[ ijom [ il[ofoc c h_ jc_l^_g ^ch hio h
noapte.
VP - 211
13. JUNE
M[c mohn g[c joch ^_ îo tcf_ lh f[ [^_pl[n[

n_hn[ncp ^_ asasinat asupra Electorului. Treizeci de
il_ h ][l_ m ijl_m] jf[hof P[nlcicfil.
Si[l_f_ ni]g[c [ [jom ]h^ Ef_]nilof, gjl_oh ]o
ase m_h[nilc c ]_f joch j[nlo j[nlof_ (j[nlot_]c c
ijn ^_ mif^[c) ol] h nl_hof ][l_ jilh_n_ mjl_
il[of Pc_ll[, ^_ j_ `lihn. Sohn c _o ]o _c. E jlcg[
^[n ]h^ ]fnil_m] h ][fcn[n_ ^_ j[m[a_l c ho ^_
jlctihc_l, [[ ], h m_[l[ [mn[, mohn g\l][n ]o
]if[hc ]fôlic, ^_ c[lh, ]ctg_ ^ch jc_f_ gi[f_
(`l ni]olc m[o plòlc g_n[fc]_, ][l_ [l jon_[ mfodc
^l_jn [lg_) c i j_f_lch ^ch fh ali[m, ]o afoa,
hnl-i ho[h ^_ lio h]bcm, \li^[n ]o [lachnco. No
g[c [g ]no_ f[ gchc. Ah^_h m-a asigol[n ] jlcg_m]
c ghoc (^ch jc_f_ gi[f_, h_[al ]o lio), [mn`_f
], j_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n ^_ ]h^ [g [dohm f[ D_hp_l,
^_a_n_f_ g_f_ ho g[c mohn hab_[n_. Plof gc-l port
][ hnin^_[oh[: ]ol[n, jc_jnh[n j_ mj[n_ c jlchm
hnl-i ]i[^ mnlhm. c ninoc, n ciuda tuturor
[]_mnil `[]cfcnc, mcgn i ]fôl ]co^[n h ][j, c[l
go]bcc g îl. Ti[n_ `_fch[l_f_ ^_ j_ j_lihof alcc
mohn mnchm_ c, h [`[l[ mocn_c Ef_]nilofoc, ho _ hc]c
cj_hc_ ^_ ig. N_ ol]g h nl_h hnl-i fchcn_ nin[f.
D_]ctc[ \lom] [ foc Anden de a-c ^_pc[ ^logof ^_ f[
Lamar la Pierra este probabil un lucru cu care
majoritatea senatorilor nu este la curent.
P[thc]cc g ]ihô] h jlijlcof g_o p[aih ohof [nn
^_ forim, h]n gc ^[o m_[g[ ] g [`fo [c]c hog[c
j_hnlo ] Ah^_h [ chmcmn[n. Vagonul are o lungime
ô\f `[ ^_ ]_f_ mn[h^[l^ (c i mojl[`[ ^_
[jlircg[ncp 275 ^_ g_nlc jnl[c, ]o [m_ j_l^_f_ ^ch
][nc`_[ c ighcjl_t_hnof jilnl_n [f foc Ah^_h, [nlh[n
j_ j_l_n_f_ ^ch ^l_[jn[). G[l^c_hcc g ]ihô] jh f[
VP - 212
masa din centru de sub cal_ gc nl[a oh m][oh j_hnlo
gch_. M mcgn ]co^[n ^_ ^_n[[n ^_ nin ]__[ ce se
hngjf h dolof g_o, ][ c ]h^ hcgc] ^ch ni[n_
astea nu ar fi cu-[^_pl[n l_[f_. c ninoc g [`fo
_r[]n []ifi oh^_ gc _l[ fi]of. Sohn i `[n \ia[n,
^ch _fcn[ l_jo\fc][h.
D[] [p_c h_pic_ ^_ ]_p[, [hoh[c-h_, gc mjoh_
ohof ^chnl_ mif^[c.
A^l_m[l_[ c _ jifcnc]i[m, ^[l ]lcmj[l_[ `__c c
nl^_[t h_lpitcn[n_[ j_ ][l_ i mcgn_ h jl_[dg[ g_[.
No m_ g[c [o^_ hc]coh `_f ^_ moh_n ]o _r]_jc[
huruitului discret al trenului j_ ch_. Epcn m c
jlcp_m] `c j_ mif^[c, ^[l, ]o ]i[^[ i]bcofoc, c
olgl_m] ]o [n_hc_. O[l_ h nl_hof mn[ m_ [`f pl_oh
l_\_f ]_ nl_]_ ^l_jn gcfcn[l l_jo\fc][h? c ^[] ^[,
\hoc_m] _c ] ho f_ g[c mohn fic[f?
An_jng ]o nicc hnl-i n]_l_ al_[. A h]_jon ^ch
hio m hcha, c[l tj[^[ m_ [ôh f[ ]ifolcf_
`_l_mnl_c. Snc]f[ _ ^_]il[n ]o \o]f_ ^_ ]bc]col [f\
care-mi amintesc de funeraliile lui Metias, de rochia
g_[ [f\ c ^_ ]imnogof [f\, _f_a[hn, [f foc Tbig[m,
^_ ]lchcc [f\c c ^_ ]ipi[l_f_ [lbe.
Tl_hof jlch^_ pcn_t. M [jf_] mjl_ `_l_[mnl jh
]h^ i\l[tof [jli[j_ ] gc m_ fcj_n_ ^_ a_[gof l_]_.
Ulgl_m] h n]_l_ ]og h_ [jlijc_g ^_ Filnc`c][c_,
tcôf h`lc]inil ][l_ h]ihdi[l D_hp_lof. Cbc[l c
jlch hnoh_lc], p^ noh_folcf_ ^_ nl_h mj[n_ h
[]_mn_[; oh_f_ mohn `_l_][n_, ]o jilc g_n[fc]_
g[mcp_, h pl_g_ ]_ [fn_f_ lgh ^_m]bcm_ ][ m
j_lgcn nl_]_l_[ a[lhcnolcfil ^_ g[l`[ hi]nolh_.
Tl_hof himnlo jnloh^_ t^loh]chhô-m_ hnl-unul
^chnl_ noh_folc. Pl_mojoh ] a[lhcnolcf_ ][l_ jlm_mc
][jcn[f[ ho nl_\oc_ m m_ ijl_[m] j_hnlo chmj_]cc,
g[c [f_m ]h^ [o jlcgcn [jli\[l_[ Ef_]nilofoc. Lmh^
h olg tcôf _hilg, p^ [jlijcchô-se, din sens opus,
oh [fn nl_h ][l_ h]_nch_n_ j_hnlo [ m_ jl_anc ^_
chmj_]c[ ^_ f[ joh]nof ^_ ]ihnlif.
VP - 213
Ne cihnchog ^logof, nijchô-h_ h hi[jn_. Zalc_-
hilcc gh][c ^_ jfi[c_ ^ch m_]ni[l_f_-g[b[f[ nl_] h
pcn_t jlch ^l_jnof `_l_mnl_fil, gjl_oh ]o ^_ []og
`[gcfc[l[ cg[ach_ [ `_fofoc h ][l_ i[g_hcc nlc_m] h
j_lc`_lccf_ ol\[h_. Sohn gofn jl_[ i\imcn ][ m mai
\[a h m_[g detaliile. Mintea mea reia ceea ce mi-a
mjom Ah^_h m_[l[ nl_]on, fo]lo ][l_ g ]ihô]_ c[l f[
p_hc][ jli\f_g: ]og m f [p_lnct_t j_ Ah^_h c, h
[]_f[c ncgj, m ho f joh h j_lc]if j_ D[s. D[] c
^_tpfoc jf[hof ^_ [m[mch[l_ foc Ah^_h jl_[ ]olh^,
P[nlcicc c pil ^[ m_[g[ ] c-[g nl^[n. Tl_\oc_ m
ah^_m] nic j[cc [mn`_f h]n ilc]_ ^_pc_l_ ^_ f[
jf[hof fil m m_ jliô] `cr h[chn_[ n_hn[ncp_c ^_
[m[mch[n, [noh]c ]h^ pic jon_[ m f ]ihn[]n_t ]o
oolch j_ D[s.
A pl_[ m jin m c mjoh foc Ah^_h [^_plof []og.
S c mjoh ninof c m n_lgch ]o ]b_mnc[ [mn[. D[] h-
[l `c ìmn D[s, [mn[ [ `c `]on-i. D[] h-ar fi fost
D[s, gofn_ [fn_ fo]lolc [l `c ìmn ^c`_lcn_. M
ah^_m] f[ ]ig[lolcf_ j_ ][l_ f_-[g [pon h ofncg[
pl_g_, ahôf ][l_ g \hnoc_ ] Razor f p[ gjo][
h jc_jn j_ D[s. Scgn j_ ^_a_n al_on[n_[ ch_fofoc ^ch
[al[`_ ^_ blnc_. Do] c[l îo ^_a_n_ f[ `lohn_. D[]
D[s ho [ jlchm jlcgof g_o m_gh[f, mj_l ] f p_^_ j_
mn[. P_hnlo a[l^c_hc, mn[ ho _ oh a_mn c_cn ^ch
cigoh; j[l_ ] h]_l] m g i^cbh_m], mjlcdchchô-mi
][jof. V[aihof m_ f_[ah c m_ [jf_[] hnl-o parte,
c[l j_ gch_ g c[ ]o [g__[f. Pi[n_ ] l]_[f[ [mn[
][l_ [ h]_jon m g jlch^ [mn[ ^[] _, hnl-
[^_pl, i l]_[f c ho ]_p[ g[c m_lcim h]_j_ m-mi
[`_]n_t_ ah^cl_[. Tinoc ho mifc]cn h] î]nilc m[o
g_^c][g_hn_. M_^c][g_hn_f_ chbc\ [^_pl[nof mcmn_g
cgohcn[l, [[ ] _o jl_`_l m fojn ]o \i[f[ jlch
mijloace proprii (pe vremuri, spre exasperarea lui
Metias).
D_ ]_ g ah^_m] [nn ^_ gofn f[ M_tias?
VP - 214
Vi]_[ clcn[n [ ohoc \l\[n gc ^cmnl[a_ [n_hc[ ^_
f[ ahôlcf_ g_f_ ln]cni[l_. hnil] jlcpcl_[ ^chmjl_
`_l_[mnl h[jic, mjl_ chn_lcilof p[aihofoc. S_ j[l_
] _ oh \l\[n g[c h plmn. gc h^l_jn mj[n_f_ h
m][oh c jlch a_gof_of occ p[aihofoc g_o, p^
apropiindu-m_ îc ch^cpctc. Uhof _mn_ \l\[nof j_ ][l_
tocmai l-am auzit, un tip scund, bondoc, cu barba
h]lohcn c h_halcdcn c ]o oh h[m gc], \il]h[n.
C_ff[fn _ Ah^_h. M ]bchoc_m] m [o^ ]_ mjoh ]_c îc
f[ h]_jon, ho ^cmncha ^_]n elemente disparate din
]ihp_lm[c[ fil, ^[l, j_ gmol ]_ m_ [jlijc_,
cuvintele le devin mai clare.
Dighof_ Ef_]nil, p lia< V mjoh [mn[ j_hnlo
\ch_f_ ôgh_[pi[mnl. A]n_f_ ^_ l_\_fcoh_ nl_\oc_ m
`c_ j_^_jmcn_ ^l[mnc]. D[] ho l_[]cih[c ]og i ]_l_
sino[c[, ho p[ `c ^_]n i ]b_mncoh_ ^_ ncgj jh ]h^
ninof m_ p[ nl[hmìlg[ hnl-i l_pifoc_.
Ah^_h f [m]ofn l\^nil j_ ch^cpc^, mnh^, ]o
gchcf_ f[ mj[n_ c ][jof joch [jf_][n mjl_ _f.
V gofog_m] j_hnlo alcd, îghof_ m_h[nil K[gcih,
dar sunt hotln. A]_mn[ ho _mn_ gig_hnof m lmjoh^_g
h ìl f[ [acn[c[ jliôm h Lim Aha_f_m.
L[ [otof []_mnil pil\_, ]cof_m] ol_]bcf_. Bl\[nof
g[c h plmn c ^_m]bc^_ f[la \l[_f_ hnl-un gest
][l_ _rjlcg clcn[l_[.
Poh_c-i pe oameni la punct! E nevoie s `[]_c
[mn[ ]bc[l []og, îghof_ Ef_]nil. S [ln[c ]
mohn_c binln.
Ah^_h m]onol ^ch ][j.
Asta i-[l hnln[ c g[c gofn, îghof_ m_h[nil.
S ìfim_m] ìl[, []_mn fo]lo ]ihô]h^ f[ ^_]_m_,
h[chn_ m [g i][tc[ ^_ [ `[]_ ]ohim]on_ ni[n_
m]bcg\lcle la care m-[g ah^cn?= No= No pic ^[ oh
[mn`_f ^_ il^ch. Amn[ _ pich[ g_[.
S_h[nilof c `l_[] \[l\[ h_lpim, [jic joh_ i gh
pe cotul lui Anden.
VP - 215
O[g_hcc mohn ^_d[ jilhcc gjinlcp[ ôgh_[pi[mnl,
c[l []_[mn [ncno^ch_ chôfa_hn f_ p[ jl_[ i îp[^
^_ mf\c]coh_ nu doar din punct de vedere extern, ci
c chn_lh. C_c ^ch A^gchcmnl[c[ Er[g_h_fil ^ch Lim
Aha_f_m m_ jfha ^_d[ ^_ fcjm[ hi[mnl ^_ l_[]c_
protestele i-[o i\fca[n m [hof_t_ jli\_f_ ^ch g[c
multe zile.
Ah^_h mnlha_ ^ch ^chc, [mn`_f ] aol[ c ][jn i
_rjl_mc_ binln.
Cl_^ ] ncc ]_ jl_l_ [g _o ^_mjl_ Er[g_h_,
domnule senator.
nco, c lmjoh^_ \nlhof jim[]. Amn[ _ i
^cm]oc_ ^_ joln[n ]o [fn i][tc_. D[l ^[] ho ^[c
il^ch_f_ ][l_ m h_ j_lgcn m joh_g ][jn
rebeliunilor, jin m p a[l[hn_t ] [nn S_h[nof, ]n
c j[nlof_f_ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m pil h[chn[ jfha_lc
vehemente.
Ah^_h m_ ijl_n_ c lc^c] f[ _f ^ch mjlh]_[h.
Cbc[l [[? gc j[l_ lo. Eo [p_[g cgjl_mc[ ]
S_h[nof c [lg[n[ hi[mnl nco _r[]n ]n al_on[n_ [o
cuvintele mele.
S_h[nilof c n_la_ nl[hmjcl[c[ ^_ j_ `lohn_.
Pc, `cl_n_< Scaol ] S_h[nof p[ l_mj_]n[
îlch_f_ ôgh_[pi[mnl, îghof_, _o [g plon î[l m
mjoh< M lia<
Adon[c-g m-c ]ihpcha j_ ]_cf[fc m_h[nilc ]
acesta nu este momentul potrivit m h_ hjomncg [mojl[
poporului.
Ah^_h m_ ijl_n_ c m_ hni[l]_ ]o `[[ ]nl_
]_ff[fn \l\[n, johhô-c i gh j_ ogl.
Dighof_ m_h[nil, ho îl_m] m-gc `[] ôg[hc h
Cihal_m. Vl_[o ][ l_mnof ^_f_a[cfil, ]if_acc
ôgh_[pi[mnl, c Coln_[ N[cih[f m-mi respecte
^_]ctccf_, [[ ]og f_-[o l_mj_]n[n j_ ]_f_ [f_ n[nfoc
g_o. Fifimcl_[ ìl_c f_n[f_ j_hnlo [-i opri pe
jlin_mn[n[lc ho p[ `[]_ ^_]n m [fcg_hn_t_ c g[c
gofn ol[ jijilofoc `[ ^_ Sn[n.
VP - 216
D[l, îghof_<
Ah^_h m_ ijl_n_ h `[[ occ p[aihofoc geu.
Vig ]ihncho[ []_[mn ^cm]oc_ g[c nltco. Sohn
obosit.
D_c pi]_[ foc m_ [o^_ hòh^[n ^ch jlc]ch[ ocfil
dintre noi, simt asprimea tonului.
S_h[nilof \if\ilim_n_ ]_p[ c c jf_[] `lohn_[.
Ch^ Ah^_h h]fch ][jof, igof m_ lmo]_n_ c jf_[]
al\cn. Thlof Ef_]nil f olgl_n_, [jic ^_m]bc^_
o[ p[aihofoc g_o. G[l^c_hcc f m[fon.
N_ m[fong, f[ lhôf himnlo, ^ch ][j.
Joh_, [g p_hcn m-c ]igohc] n_lg_hcc _fc\_llcc
tale.
Ef_]nilof gc m_ [^l_m_[t ]o i jifcn__ ^cmn[hn,
probabil un ecou al dim]oc_c af[]c[f_ joln[n_ ]o
m_h[nilof. Slonof ^_ [m_[l j[l_ []og i b[fo]ch[c_.
Cbc[l c [[, `[jnof ] f p^ gc chô]_ oh mnl[hco
m_hncg_hn ^_ ]ihìln c g moljlch^ l_f[rhô-g h
m][oh ][ c ]h^ g-[ [`f[ h ]igj[hc[ ohoc p_]bc
prieten.
Azi-noapn_ [g [`f[n ] [ [pon fi] oh [n[] h
L[g[l. Uh nl_h [ ìmn ^cmnlom hnl-o explozie. Era cel
h ][l_ nl_\oc[ m g [`fo. No m_ nc_ ]ch_ mohn
[onilcc, c[l [n[][nilcc ho [o ìmn jlchc, ^[l
jl_mojoh_g ] [ ìmn pil\[ ^_ P[nlcic. Ap_g _]bcj_
][l_ c ][on ]biar acum acolo.
M \o]ol ] p-am fost de folos, domnule Elector,
c lmjoh^.
Mchcf_ gc m_ h]f_n_[t h ji[f c mcgn ^ch hio
pifojnoi[m[ gifc]coh_ [ ghocfil j_ ][l_ f_ jiln. E,
i[l_, h il^ch_ `[jnof ] _o g mcgn h mcaol[h h
acest vagon destinan _fcn_c l_jo\fc][h_ h ncgj ]_ D[s
òa_ c m_ [m]oh^_ ]o P[nlcicc?
Dighci[l Ij[lcm, ^[]-c g[c [ô]c [gchn_ ^_
[fn_ ^_n[fcc, n_ lia m hc f_ ]igohc]c. T_-[c hnilm
[]og h mhof R_jo\fc]cc; _nc oh[ ^_-[ hi[mnl c c
^[o ]ophnof ] ho [c ^_ ]_ m n_ n_gc. O^[n ]_ pig
VP - 217
[doha_ f[ Pc_ll[, ][tc_lof c p[ `c n_lm. M pic
i]oj[ j_lmih[f m-c l_jlcg_nc al[ôf ^_chon
h[chn_, [mn[ ^_c p_c `c l_j[lnct[n hnl-i [fn
j[nlof.
Ah^_h c ô]_ i gh f[ aol c c ^l_a_ af[mof.
Te-am recomandat pentru i _]bcj ^ch D_hp_l.
c gofog_m], c ijn_m].
Niof Ef_]nil chnl ^cl_]n h ][j][h[ hnchm ^_
P[nlcic.
Uhcc m_h[nilc ]ihmc^_l ] [g ìmn jl_[ a_h_lic
]o nch_, hm ni[n fog_[ _ ^_ []il^ ] _nc ]_[ g[c
g[l_ mj_l[h [ hi[mnl ^_ [-c amc j_ fc^_rii
P[nlcicfil.
Ah^_h m_ nl[a_ g[c [jli[j_ c m_ [[t h `[[ g_[.
Sohn ]ihpchm ] pil h]_l][ m fip_[m] ^ch hio c
pl_[o ] no m-gc ]ihô]c i[g_hcc h []cohcf_
viitoare de interceptare.
Sohn_c gofn jl_[ \oh, îghof_ Ef_]nil. Sohn
ihil[n, c lmjoh^, h]fchhô-gc ][jof h m_gh ^_
l_]ohinch. D[] ho p ^_l[hd_[t ] p hnl_\, p[
`c []bcn[n c ]ch_f_ g_o?
Ah^_h ]bc]in_n_ m]oln.
Cch_f_ no m_ [`f h ][jcn[f oh^_ _ \ch_
halcdcn; p[ `c []ifi ]h^ n_ p_c hni[l]_.
M ocn h i]bcc foc c c momch jlcpcl_[ ]n_p[
m_]oh^_. Pojcf_f_ c m_ ^cf[n, c[l i\l[dcc c m_
g\odil_[t oil.
h_f_a ^_ ]_ m_h[nilcc mohn h_gofogcc ^_
[ncno^ch_[ n[ chôfa_hn, tc], `ch[fg_hn_. D[l _
[^_pl[n ] hcg_hc ho ji[n_ m n_ jt_[m] g[c \ch_
^_]n gch_.
Am n_pic_ ^_ oh gchon h ][l_ m `co mchaol ]o _f.
hm nl_\oc_ m g[c _rcmn_ c oh [fn gincp j_hnlo
][l_ _nc [nn ^_ [g[\cf ]o gch_. No-c [[?
Ah^_h habcn_ h m_] c lc^c] jlcpcl_[ mjl_
jlijlcof jilnl_n. Eo gc h^l_jn i]bcc mjl_ a[l^c_hcc
^_ fha ocf_ p[aihofoc. C[ c ]h^ [l nc ]_
VP - 218
ah^_m], nhlof Ef_]nil f_ `[]_ oh m_gh ^ch gh,
ôj ][l_ [l[n c mjl_ ][g_l_f_ ^_ mojl[p_ab_l_.
Sif^[cc jf_[] c, i ]fcj g[c nltco, fogchc_f_
licc, chn_lgcn_hn_, [f_ ][g_l_fil m_ mncha. E j_hnlo
jlcg[ ^[n ]h^ hcg_hc ho h_ jlcp_n_. Sohn_g
realmente singuri.
A^_plof _, ]ihncho Ah^_h, ] [c ^_p_hcn ì[ln_
jijof[l. c ^[c m_[g[ ]n ^_ jlimn p[ `c jlcpcn
R_jo\fc][ ^[] m_ [`f ] [onilcncf_ f-au condamnat
j_hnlo nl^[l_ j_ ]_f g[c g[l_ a_hco [f lcc m[o ]
l-[o l_nlial[^[n j_hnlo fcjm ^_ ]l_^ch `[ ^_
j[nlc_. c _o< Ph c Cihal_mof nc_ [mn[.
gc hîc c gc l_nl[a gchcf_ h ji[f.
To c S_h[nof n[nfoc no òh]cih[c ôj l_aofc
gil[f_ i[l_]og ^c`_lcn_, ]ig_hn_t, g_^cnh^ f[
]ihp_lm[c[ ^chnl_ Ah^_h c m_h[nilof K[gcih, j_ ][l_
am auzit-i ]o î[l ]n_p[ gchon_ h[chn_. S[o, ]_f
joch, [[ [g h_f_m.
Ah^_h ]f[nch ^ch ][j c tg\_n_ ]o [gl]coh_.
Amn[ ][ m h_ _rjlcgg ^_fc][n.
No nc[g ] Er[g_h_f_ c mohn [nn ^_
dezagreabile.
Electilof h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j. No j[l_ moljlchm ^_
`[jnof ] c-[g [otcn ^cm]oc[ ]o m_h[nilof.
Er[g_h_f_ l_jl_tchn i g_ni^ ^_jcn ^_ [-i
m_f_]cih[ j_ ]_c g[c \ohc, j_ ]_c g[c mnlfo]cc.
E ]co^[n m [o^ []_mn_ ]opchn_ ]bc[l ^ch aol[
Electorului.
De c_ chmcmn [nn ^_ gofn m_h[nilcc m f_
g_hch? C[l_ _ chn_l_mof fil h ni[n nl_[\[ [mn[?
Ah^_h lc^c] ^ch og_lc.
E i jip_mn_ foha. Anoh]c ]h^ [o ìmn chnliôm_
^_ R_jo\fc] _l[o< i[l_]og ^c`_lcn_.
M [jf_] h `[. No [g [otcn hc]ci^[n pl_i cmnilc_
jlcpcni[l_ ^_ f[ [l[ g_[ ][l_ m ho `c ìmn ]_htol[n
jlch chn_lg_^cof ]ifcc m[o [f mcmn_gofoc ^_ chìlg[l_
jo\fc]. I[l []og Ef_]nilof hmoc gc p[ mjoh_ oh[.
VP - 219
n ce sens erau diferite?
T[nf g_o _l[< ì[ln_ ][lcmg[nc].
Tihof foc Ah^_h ^_hin oh mic ^_ jlo^_h.
Rmjohmof _ mnl[hco.
Sohn ]ihpchm ] c [p_[ jlijlccf_ g_ni^_ ^_
]ihpcha_l_, l_jfc], [n_hn m jmnl_t nihof h_onlo.
Ah^_h mn jc]cil j_mn_ jc]cil; m_ f[m j_ mjn[lof
scaunului.
D_n_mn []_mn fo]lo h ][l_ m-a transformat
R_jo\fc][, gc mjoh_, limnch^ f_hn `c_][l_ ]ophn,
[^h]cn h ahôlc. D[l ho jin m momch ] ho h_f_a
^_ ]_ nl_\olcf_ mn[o [[. T[n[ [ [pon gincp_f_ foc
j_hnlo ][l_ [ `]on ]_ [ `]on.
M h]lohn. Sohn h_ôg_lcn. Di[l ]_ f [otcm_g
jf_^h^ j_hnlo [ ho m_ chn_lp_hc gjinlcp[
protestatarilor, nu?
C_ pl_c m mjoc?
Ah^_h ^_m]bc^_ c h]bc^_ aol[ ][ c ]h^ [l h]_l][
m am_[m] ]opchn_f_ jinlcpcn_.
h[chn_ ][ n[n[ m ^_pch Ef_]nil, Er[g_h_f_ _l[o
voluntare.
Ch^ g [o^_ nlah^ [_l h jc_jn ^_ moljlct, `[]_
o paut.
Ajli[j_ hcg_hc ho nc_ [mn[ s-[ hngjf[n ]o
gofn ncgj h olg.
Ch^p[, Er[g_h_f_ [o ìmn pifohn[l_. Ihìlg[c[ [mn[
_ ]igjf_n hio j_hnlo gch_.
D_ ]_ [ m]bcg\[n fo]lolcf_? g chn_l_m_t.
i-[g tcm, _ i jip_mn_ foha. C_c g[c gofc i[g_hc
nu vor nc hc]ci^[n ][l_ _ [^_plof ]o jlcpcl_ f[
ìlg[l_[ R_jo\fc]cc, [mn[ ^ch gincp_ hn_g_c[n_.
Thlof Ef_]nil c nl_]_ gh[ jlch jlof ihôf[n,
[jic c mjlcdch ]inof ^_ j_lp[tof `_l_mnl_c.
Vl_c m ncc ]og [ ìmn?
Amn[ ^[ hnl_\[l_ l_nilc]< n cuvintele lui Anden
m_ mcgn_ mchaoln[n_[. No g-[g g[c ah^cn f[ [mn[, ^[l
[]og gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ jimc\cf ][ _o m `co oh[
VP - 220
^chnl_ joch_f_ j_lmi[h_ ]o ][l_ igof mn[ [ pil\cn
mch]_l. M [jf_], ^[o [jli\[nil ^ch ][j c [n_jn m
continue.
Republica s-a filg[n h gcdfi]of ]_f_c g[c
groaznice crize din America de Nord de fapt, din
fog_, h]_j_ _f. Ihoh^[ccf_ ^cmnlom_m_l Ci[mn[ ^_
Emn [ Ag_lc]cc c gcfci[h_ ^_ i[g_hc ^ch []_[ j[ln_ [o
^[n hp[f h p_mn. Sn[n_f_ hi[mnl_ ho jon_[o jlcgc oh
astfel de aflux ^_ jijof[c_. No _rcmn[o fi]olc ^_
goh]. Nc]c gh][l_ c hc]c [^jimnolc. [l[ hnl_[a
i fo[m_ l[th[ ^ch ][ot[ `lc]cc c [ j[hc]cc ][l_ c
]ojlchm_m_l j_ nic. R_pifn_f_ m]j[m_l ]igjf_n ^_
mo\ ]ihnlif. Plin_mn[n[lcc c m]in_[o ]o ìl[ ^ch
g[chc j_ mif^[c, j_ jifccnc, j_ ]_c ^ch ìl_f_ ^_
g_hch_l_ [ j]cc c c \n_[o jh c igil[o m[o f_
^^_[o ì]. Ti[n_ g[a[tch_f_ _l[o d_òcn_, ni[n_
pcnlch_f_ _l[o `]on_ h^lc.
Ah^_h nl[a_ [^h] [_l h jc_jn.
Gop_lhof `_^_l[f [ h]_l][n ^ch lmjon_lc m
g_hch il^ch_[, ^[l ^_t[mnl_f_ ][l_ m_ mo]]_^[o
`]_[o ][ _ìlnolcf_ m `c_ h p[h. No g[c _rcmn[o
\[hc j_hnlo a_mncih[l_[ nonolil ]lct_fil. [l[ _l[ h
anarhie.
O j_lci[^ h ][l_ R_jo\fc][ ho c jon_[ ]ihnlif[
jijof[c[? Igjimc\cf< mi e foarte dificif m gc
h]bcjoc [[ ]_p[. Amn[ jh ]h^ gc ^[o m_[g[ ]
Ah^_h m_ l_`_l jli\[\cf f[ aop_lhof p_]bcfil Sn[n_
Unite.
Ajic jon_l_[ [ ìmn jl_fo[n ^_ jlcgof Ef_]nil.
El[ oh nhl i`c_l ^ch [lg[n, î[l ]o ]cp[ [hc g[c
g[l_ ^_]n mohn _o []og, oh ig mo`c]c_hn ^_ [g\ccim
h]n m ]nca_ mjlcdchof nloj_fil h_gofogcn_ ^ch
p_mn. A jli]f[g[n ch^_j_h^_h[ R_jo\fc]cc, ][ [l
m_j[l[n, ^_mjlchm ^_ Uhcoh_, c [ ^_]l_n[n f_a_[
g[lc[f h p_mn. Sif^[cc _l[o fc\_lc m nl[a h
jijof[c_, c[l _c, ôj ]_-c ptom_l ][g[l[tcc
nilnol[c c o]cc j_ mnltc, [o jli`cn[n ^ch jfch ^_
VP - 221
[p[hn[d_f_ i`_lcn_ ^_ jli[mjn[ fil [m]_hmcoh_ f[
jon_l_. Scno[c[ m-[ nl[hmìlg[n h ]_p[ ^_ a_hof hic
gjinlcp[ fil, [lg[n[ ]ihnl[ jijilofoc.
Ah^_h f[m i]bcc h dim, mjl_ j[hni`ci lui
mnlfo]cnilc, ][ c ]h^ [l `c \lom] ]ojlchm ^_
loch_.
Mofc i[g_hc [o ìmn igilc h[chn_ ][ mif^[cc
m ]nca_ ]ihnlifof [mojl[ R_jo\fc]cc.
No jin m ho g hnl_\ ]_ jl_l_ [l `c [pon M_nc[m
^_mjl_ ni[n_ [mn_[. S[o jlchcc g_c. Al `c ìmn ^_
[]il^? Al `c ìl[n fo]lolcf_ h `_fof mn[, ][ m
hfnol_ b[imof c m chmn[ol_t_ il^ch_[?
c Cifihccf_? Ao jli`cn[n c _f_ ^_ mcno[c[ [mn[?
h j_lci[^[ l_mj_]ncp, h dogn[n_[ _mnc] [
Ag_lc]cc ^_ Nil^ _l[ c g[c ali[thc] ^_]n [c]c.
Jogn[n_ ^ch n_lcnilcof fil m_ [`f[ mo\ [j_. Ch^
jlcgof Ef_]nil [f R_jo\fc]cc [ h]bcm al[hc_f_,
oamenii de acolo n-[o g[c [pon oh^_ m m_ ô]. A[ ]
ne-[o ^_]f[l[n lt\ic.
Ah^_h m_ h^l_[jn ^_ mj[n_.
Doj ni[n_ [mn_[, Ef_]nilof [ dol[n m ho g[c f[m_
hc]ci^[n R_jo\fc][ m m_ jl\o_[m], [[ ],
gjl_oh ]o S_h[nof, [ []il^[n [lg[n_c oh al[^ ^_
jon_l_ h_g[cpton jh [noh]c. Pon_l_ j_ ][l_ [lg[n[
]ihncho m-i [c\ c [tc. T[n[ c Ef_]nilcc ^_
^ch[chn_[ foc [o [pon alcd ][ mcno[c[ [mn[ m `c_
j_lj_no[n.
Anden ]f[nch ^ch ][j c c `l_[] `[[ ]o j[fg_f_
h[chn_ ^_ [ ]ihncho[.
Er[g_h_f_ nl_\oc[o m h]ol[d_t_ goh][ c
mjilncpcn[n_[, m jliô] g[c gofc ch^cpctc ][j[\cfc
m chnl_ h [lg[n c [mn[ m-[ c hngjf[n. D[l
_l[o ìfimcn_ c ][ m-c h^_jln_t_ j_ ]_c mf[\c c
pe rebeli. h]_nof ]o h]_nof, [o h]_jon m `c_
ìfimcn_ c j_hnlo [ ]ihnl[][l[ mojl[jijof[l_[.
P_ ]_c mf[\c c j_ l_\_fc< M nl_] `cilcc. D[s [
ìmn nl_]on h ]_[ ^_-a doua categorie.
VP - 222
D_]c ncc ]_ m_ hngjf ]o ]ijccc ][l_ jc]
Examenuf? f hnl_\. Cb_mnc[ [mn[ m-[ `]on j_hnlo
]ihnlifof jijof[c_c?
Da.
Uh `cil mnl\[n_ `caol[ foc Ah^_h ]h^ h]_[l] m
gc _rjfc]_ ni[n_ []_mn_[.
Ihcc[f, Er[g_h_f_ [p_[o fiac]. El[o g_hcn_ m-i
[nl[a h lhôlcf_ [lg[n_c j_ ch^cpctcc ]_c g[c
][j[\cfc c g[c [nf_nc]c. Co ncgjof, [o h]_jon m `c_
jligip[n_ h ni[n_ ]ifcf_. Amn[ hm h-a fost de-
[dohm j_hnlo n[n[< Vic[ ][ î[l ]_c g[c \ohc m
mojl[pc_oc[m]. Co [fn_ ]opchn_, ^_mjl_ nic ]_cf[fc
m_ ]l_^_[ ] clim_m] jol c mcgjfo l_molm_f_ c i]oj
mj[cof ^_a_[\[. T[n[ gc mjoh_[ g_l_o ] Er[g_h_f_
_l[o [\mifon h_]_m[l_ j_hnlo ][ R_jo\fc][ m jlimj_l_.
A ]nca[n mjlcdchof S_h[nilcfil ]h^ [ `]on
Er[g_h_f_ i\fca[nilcc, g[c [f_m ôj ]_, ^[nilcn
[]_mn_c ^_]ctcc, [o h]_jon m `c_ ]nca[n_ nit mai
gofn_ \nfcc.
gc ch gchcf_ [nn ^_ h]f_n[n_ h ji[f h]n [o
h]_jon m gc [gil_[m].
A[< ]l_tc ] jifcnc]cf_ n[nfoc no [o ^[n li[^_?
f hnl_\ h i[jn.
Ah^_h c f[m ][jof h jc_jn. c ][on ]opchn_f_
potrivite.
Cog m-c lmjoh^ f[ hnl_\[l_[ [mn[? Pifcnc]cf_
foc [o ^[n li[^_. Ao `]on [lg[n[ g[c jon_lhc]. D[l
hm_[gh [mn[ ] fo]lolcf_ j_ ][l_ f_-[ `]on [o ìmn
corecte? ntrebarea asta nu-gc ^ j[]_.
gc go] \ot_f_, h_f_ah^ \lom] ]ihòtc[ ^ch
mo`f_nof foc Ah^_h, `[jnof ] co\cl_[ j_hnlo n[nf foc
chnl h ]ih`fc]n ]o pctcoh_[ foc [mojl[ R_jo\fc]cc.
Cil_]ncno^ch_[ _ i ]b_mncoh_ l_f[ncp, ho-c [[?
c mjoh.
Ah^_h [jli\ ^h^ ^ch ][j.
ntr-oh `_f, ho ]ihn_[t ][ot_f_ m[o ^[] pl_i^[n
lucrurile astea au fost corecte. Tl_[\[ _ ], ^_-a
VP - 223
fohaof ncgjofoc, f_acf_ [o _pifo[n c [o ìmn
pervertite. Lucrurile s-[o m]bcg\[n. Ihcc[f,
Er[g_h_f_ ho _l[o j_hnlo ]ijcc c ho-i favorizau pe
]_c \ia[c. Ejc^_gccf_<
Etcn [c]c, [jic l_hoh ]o ninof f[ mo\c_]n.
Pijilof _ ghcim, ^[l m_h[nilcfil f_ _mn_ n_[g m
m]bcg\_ []_f_ fo]lolc ][l_ [l jon_[ m-c `[] m
jc[l^ ^ch hio ]ihnlifof. c, j_hnlo _c, Er[g_h_f_
mohn i g_ni^ ^_ [ ]ihmifc^[ jon_l_[ R_jo\fc]cc.
P_ ]bcjof foc Ah^_h m_ ]cn_n_ i nlcmn__ jliòh^.
R_g[l] loch_[ j_ ][l_ i mcgn_ j_hnlo `[jnof ] _f
hmoc _mn_ j[ln_ [ gin_hclcc fm[n_ ^_ n[nf foc.
gc j[l_ lo, c mjoh ]o pi]_ m]ton.
Dintr-i^[n, gc pch_ m c [ncha gh[, m am_m] i
][f_ ][ m f [fch.
Ah^_h m]bc_[t oh tg\_n _tcn[hn. Pin ]cnc fcgj_^_
îlch[ foc, mf\c]coh_[ m[ j_lc]ofi[m, `_fof h ][l_
nhd_n_ ôj gch_. D[] h[chn_ [p_[g ô\cc h
jlcpch[ [mn[, []og mohn mcaol. hnil] ][jof l_j_^_,
j[l] mj_lh^ ] `[jnof ^_ [ jlcpc oh j_cm[d bc\_lh[f
gc p[ mncha_ `c_l\ch_[f[ ^ch i\l[dc.
Spune-gc, golgol Anden. Ce-[c `[]_ no ^[] [c `c
h fi]of g_o? C[l_ [l `c jlcgof no a_mn h ][fcn[n_
de Elector al Republicii?
Rmjoh^ `l hc]ci _tcn[l_:
A ]nca[ jijilof ^_ j[ln_[ g_[. S_h[nof h-ar mai
[p_[ hc]coh `_f ^_ jon_l_ [mojl[ n[ ^[] [l mcgc
[g_hch[l_[ ]o l_pifoc[ [ jijof[c_c. Ac h_pic_ ][
i[g_hcc m n_ momch. I[l _c [o h_pic_ ^_ oh fc^_l.
Ah^_h m_ f[m j_ mjn[lof m][ohofoc; i j[ln_ ^ch
fogch[ ][f^ [ fgjcfil ^ch p[aih m_ l_`f_]n h b[ch[
foc c-f g\l[] hnl-oh b[fio mnlfo]cnil. C_p[ ^ch
conversac[ hi[mnl c-[ ^[n i c^__; m[o ji[n_ ] m-a
ah^cn ^_ f[ \oh h]_jon f[ [mn[.
Ac `c oh \oh m_h[nil, Joh_, gc mjoh_ _f. Ac `c oh
\oh [fc[n [f Ef_]nilofoc, c[l jijilof n_ co\_n_.
VP - 224
Mchn_[ g_[ h]_j_ m fo]l_t_ h g[l_ pcn_t. A
jon_[ m lgh [c]c, h R_jo\fc], c m f [don j_
Ah^_h. S ^_pch m_h[ni[l_, ]h^ pic [p_[ plmn[
h_]_m[l. S gc l_][jn pc[[ j_ ][l_ [g [pon-i. S
f jlm_m] j_ D[s, m f f[m ]o P[nlcicc. nco ]n
^_ _aicmn _ ahôf mn[, ^[l ho g jin [\ch_. h
ìh^, ]_ _ al_cn h [ `c _aicmn? g hnl_\ ]o
[gl]coh_. A jon_[ m c mjoh foc Ah^_h, ]bc[l []og,
ninof ^_mjl_ jf[hof P[nlcicfil< S ho gc g[c j_m_
^[] P[nlcicc [`f m[o ^[] c pil `[]_ pl_oh lo foc
D[s ^ch ][ot[ [mn[< c m g l_hnil] f[ i pc[
jlimj_l, mcaol, h^_mnof[n, nlcn ^_ j_ jitcc[
ohoc òh]cih[l aop_lh[g_hn[f ^_ _fcn. A jon_[ m
ig[ac_t [gchncl_[ `l[n_foc g_o m]bcg\h^ h]_nof ]o
h]_nof [l[ ^ch chn_lcil. No-c [[ ] [ jon_[ `[]_
asta?
Olc\cf. M f_j^ ^_ []_[mn `[hn_tc_ hnoh_][n.
Ghôf ^_ [-l jlmc j_ D[s [mn`_f, ^_ [-f nl^[
definitiv, de a nu-f g[c ch_ h \l[_, ^_ [ ho-l mai
p_^_[ [\mifon hc]ci^[n, g `[]_ m mnlha ^ch ^chc
^_ ôl_l_. Pl_ ^_ i m_]oh^ h]bc^ i]bcc c gc
[gchn_m] \fh^__[ gchcfil foc, ]o \nnolcf_ ^ch
j[fg_. c j[mcoh_[ foc h_g\fhtcn. No, ho [ jon_[
m `[] [[ ]_p[ hc]ci^[n. nco [mn[ ]o i ]_lncno^ch_
[nn ^_ g[l_ h]n g h`lc]i_t. Doj ni[n_
sacrificiile pe care le-[g `]on [ghîc, g_lcng ]o
mcaol[h i pc[ gjl_oh ]h^ ni[n jip_mn_[ [mn[ m_
p[ m`lc, ho? M_lcng ]_p[. S òacg h Cifihcc m[o
m l_]ihmnlocg R_jo\fc][? Ah^_h c îl_n_ [donilof
foc D[s; jon_g m fo]lg gjl_oh. Cog [ jon_[ m
hnil] mj[n_f_ fogchcc ][l_ m_ p_^_ f[ ][jnof
noh_fofoc? Tl_\oc_ m g hnil] f[ _f. Tl_\oc_ m-i
spun lui Day totul.
S h]_j ]o h]_jonof. h]_l] m ìlgof_t ]_[ g[c
\oh ][f_ jlch ][l_ m f [p_lnct_t j_ Ah^_h []og,
]h^, h m`lcn, mohn_g mchaolc. D_i][g^[n ho jin m
c mjoh i ali[t ^_ fo]lolc `l m g joh h j_lc]if.
VP - 225
D[] c ^_tpfoc jl_[ gofn_ ^_n[fcc, ji[n_ m
[]cih_t_ hnl-oh `_f ][l_ m c f[m_ m h_f_[a j_
P[nlcic ] c-[g nl^[n.
D[l nl_\oc_ m h]_l] ]_p[. M][l m f `[] m [c\
h]l_^_l_ [\mifon h gch_. Tl_\oc_ m-gc `c_ [fnolc
]h^ pic m[\in[ jf[hof P[nlcicfil.
Ac h]l_^_l_ h gch_?
D_ ^[n[ [mn[ ]bc[l c [ncha gh[ ]o j[fg[.
Ah^_h m_ ]lcmj_[t, ^[l ho c l_nl[a_ gh[. M
]_l]_n_[t ]o jlcpcl_[, ji[n_ hnl_\hô-se ce mi-a
nl_]on jlch gchn_ ]h^ [g h]bcm i]bcc.
Pi[n_ ] c _o [l nl_\oc m-c joh []__[c
hnl_\[l_, gc lmjoh^_ _f, ]o oh tg\_n _tcn[hn j_
buze.
Aghîc pil\cg [fotcp, l_`_lchô-ne la secretele
noastre comune. h]fch ^ch ][j ]nl_ _f, mj_lh^ ] g
p[ fo[ h m_lcim.
Anoh]c m `[]c ]_-c mjoh ]h^ [doha_g f[ Pc_ll[.
gc jligcc? Tin ]_-c mjoh.
Ah^_h c f[m ][jof j_ oh ogl, h]lohnhô-se a
h_ôg_lcl_. Ajic lc^c] ^ch og_lc c h]opcch_[t nin
^ch ][j. P[l_ m h_f_[a ] h]_l] m c ]igohc]
]_p[ `l ]opchn_. Ch^ p[ p_hc gig_hnof ][ P[nlcicc
m []cih_t_, h^dôc_m] ] Ah^_h c p[ [gchnc ^_
promisiunea pe care mi-[ `]on-o.
VP - 226
14. DAY
Doj [n[]of [mojl[ nl_hofoc, _o, P[m][i c ]_cf[fc

]igcmcih[lc h_ j_nl_]_g dogn[n_ ^_ tc f[ mojl[`[,
jcncc j_ [f_c îmhc]_ m[o j_ []ij_lcolcf_ ohil
]f^clc [\[hîh[n_, `_lchô-h_ ^_ mif^[cc ][l_
]_l]_n_[t mnltcf_ ^ch [jlijc_l_[ alcc. A\c[ ]h^
mi[l_f_ h]_j_ m [joh jlch^_g, h m`lcn, i][tc[ m
h_ hni[l]_g, ohof ]n_ ohof, h [^jimnof mo\n_l[h [f
P[nlcicfil. Nc]c _o c hc]c P[m][i ho g[c [ô]_g
vorba despre ce s-[ hngjf[n fha nl_h. Jil^[h,
]igcmcih[l[ ncgc^ ]o jlof [lgco jlchm h ]i^c_, g
hnl_[\ ^_ îo ilc ^[] g mcgn \ch_. Rc^c] ^ch
og_lc c ho c lmjoh^.
D[, ]_p[ ho _ h l_aof. I[l [mn[ _ ì[ln_ joch
spus.
Ch^ [doha_g h[jic h \oh]l, ni[n fog_[ ^_ []ifi
m_ jl_an_n_ j_hnlo jf_][l_[ mjl_ Pc_rra unii
^cmnloa î]og_hn_, h pl_g_ ]_ [fcc n_la ^[n_f_ ^ch
][f]of[ni[l_. Vi]_[ foc P[m][i _ \ch_p_hcn, `cch^]
gc ^cmnl[a_ [n_hc[.
Bl[pi, D[s, gc mjoh_ _f.
Sn f[ i g[m, fcjcn ^_ j_l_n_f_ ^ch mj[n_ [f
[^jimnofoc. c ^_m`[]_ b[ch[ c p^ ] [ h^_m[n
acolo zeci de pachete de grenade furate din tren.
Ajic, ]o alcd, h]_j_ m [_t_ `c_][l_ j[]b_n hnl-o
]onc_ ]jnocn ]o ][lni[h_ ai[f_ ^_ io. Ih^c] mjl_
oh _]l[h ^ch ]ifof ^l_jn [f j_l_n_foc ^ch mj[n_. P_
_]l[h lof_[t cg[ach_[ oh_c jc__ ^_ mari dimensiuni
dintr-oh il[. Uh aloj ^_ i[g_hc m-[ mnlhm h dolof [
]_p[ ]_ [ ìmn m]lcm ]o mjl[s j_ tcôf oh_c ]f^clc.
Fii atent!
Ccn_m] ]_ _ m]lcm j_ tc^. Copchn_f_ D[s nlc_n_=
[o ìmn gtafcn_ j_ ]f^cl_ ^_ ]_f joch nl_c m[o
VP - 227
patru ori. Privcnilcc []f[g unii au chiar pancarte
`]on_ ^_ _c, j_ ][l_ mn[o m]lcm_ []_f_[c ]opchn_.
D[] ahôf ho gc-[l t\ol[ f[ E^_h c f[ fi]of oh^_
_ chon, f[ m_gh[fof ]lcjnc] [f foc Joh_ c f[ T_mm,
[noh]c [ `c `_lc]cn pth^ ]_ [g l_[fct[n.
M_lmc, lmjoh^, ji[n_ j_ oh nih joch jl_[ m_p_l.
M \o]ol ] f_-[ jf]on cmjl[p[ hi[mnl.
P[m][i hah p_m_f i g_fi^c_, h_m_mcth^ nihof g_o.
gc mjoh_:
Du-n_ c p_tc ^[] ho jic m-i [doc j_ Jil^[h.
P_ bif, g hnfh_m] ]o T_mm. M_la_ gjl_oh ]o
B[rn_l; gc c[ i m_]oh^ m gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _f
h]_[l] m-i c[ j_ ôj an c ]-c golgol ]_p[ f[
ol_]b_. Ch^ g p_^_, T_mm f gjcha_ ^_ fha _[.
Sohn j_ ][f_ m c mjoh ]_p[ gc]cc g_f_ jlc_n_h_, ]h^
B[rn_l g ct\_n_ ]o jon_l_ h ogl, [nn ^_ n[l_
h]n g gjcha_ ]cp[ j[c h mj[n_, c[l [j][ gc
t\i[l ^_ j_ ][j. Plof gc m_ l_p[lm j_ og_lc. B[rn_l
lhd_n_ f[ gch_. Doha[ h_[al h] c [m]oh^_
nlmnolcf_.
F-gc fi], f[nl _f f[ gch_. T_ ]l_tc pl_oh _`
pe-aici?
Snlha ^ch ^chc, hm i]bcc glcc [c foc T_mm g
gjc_^c] m l_[]cih_t. Tcjof _ chi`_hmcp, gc
repet.
D-n_ h[c\cc ^ch ][f_[ g_[= c tc] [laim c-i
hnil] mj[n_f_.
h olg, f [o^ j_ B[rn_l \if\ilimch^ ]_p[. E ^_
[dohm hm ][ m g `[] m g lmo]_m] ^ch hio ]o
`[[ f[ _f. Mcd_m] i]bcc.
M[c tc i ^[n=
Ih^cpcôf lhd_n_, c h^_[m gchcf_ h \otoh[l_
c lc^c] \l\c[.
Ag tcm ] _nc a_fim ] a[ac][ n[ c `[]_ ^_ ][j
cu Electorul?
VP - 228
R_o_m] ]o al_o m g [\ch. D[l, h ]fcj[
olgni[l_, T_mm loj_ n]_l_[ c f g\lh]_n_ j_
Baxter cu amhîo gchcf_.
H_c, c mnlca _[. L[m-f h j[]_, ^[? A [pon i
noapte grea.
B[rn_l glc_ ]_p[ clcn[n. Ajic, `l hc]coh `_f ^_
g_h[d[g_hn_, i gjcha_ c _f j_ T_mm.
c no, `_nci, _nc i c^ci[n ^[] n_ h]l_tc h
ncjof mn[ ][l_, hnc ^_ ni[n_, co\_n_ R_jo\fc][.
Scgn ]og òlc[ gc ]l_n_. Nc]ci^[n ho g-[g ^[n h
phn ôj \nc; j_ mnltcf_ ^ch L[e_, [g h]_l][n
hnin^_[oh[ m g ch ^_j[ln_ ^_ _f_. D[l ni[n òlc[
pe care am acumulat-i gc m_ l_p[lm h pch_ ]h^ f
p^ j_ B[rn_l johh^ gh[ j_ T_mm, g l_j_^ c f
ji]h_m] h g[rcf[l ]o ni[n ìl[.
Tc]fimof m_ jl\o_n_ j_mn_ oh[ ^chnl_ g_m_ c ^_
acolo pe podea. Instantaneu, celelalte persoane aflate
h [jlijc_l_ ct\o]h_m] h ol[f_, ìlgh^ [^-bi] h
dolof himnlo oh ]_l]. h[chn_ ][ B[rn_l m [jo]_ m m_
lc^c]_ h jc]ci[l_, m[l [mojl[ foc. f fip_m] ]o
joghof ^_ îo ilc h `[.
Ih^cpcôf glc_. Dchnl-i^[n, jl_c[ ]ihnlifof jlch
[p[hn[dof al_oncc. M gjcha_ ]o ^_mnof jon_l_
h]n t\il h go]bc[ ohoc \clio ^_ ][f]of[nil, [jic g
lc^c], g h`[] ^_ b[ch c g ct\_n_ ^_ tc^. M
lc^c] ^_ lgh ]o jc]ci[l_f_ h [_l, ôj ][l_ gc ^
^logof c c l_j_^_ joghof h mnig[]of g_o, fmhô-
g `l mo`fo.
No _nc ohof ^_-[f himnlo. Enc ^_-[f fil, oc_l
f[ gch_. Ihn_hcih[n n_-[c [\non ^_ la programul
gcmcohcc ^_ f[ a[l?
Scgn oh a_hoh]bc l_j_tcn h ]i[mn_.
Ec, i m n_ igil, gjocnof_. O m n_ dojic ^_
viu.
Sohn jl_[ hòlc[n ][ m g[c mcgn ôl_l_[. It\on_m]
m lc^c] oh jc]cil c m f ji]h_m] h jc_jn ]n ^_
tare pot. Cu coada ochiului, c p^ j_ ohcc ^chnl_
VP - 229
P[nlcic jf[mh^ l[jc^ j[lcolc. O fojn S]bct
cgjlipct[n. Pl_ ^_ i ]fcj, B[rn_l gc [ô]_ [gchn_
^_ Tbig[m c, ^chnl-i^[n, ho g[c p^ hcgc] [fn]_p[
^_]n p_]b_[ g_[ mnl[^ ^ch L[e_, j_ Tbig[m ]o [lg[
[chncn [mojl[ g[g_c c mif^[cc ][l_ f nlm] j_
Jibh c f ol] hnl-oh d__j. Ajic, [fc gcfcn[lc,
[fc mif^[c ][l_ f f_[a j_ E^_h j_ i n[la. C[l_ i
[l_mn_[t j_ Joh_. C[l_ i lh_m] j_ T_mm. h]_j m p^
lio h `[[ i]bcfil. M l_j_^ ^ch hio mjl_ B[rn_l c
g jl_an_m] m c nl[a oh jogh h `[.
Ef hm g [n_[jn. gc ^_pc[t \l[of c m_ [loh]
[mojl[ g_[ ]o ni[n al_on[n_[. M fip_m] lo ]o
mj[n_f_ ^_ ji^_[. B[rn_l lhd_n_, [jic g [jo] ^_
an c m_ jl_an_n_ m g ct\_[m] h i\l[t ]o
pumnul.
Blom] hm gc ^ ^logof. Ch^ c m[fn al_on[n_[
^_ j_ jc_jnof g_o, chmjcl jliòh^, [jic gc c[o `[[
h gchc ]]c mcgn ]og ct\o]h_n_ i gcal_h
[aihct[hn. D_ oh^_p[, ^_ ^_[mojl[, c [o^ j_ T_mm c
j_ P[m][i olfh^ f[ B[rn_l m g f[m_ h j[]_. Tic
pil\_m] ohcc j_mn_ [fcc. Uho< Dic< Tl_c< Nogl h
gchn_, mj_lh^ ] []_mn gc] _r_l]cco gc p[ gon[
[n_hc[ ^_ f[ ôl_l_[ ^_ ][j. Ch^p[ gc _l[ gofn g[c
oil m m][j ^_ gcal_h_f_ [mn_[. Pi[n_ ] B[rn_l g-a
fipcn h ][j c hc]c g][l ho gc-am dat seama.
Enc \ch_?
A]og gchcf_ foc T_mm mohn j_ \l[of g_o. F[n[ nl[a_
^_ gch_ c g lc^c] h jc]ci[l_.
Sohn h] [g_cn ^ch ][ot[ gcal_h_c, ^[l òlc[ gc-a
nl_]on. Blom], ^_pch ]ihnc_hn ^_ i ôl_l_ [ltni[l_
h tih[ ]i[mn_fil.
D[, c lmjoh^ ]o i pi]_ laocn, ]_l]_nhô-i
`[[. Te-a lovit?
B[rn_l g jlcp_n_ oln, h pl_g_ ]_ P[m][i m_
]bchoc_n_ m f jinif_[m]. P[nlcicc ^ch dol m-au
hnilm ^_d[ f[ nl_\olcf_ fil, jli\[\cf ^_t[gacc ]
VP - 230
\n[c[ h-[ ôl[n g[c gofn. Cch_ i `c ]ncanilof h
ochii lor?
Sohn h l_aof, g [mcaol T_mm c c nl_]_
al\cn i gh jlch jlof nohm \i\. No-c `[]_ alcdc.
T_mm= h_ mnlca P[m][i. V_tc ^[] D[s [l_ h_pic_
^_ pl_i j_nc]_[f. Tl_\oc_ m h_ ch_g ^_ jlial[g.
T_mm g ]ihô]_ j_ bif, h^_jlnhô-ne de sala
]igoh. Ihnlg hnl-una dintre cag_l_f_ \oh]lofoc
][l_ [ ìmn nl[hmìlg[n hnl-i m[f cgjlipct[n ^_
mjcn[f, [jic h]bc^_g o[. Sohn_g h]ihdol[c ^_
l[`nolc \olôcn_ ]o i gofcg_ ^_ l_]cjc_hn_, j[mncf_
c ]oncc ]o `_m_. h gcdfi] _ i g[m, c[l j_ fha _[
lgh_ ì[ln_ joch mj[co. M mjlcdch ^_ _[, h pl_g_
]_ T_mm c mo`f_] gh_]cf_.
T_ î[l_ ]_p[? g hnl_[\ _[.
Sohn \ch_, c l_j_n, ^[l, ]bc[l h m_]oh^[ h ][l_
limn_m] ]opchn_f_, g mnlg\ ^_ ôl_l_ c [jm ]o gh[
h tih[ ]i[mn_fil.
D-gc m p^, gc ]_l_ T_mm ]o `_lgcn[te.
M \[n_ j_mn_ \l[ ][ m gc-f c[o ^_ []ifi, ôj
][l_ h]_j_ m gc ^_m]b_c_ ]g[[. T_mm g-[ g[c pton
f[ \omnof aif (hc]c ho g[c nco ^_ ]n_ ilc [ ìmn
h_picn m-gc nl[n_t_ lhcf_), ^[l []og hnl_ hic m_
chmn[f_[t i mn[l_ ^_ mnhd_h_[f [jmni[l_. Obrajii
c [l^ ]h^ c jfcg\ gh[ j_mn_ jc_jnof g_o, j_mn_
\oln c ]h^ g j[fj_[t ]o ^_a_n_f_ h f[n_l[f_.
Ihmjcl m]oln ]h^ [ncha_ oh joh]n ôl_lim.
Da, acolo m-a pocnit cu genunchiul.
T_mm gc ]_l]_n_[t `caol[.
Ac mn[l_ ^_ pig?
Nu.
Nu tr_\oc[ m `[]c [mn[, gc mjoh_ _[ h ncgj ]_
c p_^_ ^_ nl_[\. Sjoh_ [.
Deschid gura cum mi-[ ]_lon. gc n[gjih_[t h[mof ]o
ncìh, gc chmj_]n_[t [g\_f_ ol_]bc, [jic c_m_
al\cn j_hnlo ]n_p[ ]fcj_ ^ch ][g_l. S_ hni[l]_ ]o
oh j[]b_n ]o ab_[.
VP - 231
Ucn_= ch_ [mn[ j_ fi]of ôl_lim.
Fac cum mi-a spus.
Ac ^_p_hcn ì[ln_ jlc]_jon.
Ag hp[n gofn_ ^_ f[ P[nlcic, gc lmjoh^_.
Ch^ m_ ijl_n_ ^ch chmj_]n[l_[ jc_jnofoc g_o,
mo`c]c_hn ncgj ][ m-c lc^c]_ i]bcc mjl_ gch_, T_mm
gc momch_ jlcpcl_[.
Loc B[rn_l, jol c mcgjfo, ho-c jf[]_< ] _nc
[nl[m ^_ i ìmn g_g\l [ [lg[n_c l_jo\fc][h_, golgol
_[ h ]ihncho[l_. D[l ho n_ g[c _h_lp[ [[ ^ch ][ot[
lui, da? N-[l_ m_hm m gilc ^ch [nn[ fo]lo.
gc [gchn_m] ]og c-[ jom ch^cpcôf \l[of h dolof
anofoc foc T_mm; g ]ojlch^_ c[l òlc[ c mcgn h_pic[
m i jlin_d_t j_ gc][ g_[ jlc_n_h [[ ]og `]_[g ]h^
_l[g j_ mnltc.
H_c, molci[l, c tc] ]o \fh^__. gc j[l_ ì[ln_
lo j_hnlo ]_ c-[g mjom. D_mjl_< ncc no.
T_mm m_ hli_n_ c g[c n[l_.
M ]bchoc_m] m am_m] ]opchn_f_ jinlcpcn_.
No [c no h_pic_ m-c jiln _o ^_ alcd, c mjoh
lth^ d_h[n, [jic c ^[o oh \i\lh[] h h[m. A^c],
no g_l_o n_ [acc ^ch ][ot[ g_[. hnin^_[oh[ _o [g
[pon h_pic_ ^_ [donilof no g[c gofn ^_]n [c [pon no
nevoie de al meu.
T_mm m_ [jlijc_ ^_ gch_ c c f[m i]bcc h dim ]o
ncgc^cn[n_, oh a_mn ][l_ g `[]_ m ocn j_ gig_hn ^_
ni[n_ h_][tolcf_ g_f_. Uh_ilc ocn ]n ^_ jf]on _mn_
^_pin[g_hnof ]ihmn[hn [f gc]cc g_f_ jlc_n_h_, ocn ]
_[ _ oglof j_ ][l_ jin m g mjlcdch ]bc[l c h ]_f_
g[c al_f_ gig_hn_. D_c tcf_f_ j_nl_]on_ h L[e_ _l[o
i fojn ]ihncho, h ]fcj[ [mn[ gc m_ j[l [nn ^_
mcgjf_. M moljlch^ îlchô-gc m jon_g l_p_hc []ifi,
m gjlcg `clcgcnolc c l_mnolc ^_ gh][l_ amcn_
jlch aohi[c_. D[] Joh_ [l ì fost aici, ce s-ar fi
hngjf[n? Pli\[\cf [l `c mlcn c _[ f[ \n[c_ ]o
B[rn_l. c jli\[\cf ], f[ `_f ][ hnin^_[oh[, m-ar fi
VP - 232
^_m]ol][n ]o gofn g[c \ch_ ^_]n gch_. S-ar fi
^_m]ol][n `l [donilof g_o.
Mh[ foc T_mm hnltc_ j_ jc_jnof g_o, ^[l ho j_hnru
] gc-[l g[c p_lc`c][ phncf_. D_pch ]ihnc_hn ^_
]n ^_ [jli[j_ ^_ gch_ _ gc][ g_[ jlc_n_h. O p^ ]og
lc^c] c[l i]bcc mjl_ gch_, i]bcc _c g[lc, ^_ oh
]jloc ]_ j[l_ fc]bc^, ][l_, mjl_ ^_im_\cl_ ^_
jlcpcl_[ foc Joh_, mohn [[ ^_ oil ^_ ]cncn. h gcnte
gc lm[l_ ^ch hio cg[ach_[ foc Joh_ mlonhô-l pe
Ef_]nil. E ][ oh jogh[f lmo]cn h chcg. h[chn_ m
[jo] m g m]onol ^_ []_mn ah^, T_mm m_ [jf_[] c
c fcj_n_ \ot_f_ ^_ [f_ g_f_. Cl_c_lof g_o m_
aif_n_ ]igjf_n, hnl-[nn mohn ^_ moljlchm. Uh fior
m]oln gc [f_[la jlch ]ilj.
h mn[l_[ ^_ [gil_[f h ][l_ g [`fo, i f[m j_
T_mm m jl_foha_[m] mlonof.
M ^_mjlch^ ^_ _[. P[fg_f_ gc mohn []ij_lcn_ ^_ i
nl[hmjcl[c_ l_]_. C_-[ ìmn [mn[? Al `c nl_\ocn m
[hnc]cj_t a_mnof foc T_mm c m f gjc_^c]. c
]ojlch^ og_lcc h gchc. Ch^ c p^ mo`_lch[ ^ch
jlcpcl_, h_f_a ]_ g[l_ al__[f [g `]on.
Nu pot, Tess.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h jo`h_n_ clcn[n.
C_? A]og _nc hmol[n ]o Joh_?
No. D[l<
Copchn_f_ gc m_ lcmcj_m] nlcmn_, fcjmcn_ ^_ ìl.
mi j[l_ lo. N-[l `c nl_\ocn m `[] [mn[< C_f
joch, ho []og.
Da ^_ `[jnof ] Joh_ f mlon j_ Ef_]nil ]_
jl_l_ [c? Co [mn[ ]og lgh_? Cbc[l [c ^_ ah^ m-i
`c [nn ^_ ^_pin[n oh_c `_n_ ][l_ hc]c g][l ho _ a
ta?
Joh_, g_l_o Joh_< O ]fcj i olm] c g hnl_\ ^[]
ho ]ogp[ ninof [l `c ìmn g[c \ch_ ^[] ho h_-am fi
hnfhcn.
Ac]c ho _ pil\[ ^_ Joh_, c lmjoh^. E[ di[] oh
rol, Tess.
VP - 233
M h^_jln_t ^_ _[ jh ]h^ [doha_g m `cg f[ pl_i
treizeci de centimetri unul de altul.
No mohn jl_ancn j_hnlo ][ oh [mn`_f ^_ fo]lo m
m_ hngjf_ hnl_ hic. To _nc ]_[ g[c \oh jlc_n_h [
g_[. No pl_[o m n_ chô] h _li[l_; hc]c g][l _o ho
nco jl_[ \ch_ ^_ ][jof g_o.
T_mm c lc^c] \l[_f_ [ ch^cah[l_.
Ch^ \hnoc[g j_ mnltc mlon[c `_n_ f[
hngjf[l_, `l m ]fcj_nc. I[l []og ho pl_c hc]c
g][l m<
To ho _nc oh[ ^chnl_ `_n_f_ ^_ j_ mnl[^, g
lmn_m] f[ _[. Enc T_mm.
Cijcf[ gc [loh] i jlcpcl_ m]oln, [jic c l_p[lm
ni[n `lomnl[l_[ [mojl[ \ot_c, j_ ][l_ c-i go] [nn
^_ n[l_ h]n c ^ mha_f_.
No n_ h_f_a, D[s.
Fc_][l_ ]ophn [f _c g fip_n_ chncn.
No n_ h_f_a [\mifon ^_fi], ^[l nin [g m h]_l]
m n_ [don. To ]bc[l ho p_tc ]og m]ogj[ n[ Joh_ c-a
m]bcg\[n pc[[?
h]bc^ i]bcc c gc [jm ngjf_f_ ]o j[fg_f_.
h]_n_[t.
Cl_tc ] _nc h^laimncn ^_ i `[n j_ ][l_ i
]ohinc ^_ g[c joch ^_-i foh, ^_ i `[n ][l_ _
l_mjihm[\cf ^_ gi[ln_[ g[g_c n[f_? D_ gi[ln_[ foc
John?
E]iolc [f_ ^cm]oc_c joln[n_ h h]j_l_[ ^ch
\oh]l.
La naiba, Tess. N-[ ìmn pch[ _c<
N-[ ìmn? m]ocj _[ ]opintele. Day, mama ta a fost
gjo][n ^ch ][ot[ foc Joh_= c no n_ ]igjilc ^_
j[l] [c co\c-o? Eu n-[g `]on [fn]_p[ ^_]n m n_
ajut mohn [fnolc ^_ nch_ ^ch tco[ h ][l_ h_-am
]ohim]on. Cl_tc ] g jiln ]ijcfl_n_? Ec, ho-mi
j[m< N-[g tcm hc]ci^[n nimic de toate celelalte fete
]o ][l_ [c ìmn, ^[l ho mojiln m n_ p^ [f_ah^ i
`[n ][l_ h-[ `]on [fn]_p[ ^_]n m n_ lh_[m]. c-a
VP - 234
cerut June scuze pentru ce s-[ hngjf[n, m-[ mnlôcn
m-c ]nca_ c_ln[l_[? C_ m_ hngjf ]o nch_?
Vth^ ] n[], gc joh_ i gh j_ \l[.
D_]c? O co\_nc? g hnl_[\ j_ oh nih g[c m]ton.
c _[ n_ co\_n_ j_ nch_?
D[] i co\_m]? I-[g mjom [mn[ foc Joh_ [noh]c, h
\[c_, h V_a[m c [g pil\cn m_lcim. D[l _[ ho gc-a
mjom ] g co\_n_, ho? Pi[n_ ] _[ hc]ci^[n ho [
sigcn f[ `_f ][ gch_< Pi[n_ ] g g\n ]o [j l_]_.
No nco. Bch_? c lmjoh^.
Tihof g_o moh g[c ghcim ^_]n mohn ]o [^_pl[n.
T_mm nl_gol. A]og h]fch ][jof, ôj ][l_, h
n]_l_, gc c[ j[]b_nof ^_ ab_[ c gc h]bc^_
h[mnolcc ]gcc f[ fi]. Hof ^chnl_ hic m_ gl_n_.
M hnl_\ ^[] pic g[c jon_[ pl_i^[n m nl_] j_mn_
[]_[mn jlj[mnc_ ]_ h_ m_j[l.
N-[l nl_\oc m g[c [c jli\f_g_, gc ]igohc]
jlc_n_h[ g_[ j_ oh nih _a[f, hnil]hô-mi spatele.
h `[[ occ m_ ijl_n_, lghh^ ]o mj[n_f_ spre
mine.
Crede-g, D[s, c-i mjoh j_hnlo \ch_f_ no: Joh_ i
m-c `lha chcg[. Mc-_ ^_d[ ]f[l. O m c-i `[]
h^lc.
VP - 235
15. JUNE
TRIBUNALUL OLAN, DIN PIERRA.

UNDEVA N JURUL OREI 09:00.
-1 GRAD CELSIUS AFAR.
h m`lcn, [ mimcn tco[ [m[mchlcc foc Anden, iar

eu am trei ore f[ ^cmjitcc_ h[chn_ ][ P[nlcicc m
`[] jlcg[ gc][l_.
Ieri-m_[l, [g jlcgcn i hio pctcn ^ch j[ln_[
[]_foc[c a[l^c[h ][l_ gc-[ nl[hmgcm ^[n[ nl_]on
g_m[dof P[nlcicfil.
Ac `]on nl_[\ \oh, gc-[ ijncn `[n[ f[ ol_]b_,
h ncgj ]_ _o mnn_[g hnchm h j[n, j_l`_]n nl_[t.
Mch_ p_c `c []bcn[n ^_ Ef_]nil c ^_ m_h[nilcc foc
c, f[ Tlc\oh[fof Of[h ^ch Pc_ll[, p_c `c _fc\_l[n.
c-[]og [m]ofn-g ]o [n_hc_= Ch^ i m n_lgch[c nin
]_ [p_c ^_ `]on f[ nlc\oh[f, d__jolcf_ Ef_ctorului
p pil ô]_ j_ nic h[jic, f[ \[t[ gcfcn[l ^ch
Pc_ll[. P[nlcicc pil [n_jn[ j_ nl[m_o.
F[n[ [ `]on i j[ot m p[^ ^[] [g hnl_\lc. D[l
eu n-[g `]on ^_]n m jlcp_m] h ]ihncho[l_ ^l_jn
h[chn_. Bhoc[g ilc]og ]_ pic[o P[nlcicc m `[] m
f ^_mj[ln j_ Ah^_h ^_ mif^[cc ][l_ f jt_m]. P_hnlo
][ [jic _c m f m]i[n ^ch g[ch c m f gjon_.
Am[mch[nof p[ `c hl_acmnl[n, ôj ][l_ [hoh[n
hnl_acc R_jo\fc]c jlch chn_lg_^cof g_a[ì[h_fil c
JumboTron-urilor recablate, de pe Capitol Tower, din
Denver.
Ch^ [ pton ] ho tc] hcgc], ncj[ c-a dres glasul
c [ ]ihncho[n j_ oh nih al\cn:
Fcc [n_hn f[ i _rjfitc_ ][l_ p[ [p_[ fi] j_ ^log.
Ch^ i [otc, `-f j_ Ah^_h m ilîh_ ]ihpicofoc m
jilh_[m] j_ oh ^log ^c`_lcn= Amcaol-n_ ] Ef_]nilof
_ ^_mjlcn ^_ mif^[cc ^ch a[l^[ foc= Zc-c m [c\
VP - 236
h]l_^_l_ h nch_= D[] c-[c `]on nl_[\[ ][ fog_[, i
m `[] [[ ]og c mjoc.
Mesagera mi-[ tg\cn m]oln.
O^[n ]_ d__jof foc Ah^_h p[ `c m_j[l[n ^_ l_mnof
g[chcfil, f[m ninof h m_[g[ hi[mnl.
R_mnof hijcc f-[g j_nl_]on hnl-o stare de
[acn[c_.
A]og, h ncgj ]_ mohn _m]iln[n h ]f^cl_[
jlch]cj[f [ nlc\oh[fofoc, mno^c_t [f_cf_ c
[]ij_lcolcf_ ]_filf[fn_ ]f^clc ^ch fohaof mnltcc,
]onh^ m moljlch^ mjcihc l_\_fc c hnl_\hô-g
^[] jlchnl_ []_nc[ m_ [`f c pl_ohof ]o i]bc ^_ oh
[f\[mnlo ^_m]bcm. Atc, D[s nl_\oc_ m `c_ jlchnl_
P[nlcicc ^_ [c]c. h ghocf_ h_al_, gchcf_ gc mohn
l_]c c nl[hmjcl[n_. S tc]_g ] gc-[ pton m_gh[fof
i[l_ c-[ ^[n m_[g[ ]_ [g plon m mjoh? V[ h_f_a_ m
f[m_ \[fn ]_ `[]_ c m òa? h^l_jnhô-g ]nl_
g[l_[ chnl[l_ [l]ocn [ nlc\oh[fofoc, g_gil_t, ^ch
i\choch, hog_ ^_ mnltc c fo]lolc amplasarea
\[t_c gcfcn[l_, jitcc[ mjcn[fofoc ^ch Pc_ll[, ][l_ m_
p_^_ h ^_jln[l_. P[l] c mcgn j_ P[nlcic i]ojhô-
c jitcccf_. E [[ i j[]_ h dol, ^_c ]f^clcf_ ^_
[c]c mohn jfch_ ^_ i[g_hc, c[l ^logolcf_ mohn haomn_<
Ann mif^[cc, ]n c ]cpcfcc (g[dilcn[n_[ ml[]c,
`cch^ ^chnl_ []_c[ ^_m_gh[c m m_ halcd_[m] ^_
nloj_) m_ [acn taiginim h mnl[^. O parte dintre
mif^[cc h ohcìlg h_ olgl_m] ]o jlcpcl_[ oh jc]
][g jl_[ chmcmn_hn. L_ l_ch `__f_. Tl_\oc_ m _rcmn_
P[nlcic ][l_ m h_ olgl_[m]. h chn_lcilof
nlc\oh[fofoc _ ^_mnof ^_ `lca h]n lmo`f[l_[ m gc
m_ nl[hmìlg_ h [\olc c m nl_gol non-stop. (Tavanul
_ f[ i hfcg_ ^_ ]_f joch [m_ g_nlc, c[l ji^_f_f_
sunt do^_]h^ ôj moh_nof j[cfil din lemn
sintetic polizat care nu e prea bun la conservarea
]fôlcc j_ ncgj ^_ c[lh.)
VP - 237
Cn i m ôl_t_? f i hnl_\ j_ ohof ^chnl_
paznicii ][l_ g _m]iln_[t f[ fi]of g_o, [`f[n h
`[[ mfcc ^_ do^_][n.
Cctg_f_ (^ch jc_f_ ]fôli[m c cgj_lg_[\cf)
\i]h_m] j_ ji^_f_ hnl-oh `_f _h_lp[hn. h ]co^[
b[ch_c f[ îo lhôlc ]o ][l_ mohn g\l][n, nl_gol
h ]ihncho[l_.
C_[ ]l_c[ g-am adresat c jf_[] `lohn_[,
mnhd_hcn.
No gofn, îghci[l Ij[lcm, gc lmjoh^_ `_g_c[ ]o
i jifcn__ _r_lm[n. Ef_]nilof c m_h[nilcc m_ [`f h
`[t[ `ch[f [ ^_fc\_llcfil. Pli\[\cf ] i m g[c
ôl_t_ h] i dogn[n_ ^_ il.
D_ `[jn, _ chn_l_m[hn. P_hnlo ] hmoc Ef_]nilof g
p[ []bcn[ [tc, a[l^c_hcc ho nco mcaol ]og m m_
]igjiln_. S g `f[h]b_t_ ][ j_ oh ch`l[]nil? S[o m
m_ joh \ch_ ]o gch_, ][ c ]h^ [ `c oh [a_hn ]o
al[^ h[fn hnl-una din patrulele capitalei?
An_jn[l_[ m_ jl_foha_n_. M mcgn oil [g_cn.
Azi, mai devreme, mi s-[o ^[n hcn_ g_^c][g_hn_ j_hnlo
], jh f[ olg, c-am spus lui Anden ce simptome am.
Nu m-[o [don[n ]o hcgc]. Scgn h ]ihncho[l_ m_ht[c[
[]__[ ^_ ]fôl ][l_ gc hpfoc_ ][jof c [g
^c`c]ofnc h [ ]ihn[\cfct[ nl_]_l_[ timpului.
h m`lcn, ôj ]_ [g hogl[n îot_]c c [m_ ^_
gchon_ (]o i g[ld ^_ _li[l_ ^_ nl_c m[o j[nlo
m_]oh^_), Ah^_h [j[l_ chnlh^ j_ o[ ^ch ][jnof ]_f
g[c h^_jln[n [f mfcc. h mj[n_f_ foc m_ [`f oh
aloj ^_ i`c]c[fcnc. E fcgj_^_ ] ho ni[n lumea e
`_lc]cn; ohcc ^chnl_ m_h[nilc [o lg[m g[c h olg;
c ch \ot_f_ mnlhm_ [ h_gofogcl_. Plchnl_ _c, f
l_]ohim] j_ m_h[nilof K[gcih, \l\[nof ]o ][l_ Ah^_h
s-[ ]_ln[n h nl_hof ]o ][l_ [g p_hcn [c]c. Plof
h]lohcn [f igofoc _ [tc ]coòfcn ^_-a binelea. Mai
_ c i m_h[ni[l_ j_ ][l_ i l_]ohim] ^[nilcn nclcfil
pe care le-[g olglcn i][tcih[f: OCihhil, i `_g_c_
al[m, ]o oh jl lio `l pifog c i aol ][ ^_
VP - 238
\li[m]. P_ ]_cf[fc ho c nco. h [`[l[ m_h[nilcfil,
Ah^_h g[c _mn_ `f[h][n c ^_ îc dolh[fcnc. Uhof c
ch_ jlcpcl_[ h dim, m]lcch^ l[jc^, j_ i n[\f_n
gc]o, h pl_g_ ]_ [f îcf_[ m_ ]bchoc_n_ m c
jmnl_t_ l_jilniìhof mo`c]c_hn ^_ [jli[j_ ^_ Ah^_h.
Ch^ alojof [doha_ h ^l_jnof g_o, g lc^c] h
picioare. Senatorii care se cioripc[o hnl_ _c
[go_m]. Ah^_h c m[fon ^ch ][j j_ a[l^c_hcc g_c.
June Iparis, Congresul te-a achitat de toate
ch`l[]cohcf_ ]igcm_ gjinlcp[ R_jo\fc]cc, ]o ]ih^cc[
m m_lp_nc h ]ihncho[l_ h[coh_[ j_ ]n ^_ \ch_
jic. N_-[g h_f_m, îghci[l Ij[lcs?
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j. Cbc[l c []_[mn gc][l_ oi[l
g [g__n_.
Da, domnule Elector.
Tcjof ]o n[\f_n[ ^_ fha Ah^_h hin_[t `l_h_nc].
E]l[hof jfjc_ mo\ ^_a_n_f_ ][l_ c t\i[l j_
n[mn[nol[ pclno[f.
Ah^_h l_g[l] [j[nc[ g_[. c ^ m_[g[ ] mn[l_a nu
mi s-[ g\ohncn.
V_c chnl[ hnl-i j_lci[^ ^_ _fc\_l[l_
]ih^ccih[n, ôj ]og [g ìmn m`nocn ^_ S_h[nilc. h
[]_mn ncgj, p_c `c [n_hn mojl[p_ab_[n, jh ]h^ ]o
nicc pig `c ^_ []il^ ] jic l_p_hc h m_lpc]cof
[]ncp. V_c `c l_j[lnct[n f[ oh[ dintre patrulele din
][jcn[f. Vig ^cm]on[ f[ ][l_ ^chnl_ _f_ ôj-[gc[t,
ôj ]_ h_ pig chmn[f[ f[ \[t[ ^ch Pc_ll[.
Ah^_h lc^c] ^ch mjlh]_h_ c hni[l]_ ][jof mjl_
mnha[ c mjl_ ^l_[jn[.
Dighcfil m_h[nilc? Ap_c ]_p[ ^_ [ôa[n?
Ec lgh n]oc. D[l, ohof ^chnl_ _c pil\_n_,
g[m]hô-c jlimn ^cmjl_of.
Aa_hn Ij[lcm, mj_l ] h_f_ac ] h] ho [c
m]j[n \[mg[ ]ol[n. V_c `c olglcn h `c_][l_
m_]oh^. Al nl_\oc m ]ihmc^_lc ^_]ctc[ hi[mnl ][
`cch^ oh []n ^_ cg_hm ]f_g_h.
VP - 239
V gofog_m], îghof_ Ef_]nil, lmjoh^, m[fonh^
m]oln, ]o gh[ f[ ngjf. V gofog_m], îghcfil
senatori.
Nic c gofogcg j_hnlo [donil, tc]_ Ah^_h,
h]fchhô-m_ oil.
ch ][jof jf_][n ][ m ho `co h_picn m f jlcp_m]
h i]bc, m ]cn_m] ô\fof m_hm [f pil\_fil foc. gc
gofog_n_ j_hnlo [donilof j_ ][l_ m_ jl_mojoh_ ] c
l-am dat pentru a-c m[fp[ pc[[, ^[l c j_hnlo
sprijinul pe care ni-f mifc]cn gc_ c foc D[s.
Uh^_p[ [`[l, D[s m_ [`f j_ jitcc_ [fnolc ^_
]_cf[fc. Ghôf mn[ gc chô]_ i mn[l_ ^_ `lc],
hmicn ^_ m_ht[c[ ^_ pig.
Glojof himnlo _mn_ _m]iln[n h[jic ^_ mif^[c, ]nl_
c_cl_[ ^ch ]f^cl_, ]nl_ g[chc. P_m] ]o g[l_
[n_hc_, mnlôchô-g ^ch lmjon_lc m gc jmnl_t
]ih]_hnl[l_[. No _ gig_hnof m ^[o al_ ^ch ][ot ]
g mcgn lo. gc ch i]bcc [chncc mjl_ c_cl_. D_ f[
ofncg[ ]fnilc_ ]o nl_hof, [g [dohm f[ ]ih]fotc[ ]
[mn[ [l `c p[lc[hn[ ][l_ [l jon_[ m òh]cih_t_. E
pil\[ ^_mjl_ lmnolh[l_[ jf[holcfil P[nlcicfil,
^_mjl_ ]_ jin `[]_ ][ m gjc_^c] l_hni[l]_l_[ f[
\[t[ gcfcn[l jlch]cj[f ^ch Pc_ll[.
Sj_l m òh]cih_t_. No ]l_^ ] gc jin j_lgcn_ pl_i
al__[f.
Ch^ g[c [g nl_c g_nlc jh f[ o, g gjc_^c]. M
]ilcd_t cg_^c[n c gc ]ihnchoc ^logof, ^[l g
gjc_^c] ^ch hio. h mj[n_f_ g_o, m_ [o^ golgol_f_
senatorilor. Unul ^chnl_ _c m_ lmn_n_:
Ce s-[ hngjf[n?
Ajic Ah^_h _ fha gch_, c p^ `[[ ^_[mojl[ g_[.
Dic ^chnl_ a[l^c_hc h[chn_[ foc.
Dighof_ Ef_]nil, c m_ [^l_m_[t ohof ^chnl_ _c, p
lia m lgh_c h mj[n_. N_ i]ojg hic ^_ nl_[\[
asta.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n? c hnl_[\ Ah^_h hnc j_
mif^[c, [jic j_ gch_. Enc lhcn?
VP - 240
No gc _ jl_[ al_o m g jl_`[] ] mohn j_ ][f_ m
f_ch. Log_[ ^ch dolof g_o m_ ]oòh^ h \_th, [jic
l_pch_ h fogch. M î[l_ ][jof. Rc^c] i]bcc c g
ocn ^cl_]n f[ Ah^_h. Ajic g jl\o_m] f[ jghn.
h dolof g_o ct\o]h_m] mnlcan_ moljlchm_. Ccof_m]
ol_]bcf_ ]h^ [o^ pi]_[ Ef_]nilofoc j_mn_ ni[n_
celelalte. Le spune exact ce am sperat:
Do]_c-o la spital. Imediat.
i-a adus aminte de ultimul sfat pe care i l-am dat,
de lucrul pe care i l-[g tcm h nl_h.
D[l, îghof_ Ef_]nil<, jlin_mn_[t []_f[c mif^[n
care i-[ nc[n ][f_[ g[c ^_pl_g_.
Vi]_[ foc Ah^_h ][jn oh nih h_hôjf_][n.
Comentezi ordinul, soldat?
Mchc jon_lhc]_ g [don m g lc^c] h jc]ci[l_.
Tl_]_g ^_ o c c_cg h fogch[ oh_c ^cgch_c
hhil[n_. Snlha ^ch i]bc c jlcp_m] gjl_dol,
]ihnchoh^ m ][on `caolc momj_]n_. G[l^c_hcc ][l_ g
momch mohn i[l_ P[nlcic mo\ []ij_lcl_? M ocn f[ _c
j_ òlc, ^[l _rjl_mccf_ f_ lgh h_]fchncn_.
A^l_h[fch[ gc [f_[la jlch p_h_ ag []cih[n.
P[nlcicc nco ] [g ^_pc[n ^_ f[ jf[hof fil, ^[l ho
[o ]og m nc_ ^[] [g `]on [mn[ chn_hcih[n.
Igjiln[hn _ ] mjcn[fof m_ [`f h ^cl_]c[ ijom
drumului care duce la baza din Pierra, acolo unde
P[nlcicc mn[o jl_ancc c [n_[jn. Ah^_h i m
g_[la ôj gch_. P[nlcicc ho pil [p_[ pl_g_ m m_
l_jitccih_t_.
c ^[] l_mnof l_\_fcfil pil nc ]_ [g `]on, [noh]c
D[s [l nl_\oc m [`f_ c _f. h]bc^ i]bcc c mj_l ]
jlc_n_hof g_o gc p[ olg[ _r_gjfof. h]_l] m-i trimit
oh g_m[d j_ ][f_[ ahôfoc. Foac. Ch^ [`fc ] g-am
[\non ^_ f[ jf[h, òac ]n jic ^_ l_j_^_.
Uh a[l^c[h g m[fn j_ \[h]b_n[ ^ch mj[n_ [ ohoc[
^chnl_ d__jolcf_ [`f[n_ h [n_jn[l_. Ah^_h c
mif^[cc foc ol] h [onigi\cfof ^ch `[[ hi[mnl.
S_h[nilcc, ocgcc c ]ogp[ l_pifn[c, m_ h^l_[jn
VP - 241
mjl_ jlijlccf_ g[chc. M ìl_t m-gc n_la ^_ j_
`[ molmof, h ncgj ]_ t[] `l pf[a j_ \[h]b_n c
jlcp_m] j_ `_l_[mnl. Minilof jilh_n_ c g[ch[
^_g[l_[t. Plch j[l\lct, p^ d__jof foc Ah^_h
^_m]bcthô-h_ ^logof, h^_jlnhô-ne de tribunal.
Ajic, ]bc[l ]h^ ^[o m g `_fc]cn j_hnlo
mnlfo]cnof g_o jf[h, l_[fct_t ] g[chcf_ m_
h^l_[jn nin ]nl_ \[t[ gcfcn[l. h hc]coh ][t ho
g_la h ^cl_]c[ mjcn[fofoc. Bo]olc[ ^ch gch_ m_
_p[jil. c _ hfi]ocn ^_ n_[g.
Unul dintre gardiehc g_c l_g[l] c _f [hig[fc[.
H_c, i`_l, c mnlca _f clcn[n mif^[nofoc ^_ f[
pif[h. Ac al_cn ^logof. Sjcn[fof _ h j[ln_[ mnha [
il[ofoc.
Ajic i`n_[t.
S-f ]b_g_ ]ch_p[ jlch mn[c_ j_ i`_lof
Ef_]nilofoc. Sohn_g<
i`_lof c `[]_ m_gh m n[] c, ]ih]_hnl[n, c
fcj_n_ gh[ g[mcp c h^_m[n ^_ ol_]b_, ôj ][l_,
h]lohn[n, h_ [loh] i jlcpcl_.
N_a[ncp. Ti]g[c [g jlcgcn il^ch m olgg lon[
chcc[f. Cig[h^[hnof DeSoto mjoh_ ] îghof Ef_]nil
pl_[ ][ îghci[l[ Ij[lcm m `c_ ôm f[ mjcn[f gai
nltco.
h]l_g_h_m] h m][oh. hm_[gh ] Razor l-[ gchcn
j_ i`_lof foc Ah^_h g hîc_m] mch]_l ] Ef_]nilof
l-[ fm[n m ^_[ oh [mn`_f ^_ il^ch i`_lcfil. Razor
c olg_[t jf[hof; h_ p[ ìl[, jlch ni[n_
gcdfi[]_f_, m olgg lon[ ^_d[ mn[\cfcn. Nu mai
]ihn_[t ^ch ]_ ][ot. Cihnchog m g_la_g ^cl_]n
]nl_ \[t[ ^ch Pc_ll[< ^cl_]n mjl_ P[nlcicc ][l_ h_
[n_[jn.
VP - 242
16. DAY
h m`lcn, [ mimcn c tco[ [m[mchlcc Ef_]nilofoc.

Vine ][ oh ol[a[h h`lc]inil ][l_ p[ m]bcg\[ ninof,
cu tot ce am anticipat c ]o ni[n_ fo]lolcf_ ^_ ][l_
m-am temut. Am anticipat moartea Electorului. M-am
temut de semnalul lui June.
S[o ji[n_ ] fo]lolcf_ mn[o `cr chp_lm.
Nc]c []og ho nco ]_ nl_\oc_ m h_f_a. Sohn hnl-o
mn[l_ ^_ [acn[c_, c[l _o [l `c nl_\ocn m `co ^ch ]_
h ]_ g[c _hnotc[mg[n. N_fchcncn, \[n ^[l[\[h[ f[
ch`chcn j_ gh_lof ]ocnofoc. Ac alcd. Joh_. mn[ _
ohc]of ah^ ]_ln ][l_ gc m_ hpln_n_ jlch gchn_. Ac
alcd, j_hnlo \ch_f_ no c j_hnlo [f himnlo.
Sn[o h _]bcfc\lo c chm_mct[\cf jlcpclcfil ^ch
mnl[^ j_ j_lp[tof oh_c `_l_mnl_ h loch, f[ _n[dof
al treilea dintr-i ]f^cl_ ][ oh m]b_f_n g\nlhcn.
L[ ]ol_[ [g jlchm_ îo al_h[^_ c oh jcmnif. L[ `_f
][ l_mnof P[nlcicfil, mohn g\l][n hnl-i b[ch
h_[al, l_jo\fc][h, [[ ], ^_ f[ ^_jln[l_, par un
soldat. Peste ochi mi-[g nl[m[n ^ch hio ôha[ h_[al.
Schaolof fo]lo ][l_ h_ ^_im_\_n_ ^_ mif^[cc
[^_pl[c _ i \[h^ [f\ j_ \l[of mnha (c ho j_
\l[of ^l_jn). D_ [c]c, p^ fchccf_ ^_ ][f_ `_l[n
][l_ nl_] ]bc[l h fohaof oh_c mnltc hp_]ch[ne,
nch^ Pc_ll[ h îo. h ^l_[jn[ g_[, j_ i [f__
gc]o, nl_c ]f^clc g[c dim, m_ [`f chnl[l_[ h
noh_fof P[nlcicfil ^ch Pc_ll[. Boh]lof mo\n_l[h _
[]og jomnco. Sohn mchaol, h ]f^cl_[ [mn[ [\[hîh[n,
^_c mohn ^_mnof ^_ mcaol ] P[m][i g ji[n_ p_êa de
f[ hfcg_[ oh^_ m_ [`f, ^_ j_ []ij_lcof ^_ j_mn_
drum. Zgomotul surd al inimii mele poate fi auzit de
f[ ecfig_nlc ^cmn[h.
h]_j m g ah^_m], j_hnlo [ mon[ i[l, f[ gincpof
j_hnlo ][l_ Joh_ pl_[ m ijl_[m] [m[mch[nof. O[l_ [
VP - 243
descoperit ceva ]_ P[nlcicc gc ch secret? Sau a
`]on ]__[ ]_ T_mm [ \hocn: h_-[ nl^[n? h]jh[n,
gc [foha ahôf mn[ ^ch ][j.
Joh_ ho [l `[]_ [mn[ hc]ci^[n. No ôj ]_ c-au
`]on [onilcncf_ `l[n_foc _c.
Pi[n_ ] pl_[ m ijl_[m] [m[mch[nof j_hnlo ] m-a
h^laimncn ^_ Ef_]nil. h]bc^ i]bcc ]h^ h gchn_ gc
lm[l_ cg[ach_[ fil mlonhô-m_. Igjimc\cf< Joh_, ]_[
j_ ][l_ i ]ohim] _o, m `c_ [nn ^_ m_hncg_hn[f?
Tic P[nlcicc c-[o i]oj[n jitcccf_. Cigcmcih[lcc
j_ []ij_lcolc, jl_ancc ]o _rjfitc\cf_f_; b[]eerii
f[ i mnl[^ ^cmn[h ^_ chnl[l_[ h noh_f, a[n[ m
hl_acmnl_t_ c m ^còt_t_ [m[mch[l_[ Ef_]nilofoc;
fojnnilcc jitccih[c h fohaof mnltcc ^_ ^_^_mo\n,
g\l][c h mif^[c m[o ]cpcfc, jl_ancc m c
_fcgch_ j_ gcfcn[lcc ][l_ f jt_m] j_ Ef_]nir.
Glojof ìlg[n ^ch T_mm c [fc îc g_^c]c m-a
lcmcjcn, `cch^ a[n[ m-c ô] j_ lhcc h noh_f. T_mm
m_ [m]oh^_ j_ mnl[^[ haomn, ^ch j[ln_[ mnha [
]f^clcc oh^_ g [`fo _o. Doj [m[mch[n, p[ nl_\oc m
`cg jl_ancc m òacg, c[l _[ _ jlcg[ j_ ][l_ i s-o
recuperez.
c _o< Cihìlg jf[hofoc, Joh_ [l nl_\oc m f
h^_jln_t_ j_ Ef_]nil ^_ ]_c ][l_ f jt_m]. Ch^ c
pig p_^_[ d__jof foc nl_]h^ h pcn_t, ^_ ohof
mchaol, Cigcmcih[lcc c pil \[l[ ^[nilcn _rjfitccfil
orice cale pe unde s-ar putea salva. Apoi eu voi
]i\il h mnl[^. Doj ]_ P[nlcicc f pil m]i[n_ j_
Ah^_h [`[l ^ch g[ch, f pic gjo][.
E gc_tof tcf_c, ^[l hilcc jc]n_[t fog_[ ^ch dolof
g_o hnl-oh ]_hoco l_]_, ^_ lo [oaol. M ocn f[
]_[m. Al_ m_n[n i [f[lg j_hnlo il[ ]h^ d__jolcf_
Ef_]nilofoc mohn [n_jn[n_ m [j[l h pcn_t ^_ ôj
]if.
Cch]cmjl_t_]_ gchon_ jh ]h^ p[ h]_j_ h_\ohc[.
Tremur. Oare Electorul chiar va fi mort peste
]ch]cmjl_t_]_ gchon_ ^_ gh[ g_[? O[l_ jf[hof mn[
VP - 244
]bc[l i m òh]cih_t_? c, ôj ]_ m_ p[ n_lgcha
ninof, ]h^ g pil [don[ P[nlcicc m f am_m] c m
f m[fp_t [c[ j_ E^_h? Ch^ c-am povestit lui Razor ]
l-[g pton j_ \c[nof f[ ^ch nl_h, _f gc-a dat un
lmjohm jlch ][l_ m-gc [l[n_ ] g h_f_a_ c gc-a
tcm ] [ h]_jon ^_d[ m ][on_ m [`f_ ohde e Eden.
Tin ]_ jin `[]_ _ m-f ]l_^. M mnlôc_m] m gc
]l_cih_t cg[ach_[ mn[nofoc jl\ocn hnl-un haos
nin[f, ôj [m[mch[l_[ Ef_]nilofoc ^còt[n jo\fc], j_
toate JumboTron-olcf_ h[cohcc. D[] i[g_hcc [o
h]_jon m m_ l_pifn_ ^_d[, ho jin ^_]n m gc
h]bcjoc ]og pil l_[]cih[ ]h^ g pil p_^_[
gjo]hô-f j_ Ef_]nil. c-[noh]c ]_ m_ p[ hngjf[?
O[l_ Cifihccf_ pil jli`cn[ ^_ mcno[c_ c pil chp[^[
R_jo\fc][, lojh^ `lihnof ][l_ [ chon m_j[l[n_ ]_f_
îo lc [nn ^_ gofn pl_g_?
Un guvern nou. O hio il^ch_. Tl_gol, mnjhch^
_h_lac[ ][l_ ]fi]in_n_ h gch_.
Fcl_n_, mn[ _ m]_h[lcof ][l_ ho ch_ ]ihn ^_
m_gh[fof foc Joh_. h]_l] m-mi flexez degetele; am
j[fg_f_ og_^_ ^ch ][ot[ oh_c nl[hmjcl[cc l_]c. S ^_[
h[c\[ ^[] nco ]_ m_ p[ hngjf[ ]o [^_pl[n [tc<
P[l[tccc `c_ h ][m][ ^ch ol_]b_. D_mfo_m]
]n_p[ ]opchn_ ^cmj[l[n_ limncn_ ^_ P[m][i:
< mnltcf_ Ol[ha_ c E]bi fc\_l<
Vi]_[ c ^_pch_ g[c ]f[l.
Day?
Sunt aici.
Cch]cmjl_t_]_ gchon_. S]oln l_][jcnof[l_. Jil^[h
e responsabil ]o jlcg[ _rjfitc_. Ch^ ]ihpicof ^_
d__jolc [f Ef_]nilofoc [doha_ j_ mnl[^[ _c, i m
[loh]_ al_h[^[. Joh_ p[ ^_mjlc g[ch[ Ef_]nilofoc ^_
]_f_f[fn_. Aloh] c _o al_h[^[, c[l _c i pil ]inc
^cl_]n j_ mnl[^[ n[. O [loh]c c no j_ [ n[, ]h^ p_tc
convoiul. Tl_\oc_ m h]if_nc g[ch[ ôj ][l_
]i\ilc h mnl[^. Ac h_f_m?
VP - 245
D[. Ag h_f_m, c lmjoh^. Di[l al\_n_-te
h[c\cc c i]oj-c jitcc[.
An_jn[l_[ [mn[ gc chô]_ i mn[l_ ^_ al_[, gc
[ô]_ [gchn_ ^_ m_[l[ h ][l_ [g [n_jn[n ][ j[nlof_f_
anti_jc^_gc]_ m [doha f[ o[ g[g_c g_f_. Ph c
gig_hn_f_ [f_[ gc m_ j[l g[c \oh_ ^_]n ]_f ^_ []og.
Anoh]c `[gcfc[ g_[ nlc[ h], c[l _o c T_mm _l[g
jlc_n_hc. Ihmjcl ^_ g[c gofn_ ilc jliòh^, _rjclh^
f_hn [jic. h g[c joch ^_ ]ch]cmjl_t_]_ gchon_ [g m
p^ ]ihpicof Ef_]nilofoc c j_ Joh_ chnlh^ j_
mnl[^[ [mn[. Ulgl_m] ]o ^_a_n_f_ ]ihnolof al_h[^_c
prinse la curea.
Tl_]_ oh gchon, [jic h] ohof.
Tl_c gchon_. P[nlo. Cch]c. Fc_][l_ gchon m_ nln_
g[c h]_n ^_]n jl_]_^_hnof. R_mjcl[c[ gc m_
jl_]cjcn. O[l_ ]_ p[ `[]_ Joh_? Al_ ^l_jn[n_? D[l
^[] al__n_? Cl_^ ] mohn jl_ancn m f o]c^ j_
Ef_]nil. h ofncg_f_ tcf_ [g nin ôm goh] ^_ fgolcl_
]o gch_ hmogc j_ n_g[ [mn[ c c^__[ [ h]_jon ]bc[l
m g ch]cn_. M[c jin _o m f m[fp_t, m m[fp_t pc[[
oh_c j_lmi[h_ f[ ][l_ ho jin m g ah^_m] `l m ho
g hòlcc? O[l_ mohn jl_ancn m gc gol^l_m]
gchcf_ ]o mha_f_ foc? C_ nc_ Joh_ c _o ho nco? C_
m i `c ^_n_lgch[n m ]l_[^ ] Ef_]nilof g_lcn hnl-
[^_pl m `c_ m[fp[n?
Opt minute.
Apoi, brusc, Pascao revine.
An_jn[c. Ap_g i hnltc_l_.
M ]lcmj_t cg_^c[n.
De ce?
Ulg_[t i j[ot jl_foha.
E ]_p[ h h_l_aof ]o Joh_, ijn_n_ P[m][i. A
f_ch[n ]h^ m c[m ^ch nlc\oh[f. D[ ho n_ j[hc][
Razor tc]_ ] _ \ch_. R_m_ng ]_[molcf_ [ôah^ îo
gchon_ ^_ hnltc_l_. Ac h_f_m?
M lc^c] joch ^ch jitcc[ h ][l_ mn[o j_ pch_.
June s-[ jom h gc][l_. gc ^[o m_[g[ ^_ [mn[
VP - 246
instantaneu. Ceva nu-gc ^ j[]_, oh `_f ^_ [p_lncmg_hn
^[nil[n ohoc [f [m_f_[ mcg, ][l_ gc mjoh_ ],
ch^c`_l_hn ][l_ [ ìmn jf[hof g_o h jlcpch[
Ef_]nilofoc, _f i m m_ m]bcg\_ h òh]c_ ^_ ]__[ ]_
p[ `[]_ h ]ihncho[l_ Joh_.
D_ ]_ [ f_ch[n? hnl_\.
No nco. Sjcihcc mjoh ] m_ j[l_ ] i fo[m_
[g__[f[ m[o ]_p[ ^_ a_hof sta.
c []og c-a revenit?
S_ j[l_ ] g_la_g h[chn_ ]og [g mn[\cfcn.
c ^g h[chn_? O[l_ jf[hof foc Joh_ [ _o[n? M
lc^c], `[] ]cp[ j[c c [jic g ab_goc_m] ^ch hio.
C_p[ _ h h_l_aof [c]c. D[] g_la_g h[chn_ ]o jf[hof
chcc[f, i pic p_^_[ ninoc j_ Joh_ mimch^ ]o []_f[c
d__j, [[ ]og g-[g [n_jn[n jh []og c gjinlcp[
pich_c _c? c pil ^[ P[nlcicc m_[g[ ] [ h]_l][n
m m_ [\[n ^_ f[ jf[hof fil? Pl_mcgcl_[ h_[al ho g
jlm_n_, ch^c`_l_hn ]n ^_ gofn h]_l] m i cahil.
C_p[ _mn_ h gi^ ]f[l h h_l_aof.
M[c nl_] h] îo gchon_ [aihct[hn_. Dch ][ot[
h_lpitcncc, [g lojn i \o][n g[l_ ^_ pijm_[ ^_ j_
gh_lof ]ocnofoc. D_a_nof g[l_ gc _ []ij_lcn ^_
particule negre.
L[ ]n_p[ mnltc ^cmn[h, _rjfi^_[t jlcg[ al_h[^.
Pghnof m_ ]onl_gol, ]f^cl_[ m_ m]onol c oh hil
^_ jl[` g hpfoc_. M[c gofn ][ mcaol c-[ `]on
[j[lcc[ d__jof Ef_]nilofoc.
Plm_m] joh]nof ^_ i\m_lp[c_ ^_ j_ g[lach_[
`_l_mnl_c c i jilh_m] j_ m]lc, ]nl_ []ij_lc. M_la
[jf_][n, [ph^ alcd m ho `co tlcn. D_ [c]c, p^ g[c
\ch_ ^_ oh^_ m_ lc^c] ògof jliôm ^_ jlcg[ _rjfitc_
c [o^ mnlcan_f_ moljlchm_ [f_ mif^[cfil [`f[c h
[jlijc_l_. Sohn ][g f[ nl_c mnltc ^cmn[h. Ch^ j_
mnl[^ hpf_m] g[c gofc gcfcn[lc, g hnch^ j_
caf_f_ mj[ln_ ^_ j_ []ij_lc. Ih^cpctcc olf ]_p[
ininteligibil joh j[lco ] c ]b_[g hnlclc f[
fi]of oh^_ [ _rjfi^[n \ig\[. Pl_[ nltco. Ph m
VP - 247
[doha _c []ifi, g[ch[ Ef_]nilofoc p[ [doha_ f[
]ifof oh^_ [g jf[hc`c][n hic m `c_.
S]in oh[ ^chnl_ al_h[^_ c i ch ]o alcd h gh,
reamintindu-gc ]og òh]cih_[t, l_[gchnchô-gc ],
^[] i [loh] f[ ncgj, pic h_mi]inc [p_lncmg_hnof foc
June.
E i al_h[^ ^_ cgj[]n, gc-a explicat Pascao.
Erjfi^_[t h m_]oh^[ h ][l_ [ncha_ jghnof. Aj_c
mcaol[h[, m]ic ]ocof, i [loh]c c n_ [^jimn_nc.
Uh^_p[, h ^_jln[l_, i [fn _rjfitc_ taoôc_ il[of
c oh [fn hil ^_ òg m_ lc^c] h [_l. mn[ [ ìmn
B[rn_l; []og _ j_ [f__ c m_ [m]oh^_.
E f[ îo mnltc ^cmn[h. Ef_]nilof m_ [jlijc_.
O [ nl_c[ _rjfitc_ lmoh. Amn[ _ gofn g[c [jli[j_
jli\[\cf ] d__jof _ j_ mnl[^[ [fnol[n. M jlijn_m]
\ch_ j_ jc]ci[l_ ]]c jghnof m_ ]onl_gol ^ch ][ot[
cgj[]nofoc. gc pch_ lhôf. Joh_, g ah^_m]. Uh^_
_nc? D[] _[ p[ `[]_ i gc][l_ h_[n_jn[n, ]og i m
procedez? f [o^ h ][m] j_ P[m][i. Pare agitat.
Pl_an_n_-n_, gc mjoh_.
hm p^ ]_p[ ][l_ g ^_n_lgch m ocn nin ]_ f_-am
jligcm P[nlcicfil ] pic `[]_. Pilnc_l[ ]_foc ^_-al
îcf_[ d__j m_ ^_m]bc^_ \lom] c [`[l m_ limniaif_n_
i `[n ]o jlof foha, h_alo, jlchm hnl-i ]i[^
mnlhm. S_ lin_n_ ^_ ]n_p[ ilc, [jic, ]o i[l_][l_
_ìln, m_ lc^c] h jc]ci[l_. S_ ocn h mom, mjl_
[]ij_lcolc, c c `fonol \l[_f_ h [_l ^cmj_l[n.
E June. E aici. Acum nu mai am niciun dubiu: ea nu
pl_[ m f m_j[l j_ Ef_]nil ^_ gcfcn[lcc ][l_ f
jt_m].
Vocea lui Pascao revine.
Ulg_[t jf[hof, gc oc_l _f. No-c ^[ [n_hc_ foc
Joh_= Ulg_[t jf[hof, g [otc?
No nco ]_ m_ hngjf ]o gch_ oh `cil gc ]i\i[l
j_ cl[ mjchlcc. Jogn[n_ ^ch gch_ mnlca: No= Joh_,
ho jic m n_ ijl_nc []og. Vl_[o ][ Ef_]nilof m
gi[l= f pl_[o j_ E^_h h[jic=
VP - 248
Dar iat-i j_ Joh_, `fonolhô-c \l[_f_ h gcdfi]of
oh_c mnltc jfch_ ^_ j_lc]if_, lcm]hô-c pc[[ ][ m
g [p_lnct_t_. Ih^c`_l_hn ]_ gincp [l_, nl_\oc_ m `c_
ohof \oh. Tl_\oc_. C_ m `[]? Ac h]l_^_l_ h _[,
mjoh_ ]_p[ ^ch [^h]of g_o. h]bc^ i]bcc c jf_]
capul.
Fc_][l_ m_]oh^ ][l_ nl_]_ `[]_ ^c`_l_h[ hnl_
pc[ c gi[ln_.
Ac h]l_^_l_ h _[.
Blom], m[l h jc]ci[l_ c h]_j m [f_la j_
[]ij_lc. Folcim, P[m][i gc olf ]_p[ h ][m]. f
cahil. h ncgj ]_ p_bc]of_f_ nl_] j_ fha ]f^cl_[ j_
][l_ g [`fo, nl[a ]ocof al_h[^_c c i [loh] j_ mnl[^
]n ^_ ^_j[ln_ jin. Cbc[l []ifi oh^_ P[nlcicc pil m
h^l_jn_ ]ihpicof.
D[s= lmoh pi]_[ ^cmj_l[n [ foc P[m][i. No< ]_
`[]c<?=
Gl_h[^[ [n_lct_[t j_ j[p[d. gc []ijl ol_]bcf_ c
chmn[hn[h_o, h ]fcj[ h ][l_ _rjfitc[ ]onl_gol
jghnof, mohn [loh][n dim. J__jolcf_ `lh_[t \lom]
]bc[l h `[[ ^_`f[al[c_c; ]_f [f Ef_]nilofoc
h]_[l] m i]if_[m] gifitof, ^[l ohof ^chnl_
cauciuculc c _rjfi^_[t c f i\fca m m_ ijl_[m].
Ag \fi][n ]igjf_n mnl[^[ j_ ][l_ [l `c nl_\ocn m m_
^_jf[m_t_, []ifi oh^_ P[nlcicc f [n_[jn j_
Ef_]nil. c ]_f_f[fn_ g[chc mohn nin []ifi, hnl_aof
convoi.
Acum June a luat-i f[ ai[h ]nl_ d__jof foc Ahên.
D[] h]_[l] m f m[fp_t_, [noh]c h-am timp de
jc_lôn. S[l c[l h jc]ci[l_, g [loh] j_mn_ g[lach_[
[]ij_lcofoc c g jlch^ ]o gchcf_ ^_ dab_[\. h]_j
m [foh_]. D[l dab_[\of m_ ^_mjlch^_ c g
^_t_]bcfc\l_[t, hm g [loh] ^_ j_ _f c g jlch^ ê
pervazul unei ferestre din apropiere. Aterizez cu
jc]ci[l_f_ j_ \lof jlcgofoc _n[d ^_ oh^_ m[l c g
rostogolesc.
VP - 249
P_ mnl[^ _ oh b[im nin[f. Plchnl_ olf_n_ c òg,
p^ mif^[c l_jo\fc][g ][l_ [f_[la mjl_ d__jolc, h
pl_g_ ]_ mif^[cc ^ch l_mnof g[chcfil m_ al\_m] m
[doha f[ Ef_]nil. Uhcc ^chnl_ P[nlcicc ^_abct[c
_tcn, h_ôg_lcc ^_ _rjfitc[ h_mch]lihct[n jlipi][n
^_ gch_. E jl_[ nltco []og m g[c m_j[l_ g[ch[
Electorului de celelalte jol c mcgjfo, h tih mohn
jl_[ gofc mif^[c. O ali[t de militari roiesc pe
mnl[^. L[ lhôf g_o, g mcgn ^_]ih]_ln[n c mohn
]ogp[ f[ `_f ^_ ocgcn ][ c _c. h] ho nco ^_ ]_
[]cih_t gjinlcp[ [ nin ]__[ ]_ [g jfhocn m `[].
Tess! strig.
Mc][ g_[ jlc_n_h _ ]bc[l []ifi oh^_ nl_\oc_ m `c_.
Sn gjc_nlcn h og\l[ ]f^clcc g_f_. Adoha f[ _[ c
o prind de umeri.
C_ m_ hngjf? gc mnlca _[, ^[l _o ho `[] ^_]n
s-i lmo]_m] j_ jc]ci[l_.
Ihnl[l_[ h noh_f, ^[? No hnl_\[ hcgc]=
c c `[] m_gh h ^cl_]c[ \oh]lofoc P[nlcicfil,
oh^_ [l `c nl_\ocn m h_ [m]oh^_g ôj [m[mch[n. T_mm
^_m]bc^_ aol[, c[l `caol[ _c _mn_ gjc_nlcn ^_ `lc],
hm `[]_ ]_ c-[g mjom: i c[ f[ òa f[ [^jimnof
og\l_fil jlic_]n[n_ ^_ ]f^cl_ c ^cmj[l_.
O [fn _rjfitc_ ]onl_gol mnl[^[ h mj[n_f_ g_o.
Pli\[\cf ] al_h[^[ [ ìmn [loh][n ^_ ohof ^chnl_
]igcmcih[lc. D_c ho f g[c jin ô]_ j_ Ef_]nil h
fi]of ^_m_gh[n [hn_lcil, h]_[l] ninoc m \fi]b_t_
g[chcf_ j_hnlo i ofncg h]_l][l_. Pli\[\cf ]
P[nlcicc mohn j_mn_ nin. M pil o]c^_, fcn_l[fg_hn_,
j_hnlo ]__[ ]_ [g `]on. Eo c T_mm nl_\oc_ m [doha_g
h_[jl[n f[ noh_f, h[chn_ ][ ìncc hinlc ][g[l[tc
m h_ am_[m].
h]_j m [f_la mjl_ Joh_ ni]g[c ]h^ _[ [doha_ f[
jeepul Electorului. hohnlo _ oh \l\[n ]o jl h_alo,
ihôf[n. Joh_ olf f[ _f, ]o gchcf_ fcjcn_ j_ a_[g.
Uh^_p[ m_ [o^_ i [fn _rjfitc_, ][l_ i `[]_ j_
jlc_n_h[ g_[ m ][^ h a_hoh]bc. M [loh] ^_[mojl[
VP - 250
_c, h pl_g_ ]_ gifitof c jc_nlcof ][^ j_mn_ hic ^ch
ni[n_ ^cl_]ccf_. O \o][n ^_ ]cg_hn g fip_n_ h
ogl, `]hô-g m g ]onl_gol ^_ ôl_l_. E ]f[l ]
P[nlcicc pil m l_]oj_l_t_ ncgjof jc_lôn, hm
hnltc_l_[ c-[ ]imn[n ^_d[ m]ogj. D[] ho g[c [o [fn
[hm, mohn ]ihpchm ] ho pil g[c nl[hmgcn_ cg[achc ]o
[m[mch[nof c, h fi] ^_ [mn[, pil [loh][ h [_l
d__jof Ef_]nilofoc. Afc mif^[c l_jo\fc][hc chp[^_[t
strada. De acum sigur m-[o l_j_l[n. Sj_l ] T_mm [
[dohm h mcaol[h h [m]ohtni[l_.
June!
F[n[ j[l_ [g_cn c ocgcn, ^[l [jic g l_]ohi[n_.
No [p_g pl_g_ ^_ [g[\cfcnc.
Uh afih nl_]_ l[t[hn j_ ^_[mojl[ hi[mnl. M
]bcl]_m] c i []ijl ^ch nou cu corpul, unul dintre
mif^[cc ^ch [jlijc_l_[ hi[mnl _ gjo][n h jc]cil.
P_hnlo hog_f_ foc< Fc_ ][ T_mm m [doha h mcaol[h
f[ chnl[l_[ h noh_f. M lmo]_m] c, jlch `_l_[mnl[
g[chcc, i\m_lp i]bcc glcc [c Ef_]nilofoc. D_]c mn[
e tipul cal_ [ mlon[n-i j_ Joh_: _ h[fn, [lnim c
\ia[n. V[ momch_ ni[n_ f_acf_ ^[n_ ^_ n[nf foc. E
\c[nof-l_a_, mcg\if [f R_jo\fc]cc: lt\icof ]o
Coloniile care a dus la boala lui Eden; legile care
mi-[o [loh][n `[gcfc[ h g[b[f[f_, ][l_ [o ôm f[
moartea aprijc[cfil g_c, f_acf_ ][l_ g-au condamnat
f[ gi[ln_ j_hnlo ] ho [g nl_]on oh h_hili]cn ^_
_r[g_h ]h^ [p_[g t_]_ [hc. Tcjof mn[ _ R_jo\fc][
hmc. Al nl_\oc m-f igil h m_]oh^[ [mn[.
Ajic hm g ah^_m] f[ Joh_. D[] _[ ]ohi[n_ oh
motiv pentru care al nl_\oc m f [jlg ^_ P[nlcic
c ]ihmc^_l ] j_hnlo []_mn gincp g_lcn m c lcn_
pc[[ c j_ [ g_[ , [noh]c i m g h]l_^ h _[.
D[] l_òt[g, [ `c l_n_t[n ilc]_ f_anol ]o _[
j_hnlo nin^_[oh[. A jon_[ m nlc_m] ]o []_[mn
^_]ctc_? Ghôf mn[ g hab_[ jh h gôp[
i[m_fil. Aln ]o gh[ h fohaof mnltcc, mjl_
VP - 251
_rjfitc_, c `[] ]_p[ ]_ ho [g ]l_ton ] pic `[]_
hc]ci^[n.
D[c h[jic d__jolcf_= f_ mnlca mif^[cfil.
B[lc][^[c mnl[^[= Ajl[c-l pe Elector!
Ajic, h ]fcj[ h ][l_ gcfcn[lci ajung la Anden, le
strig disperat:
Scoan_c-f j_ Ef_]nil ^ch g[ch[ [mn[= Do]_c-l
de-[c]c= Vil [loh][ g[ch[ h [_l=
Joh_ g nl[a_ h dim ]h^ oh [fn afih m_ h`ca_ h
jghn fha hic.
H[c^_= l]h_m] f[ _[.
M olg_[t. h mj[n_f_ himnlo, t_]c ^_ mif^[c
l_jo\fc][hc [o mimcn f[ `[[ fi]ofoc. Soljlch^
cg[ach_[ Ef_]nilofoc ]i\ilh^ ^ch g[ch; [jl[n ^_
mif^[c, _ fo[n ^_ []ifi h al[\. Gfi[h_f_ t\i[l
prin aer. Oare l-[ hcg_lcn ohof h jc_jn? No, î[l h
\l[. Doj ][l_ fc^_lof R_jo\fc]cc ^cmj[l_, ascuns
hnl-i g[l_ ^_ mif^[c.
E m[fp[n. O m m][j_ ]o pc[. L[ ahôf mn[,
[jli[j_ ] gc m_ n[c_ l_mjcl[c[: ho nco ^[] [l
nl_\oc m `co `_lc]cn m[o òlcim. Doj ni[n_
jl_anclcf_ j_ ][l_ f_-[g `]on, [m[mch[l_[
Ef_]nilofoc [ _o[n ^ch ][ot[ g_[ c [ lui June. Ce-am
`]on?
f[ _ D[s= mnlca ]ch_p[. Tlc_n_=
No h^lth_m] m g g[c hnil]. O mnlha g[c n[l_ ^_
gh j_ Joh_ c [ghîc òacg, i]ifch^ ^lgnolcf_ c
fumul.
Dg h[m h h[m ]o jlcgof P[nlcin. B[rn_l. Ch^ h_
p_^_, ch^cpcôf lgh_ h_gc][n i m_]oh^, [jic i
h`[] j_ Joh_ ^_ \l[.
To= f[nl _f.
Joh_ _ hm gofn jl_[ l[jc^ j_hnlo _f. h[chn_ m
[jo] m m]in jcmnifof ^_ f[ \lo. Joh_ c-[ c m]j[n
^ch gh. B[rn_l ^ c[l m h_ jlch^ ^[l, jh m
[p_g pl_g_ m `[]_g pl_i gc][l_, [fn]ch_p[ f
VP - 252
ji]h_n_ ^_ f [loh] f[ jghn. D[o ]o i]bcc ^_
jlcpcl_[ ch][h^_m]_hn [ foc K[_^_.
F[n[ c [acn \l[_f_ ^cmj_l[n mjl_ hic.
Foacc= h_ mnlca. h[chn_ m p am_[m] l_mnof=
P_ ]bcj c m_ ]cn_n_ oh i] jliòh^ _ c _[ ofocn
] jf[hof P[nlcicfil m-[ ôm j_ [j[ mg\_n_c? nc_ ]
_o c Joh_ jolng i j[ln_ ^ch pch? Tl_\oc_ m nc_.
Atunci de ce s-[ hnilm c _[ gjinlcp[ P[nlcicfil?
K[_^_ òa_ c _[. O olgl_m] ]o jlcpcl_[ i `l[]coh_
^_ m_]oh^. Cog _l[ ^_ [n_jn[n, Ah^_h ho m_ p_^_ pe
hc]coh^_, c[l mif^[cc l_jo\fc][hc [o h]_jon c _c m
lmjoh^ ]o ì]olc ^_ [lg, h^l_jn[n_ mjl_
[]ij_lcolc.
Ah^_h ho m_ p_^_ j_ hc]coh^_, gc nl_]_ jlch
gchn_. O[l_ n_hn[ncp[ ^_ [m[mch[n [ _o[n h gi^
oficial?
Cihnchog m [f_lag jh ]h^ [doha_g ^_ ]_[f[fn
parte a locului exploziei. Dintr-i^[n, j_mn_ nin h
dolof himnlo mohn P[nlcic; ohcc aih_m] hmjl_
mif^[c, h ]on[l_[ [hm_c ^_ [-f gjo][ j_ Ef_]nil,
c[l [fcc aih_m] mjl_ noh_f. Foa ôj hic.
O [fn _rjfitc_ taoôc_ mnl[^[ ]ch_p[ [ ncercat
t[^[lhc] m f ijl_[m] j_ Ef_]nil ]o i hio al_h[^.
Pi[n_ ] [o ct\oncn jh f[ olg m c [loh]_ h [_l
jeepul. Unde e Razor? N_ pl_[ j_ hic gilc []og? mi
cg[ach_t `caol[ foc ][fg, j[n_lh, ]bcj ][l_ nl_\oc_
m `c_ []og h_alo ^_ òlc_.
h m`lcn, [doha_g j_ [f__[ haomn ][l_ ô]_ f[
noh_f. Sohn_g î[l ]o ]cp[ j[c h[chn_[ P[nlcicfil
][l_ h_ olgl_m] h^_[jli[j_.
T_mm _ []ifi, jcncn h hnoh_lc] c fcjcn ^_ tc^.
gc pch_ m olfo. D_ ]_ ho [ chnl[n h noh_f, ^_ ]_ ho
a pornit-o spre am]ohtni[l_?
hohnlo, []og= c ]ig[h^. No nl_\oc[ m g
[n_jc.
D[l T_mm ho m_ gc] ^ch fi]. Sn h `[[ hi[mnl,
]o joghcc mnlhc. O]bcc c òa ^_ f[ gch_ f[ Joh_ c
VP - 253
h[jic. Af_la f[ _[, i jlch^ ^_ gh c i nl[a ôj
hic, ]nl_ ohof ^chnl_ alcf[d_f_ g_n[fc]_ gc]o_, ][l_
m_ [fchc[t f[ \[t[ j_l_n_foc ]f^clcc.
Ao^ ^_d[ jlcg_f_ taigin_ jliôm_ ^_ P[nlcicc ^ch
olg[ hi[mnl. T_ lia. Di[gh_, g lia _o h ah^. T_
rog, ` ][ hic m `cg jlcgcc ][l_ [doha h
[m]ohtni[l_.
Vch, [hoh Joh_, ]o i]bcc `crh^ oh fi] oh^_p[ h
josul aleii.
S-h]_l]_ î[l m h_ jlch^.
gc nl_] j[fg_f_ ]o `_\lcfcn[n_ j_mn_ alcf[dof
g_n[fc], [jic f ^_m`[].
P[nlcicc mohn [jli[j_. Mofn jl_[ [jli[j_.
M lc^c] h jc]ci[l_.
D[c-p f[ i j[ln_, f_ mjoh foc T_mm c Joh_.
Apoc, m]in i [ îo[ al_h[^ ^_ f[ \lo, nl[a ]ocof
c i [loh] mjl_ ][jnof [f_cc. N_ [loh]g ]o nicc f[
jghn c h_ []ij_lcg ][j_n_f_ ]o gchcf_.
Booog= O _rjfitc_ [moltcni[l_. Amn[ [l nl_\oc m c
g[c h]_nch_[m], ^[l p^ ^_d[ ]n_p[ mcfo_n_ ][l_
apar prihnl_ \o]cf_ ^_ ^lgnolc c m_ h^l_[jn
spre noi.
Joh_ [f_[la, [fnolc ^_ gch_, mjl_ chnl[l_[ h
noh_f. O f[m m m[l jlcg[ hohnlo, [jic g hnil]
mjl_ T_mm c c hnch^ gh[.
H[c, T_mm= c mjoh. N-avem mult timp la
^cmjitcc_.
Ea gc jlcp_n_ gh[ hnchm c `[]_ oh j[m h
mj[n_. h m_]oh^[ [c[, fog_[ ^ch dolof himnlo j[l_ m
h]l_g_h_[m]. T_mm ho i m g_[la ]o hic. P_
`_ci[l[ _c m_ ]cn_m], hnl-oh [g[fa[g, òlc_, i],
pchipc_ c nlcmn__.
h]_l] ^ch hio.
H[c^_= c mnlca. T_ lia, T_mm, ho jin m n_ f[m
aici.
Plcpcl_[ _c g m`l_^_f_n_.
VP - 254
gc j[l_ lo, D[s, gc lmjoh^_ _[, ]o lmo`f[l_[
hnl_nc[n. Pin m-gc jiln c mchaol ^_ alcd. A[
] ho h]_l][ m pcc ôj gch_.
Ajic gc][ g_[ jlc_n_h c ^_mjlch^_ i]bcc ^_ f[
gch_ c i c[ f[ òa h[jic, ]nl_ P[nlcic. S_
hni[l]_ f[ _c? M ocn ôj _[, [gocn, ]o gh[ h]
hnchm. R_\_fcc mohn halitcnil ^_ [jli[j_ []og.
Copchn_f_ foc B[rn_l< Ih^cpcôf [ [p_lnct[n-i h nin
ncgjof mn[ ]-c pic nl^[. c [mn[ [g `]on. Er[]n ]_
[ tcm ch^cpcôf f[ ] pic `[]_. I[l []og T_mm nl_\oc_
m nlc[m] ]o ahôf mn[. Ag ^_t[gacn-i [nn ^_
crunt!
C_[ ][l_ g m[fp_[t _ Joh_.
D[s, m[lc= mnlca _[ f[ gch_, [ô]hô-g ^ch hio
la realitate.
M ìl_t m-c hnil] mj[n_f_ foc T_mm c m m[l h
tunel. Bocancic gc jf_im]c_ ]h^ [n_lct_t h [j[
joch [^h], ^[l l_]_ ][ ab_[[. Cbc[l [noh]c c [o^
j_ jlcgcc P[nlcic [dohah^ f[ hic. Joh_ g h`[] ^_
gh.
Mc]= gc oc_l _[.
Gihcg jlch noh_fof []_mn[ hnoh_][n. h mj[n_f_
himnlo, [o^ j_ ]ch_p[ mlch^ c h]_jh^ [jic m
[f_la_ ôj hic. Ajic h] ohof. Vch ]o nicc.
M[c [c pl_i al_h[^? gc mnlca Joh_ h ncgj ]_
fugim.
Do] gh[ f[ ]ol_[.
Una.
I[o ofncg[ al_h[^ c c m]in ]ocof. D[] i ìfimcg,
ho g[c [p_g ][f_ ^_ hni[l]_l_. Ag jon_[ m lgh_g
\fi][c [c]c, mo\ jghn, i p_hc]c_, ^[l ho [p_g ^_
[f_m, c[l Joh_ nc_ [mn[.
Ulfo oh [p_lncmg_hn h mj[n_f_ himnlo c [tplf
al_h[^[. P[nlcinof ]_f g[c [jlijc[n ^_ hic g p_^_ ]_
`[] c m_ ijl_n_ [\lojn. Ajic h]_j_ m t\c_l_ f[
]_cf[fc m m_ hni[l]. Nic ]ihnchog m òacg.
VP - 255
So`fof _rjfitc_c h_ c[ j_ mom, t\olg jlch [_l. Eo
g ct\_m] ^_ jghn ]o jon_l_, [foh_]h^ jlch [j[ l_]_
]n_p[ m_]oh^_ jh m g ijl_m]. Ul_]bcf_ gc iuie;
gc [jm n[l_ ngjf_f_ ]o j[fg_f_, h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [
m]j[ ^_ []_f mohet. N-[g hm hili]. O gcal_h gc
`[]_ ]l_c_lof m _rjfi^_t_, h_]hô-mi toate
ahôlcf_. Dch ][ot[ ôl_lcc, mnlha ^ch i]bc. Uho,
îc, nl_c<
S_]oh^_f_ j[l] m_ nlm]. C[jof gc jofm_[t ][ c
]og [l `c fipcn ^_ gcc ^_ ]ci][h_. M ]bchoc_m] m
respir.
Ajic, ^ch `_lc]cl_, ôl_l_[ h]_j_ m g f[m_.
D_m]bc^ i]bcc h \_th jghnof ho m_ g[c tafc_
c, ]o ni[n_ ] h] c [o^ h olg[ hi[mnl, ]opchn_f_
mohn h\ocn_, ][ c ]og [l p_hc ^_ ^ch]ifi ^_ i o
ali[m. M lc^c] ]o alcd h òh^. Joh_ mn mjlcdchcn
^_ j_l_n_f_ f[n_l[f [f noh_fofoc c c g[m_[t
\l[of. Aghîc h_ hni[l]_g ]o `[[ ]nl_ ^cl_]c[
din care am venit.
Co î[l ]n_p[ m_]oh^_ h olg, []ifi _l[ oh noh_f,
[]og t[]_ oh gilg[h ^_ ]cg_hn c ^_ gifit ][l_ [
astupat golul.
Ag l_ocn. c ninoc, mo`f_nof gc-e pustiu.
VP - 256
17. JUNE
Ch^ [p_[g ]ch]c [hc, M_nc[m g-[ ôm c p^

mormintele jlchcfil hinlc. El[ j_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n ^_
f[ hgilghn[l_ ]h^ g_la_[ []ifi. Cl_^ ] ho mojiln[
m-c l_[gchn_[m] `[jn_f_. C_fil g[c gofc ^chnl_
civilii din Los Angeles gofc jlip_hch^ ]bc[l ^ch
jnol[ ^_ mom [ mi]c_ncc fc m_ l_j[lnct[ oh mj[co
^_ hio mon_ ^_ ]_hncg_nlc jnl[c, h \fi]of-turn
][l_ do][ lifof ^_ ]cgcncl fi][f, c i ]onc_ ^_ mnc]f
ij[] j_hnlo [ ^_jitcn[ ]_ho[ `c_]loc [jlijc[n
decedat. hm M_nc[m c gcnocm_ j_ i`c]c[fcc ^_ f[
]cgcncl c i\chom_, j_hnlo g[g[ c n[n[, oh mj[co ^_
nl_c gcc [m_ mon_ ^_ ]_hncg_nlc jnl[c c îo
jc_nl_ ^_ gilghn ^ch ]lcmn[f al[p[n. Ag mn[n h[chn_[
[]_mnil jc_nl_ ^_ gilghn, g\l][c h b[ch_f_
noastl_ [f\_ c chh^ `filcf_ [f\_. Tin ncgjof, _o f-
[g jlcpcn j_ M_nc[m. h] gc [gchn_m] _rjl_mc[ foc
c ch_[ ^chcc h]f_n[c , jlof jc_jnh[n ]o
alcd c i\l[dcc og_tc c mnlfo]ch^ ^ch ][ot[
f[]lcgcfil. Agchncl_[ ]_[ g[c jl_ah[hn _mn_ _rjl_mc[
ocbcfil foc jfchc ^_ nlcmn__, jl_[ \nlhc j_hnlo oh
\c[n ^_ [jn_mjl_t_]_ [hc.
L[ `_f [ln[ c D[s ]h^ [ [`f[n ^_ gi[ln_[ `l[n_foc
mo, Jibh. c []og, ]h^ h[chng jlch noh_fof
mo\n_l[h ][l_ h_ m]i[n_ ^ch Pc_ll[, [l_ []_c[c i]bc.
P_nl_]_g ]ch]ct_]c c îo ^_ gchon_ (m[o ]ch]ct_]c
c oho? No mohn mcaol. gc mcgn ][jof oil c
`c_l\chn_, ][ ^_ f[ n_gj_l[nol) [f_lah^ jlch
og_t_[f[ c hnoh_lc]of noh_fofoc. O pl_g_, g[c [ot_[g
h] mnlcan_f_ p_hch^ ^ch j[ln_[ ]_[f[fn [ gohn_foc
de ciment care ne despaln_ ^_ P[nlcic c ^_ mif^[cc
l_jo\fc][hc. D[l, jh f[ olg, j_ gmol ]_ aih_[g
prin tunel, sunetele s-[o mnchm, `cch^ hfi]ocn_ ^_
n]_l_. P[nlcicc jli\[\cf ] [o ìmn h_picc m òa
VP - 257
][ m m][j_ ^_ nloj_f_ jli[mjn mimcn_. Pi[n_ ]
mif^[cc h]_[l] m _r][p_t_ ^lgnolcf_ c m
_fc\_l_t_ noh_fof. No ncg ]og mn[o fo]lolcf_, [[ ]
h_ ]ihnchog h[chn[l_[.
E fchcn_ []og. Schaol_f_ moh_n_ j_ ][l_ f_ j_l]_j_g
mohn ]_f_ [f_ l_mjcl[c_c hi[mnl_ m[][^[n_, [f_
\i][h]cfil jf_m]ch^ jlch \fcf_ hilici[m_ i ale
jc]nolcfil l_]c ][ ab_[[ ][l_ ][^ ^ch jf[ìh j_
anolcf_ hi[mnl_. Af_lag, c[l D[s g ch_ mnlhm ^_
gh. D_a_n_f_ c mohn l_]c c, ^ch ][ot[ og_t_fcc,
par ca de cauciuc. Nu-gc ^_mjlch^ gh[ ^ch _f_. E [nn
^_ hnoh_lc] [c]c ] [\c[ ^[] c ^_mfo_m] mcfo_n[ h
`[[ g_[.
O[l_ Ah^_h [ mojl[pc_ocn [n[]ofoc? g hnl_\.
S[o P[nlcicc [o l_ocn m-f o]c^? hnl_\[l_[ gc
`[]_ ol_]bcf_ m pdc_. Ufncg[ ^[n ]h^ [g do][n
lifof ^_ [a_hn ô\fo, ]ch_p[ c-[ jc_lôn pc[[ ^ch
][ot[ g_[. Ah^_h [ [pon h]l_^_l_ h gch_ c, ^ch
jlc]ch[ [mn[, [tc [l `c jonon m gi[l poate chiar a
golcn. S_ j[l_ ] mn[ _ jl_of j_ ][l_ f jfn_m]
i[g_hcc ]h^ ^logof fil m_ chn_lm_]n_[t ]o [f g_o.
I^__[ [mn[ `[]_ m lm[l oh [fn ah^ h gchn_[ g_[.
De ce n-[ ]i\iln T_mm ]o hic? Amn[ gc pch_ m hnl_\
^[l, h gi^ ]co^[n, ^_ ]h^ [g chnl[n h noh_f, D[s ho
a mai pomenit-o. S-[o ]_ln[n, [mn[ nco. Sj_l ] T_mm
_ \ch_. O[l_ [ [f_m m lgh ]o P[nlcicc?
h m`lcn, D[s m_ ijl_n_ h `[[ ohoc tc^. Ajli[j_
] g jl\o_m] j_mn_ _f c, \lom], mohn choh^[n ^_
oh p[f ^_ ool[l_ [g_mn_][n ]o j[hc]. Al nl_\oc m
l_tcmn f[ [f_lalc g[c fohac, ^[l mohn _joct[n. O[l_
[mn[ _ i òh^nol? S m_ `c jl\ocn noh_fof c []og
[g\_f_ c_clc m `c_ \fi][n_?
hm D[s joh_ gh[, jlch hnoh_lc], j_ mojl[`[[
zidului.
Pon_g m h_ i^cbhcg [c]c, gc ijn_n_ _f; mohn
primele cuvinte pe care le-[ m]im ^_ ]h^ mohn_g h
mo\n_l[h_. Ag mn[n h ]ih^ccc mcgcf[l_ h L[g[l.
VP - 258
Razor [ jig_hcn i^[n ^_mjl_ noh_folcf_ ^_ _p[]o[l_
[f_ P[nlcicfil. D[s c nl_]_ j[fg[ j_mn_ g[lach_[
occ. h ]_f_ ^ch olg, am_n_ ]__[ ]_ ]on[: oh gc]
gh_l jcpin[hn, ][l_ c_m_ ^chnl-i hc mo\cl_, ^_
nl_ct_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc. Plc_n_hof g_o nl[a_ ^_ gh_l
dintr-oh ][jn jh h ]_ff[fn. U[ m_ ^_m]bc^_ ]o oh
declic.
L[ h]_jon, fi]of h ][l_ jnloh^_g j[l_ î[l i
a[ol h_[al. D_c ho p^ hcgc], [m]ofn [n_hn _]iof
j[cfil hinlc. Bhoc_m] ] h]j_l_[ [l_ oh n[p[h
dim, jli\[\cf ]o î[l ]cp[ t_]c ^_ ]_htimetri mai
h[fn ^_]n ]_f [f noh_fofoc (nl_c, ji[n_ 3,35 g_nlc
hfcg_) c ]h^ joh j[fg[ j_ ohof ^chnl_ tcôlc gc
^[o m_[g[ ] _ ^l_jn, ho ]ol\[n. Sohn_g hnl-i ][g_l
^l_jnohabcof[l.
L-[g jlmcn, golgol D[s.
f [o^ ]og [j[m oh \onih, c[l mj[col e imediat
choh^[n ^_ fogch [lnc`c]c[f.
S mj_lg ] ho _ hcg_hc [c]c.
C[g_l[ ho _ g[l_, ^[l h _[ [l h]j_[ ]ihìln[\cf
îot_]c m[o nl_ct_]c ^_ j_lmi[h_, ji[n_ ]bc[l c i
mon, ^[] m-[l hab_moc. P_ j_l_n_f_ ^ch mj[n_ mohn
îo oc, ][l_ m_ ^_m]bc^ mjl_ ]ilcî[l_ hnoh_][n_.
De-[ fohaof tcôlcfil mohn _]l[h_ ali[m_, c_cn_ ^ch
ot, ]o oh ^_mcah g[c mnha[]c ^_]n ]_f [f [j[l[n_fil
mcgcf[l_ ^ch chmncnoccf_ R_jo\fc]cc. M hnl_\ ^[]
[o ìmn chmn[f[n_ ^_ P[nlcic m[o ^[] l_jl_tchn
vestigii ale tehnifiaccfil ^_jcn_, [`f[n_ [c]c ^ch
pl_g_[ h ][l_ noh_folcf_ [o ìmn mj[n_.
Co jcmnifof h gh, D[s _rjfil_[t jlcgof bif mjl_
][l_ ^ h]j_l_[, h pl_g_ ]_ _o f p_lc`c] j_ ]_f
de-[f îcf_[. Ac]c mohn îo h]j_lc g[c gc]c, ]o
]n_ ]ch]c lhôlc ^_ j[nolc mojl[jom_. h ][jnof
h^_jln[n [f bifofoc _ i o gc]o ][l_ `[]_ ^ch hio
f_anol[ ]o noh_fof hnoh_][n c h_m`lcn. Poh j[lco
] c bifof foc D[s ^ mjl_ noh_f. Pfcg\hô-g ^_ f[
oh j[n f[ [fnof, gc nl_] gh[ j_ j_l_n_f_ j_ ][l_
VP - 259
i[g_hcc c-au m]lcd_fcn hog_f_ c chcc[f_f_. Amn[-i
][f_[ mjl_ m[fp[l_. J.D. E^q[l^, [ m]lcm ]ch_p[.
Schaol[ m]j[l_ _ gi[ln_[. M[lc[ Mlko_m, mjoh_ i
[fn hm_gh[l_.
Lc\_l? hnl_[\ D[s ^ch mj[n_f_ g_o.
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j.
Lc\_l. Cl_^ ] ^_i][g^[n mohn_g h mcaol[h.
D[s i`n_[t, c l_f[r_[t og_lcc, ôj ][l_,
i\imcn, c nl_]_ i gh jlch jlof h]f]cn. No [o
nl_]on ^_]n ]n_p[ tcf_ ^_ ]h^ f-[g pton ofncg[
^[n, ^[l, ho nco ^_ ]_, gc m_ j[l_ ] [ nl_]on gofn
g[c gofn ncgj. M ô] f[ _f. O]bcc foc gc ]_l]_n_[t
`[[, ][ c ]h^ [noh]c c-[l ^[ m_[g[ ] mohn c _o
[]ifi. Pli\[\cf ] [l_ oh gcfcih ^_ hnl_\lc m gc
joh, ^[l ho `[]_ ^_]n m lc^c]_ gh[ c m gc ^_[
hnl-i j[ln_ i opc ^_ jl. No nco ^[] g mcgn
[g_cn ^ch ][ot[ \ifcc m[o [ _gic_c. Ajli[j_ ]
uitasem ce efect are atingerea lui asupra mea. Vreau
m g jc_l^ h []_[ m_ht[c_ ^_ ][hî[l_[ j_ ][l_ D[s
i [ô]_ ]o mch_, m g blh_m] ^ch mch]_lcn[n_[ foc
mcgjf, ^ch mo`f_nof mo pofh_l[\cf j_ ][l_ c f-a pus
j_ n[p.
H_c, golgol _f spre mine.
N_ mnlha_g h \l[_ ]o jon_l_, h]bc^ i]bcc c g
fcj_m] ^_ ]iljof foc, m]f^hô-g h lmo`f[l_[ foc
][f^ ][l_ gc [ncha_ anof. D[s c nl_]_ gchcf_
jlch jlof g_o, [jic g ghac_ j_ mj[n_, chhô-g
mnlhm, ][ c ]h^ c-[l `c n_[g m gc ^_[ ^logof. S_
^_mjlch^_ ^_ gch_ [nn ]n m gc ji[n p_^_[ i]bcc.
S_ [jf_[] ^_ j[l] [l pl_[ m g mlon_< ^[l, ho nco
^ch ]_ gincp, l_hoh c g mnlha_ ^ch hio f[ jc_jn.
E [nn ^_ \ch_ ]h^ g ch_ h \l[_. c ninoc<
Ceva s-a schimbat.
Ne duceg h \o]nlc_ (îot_]c ^_ g_nlc jnl[c,
do^_]h^ ôj hoglof ^_ jf]c ^_ al_mc_ ^_ j_ ji^_[o[
jnl[n), amcg îo ]ihm_lp_ ]o gh][l_ c mnc]f_ ]o
[j, h_ ]i]ig c h_ ab_gocg j_ g_m_, haôchô-ne o
VP - 260
j[ot. D[s n[]_. gjlcg i ]ihm_lp ]o j[mn_ h_cate
h mim ^_ nig[n_. D_-[\c[ [n_jn m-l aud vorbind, dar
_f nin ho m]i[n_ hc]coh ]ophn. gc ^ cgjl_mc[ ] m_
ah^_n_. L[ jf[hof _o[n? L[ T_mm? S[o ji[n_ ] ho m_
ah^_n_ f[ hcgc], ]c _ h ]ihncho[l_ h mn[l_ ^_ i].
T[] c _o. A jl_`_l[ m [`fo ^_ f[ _f, m ho-i induc
presupunerile mele.
i-[g pton m_gh[fof ^_ [p_lnct[l_ j_ oh[ ^ch
hl_acmnllcf_ ^_ m_]olcn[n_, gc mjoh_ _f h ]_f_ ^ch
olg, ôj [jn_mjl_t_]_ gchon_. N-[g h_f_m h
[ghohn ]_ pic[c m `[], ^[l g-am prins care era
ideea.
Sesizet ] ho jig_h_n_ hcgc] ^_ `[jnof ] g-am
mlon[n ]o Ah^_h, ^_c mohn ]ihpchm ] [ pton c
asta.
Mersi.
V_^_l_[ gc m_ hnoh_] j_hnlo i m_]oh^ c ]fcj_m]
l_j_^_ ][ m gc-i fcgj_t_m]. Pi[n_ ] g[c [g h_pic_ ^_
medicamente.
gc< j[l_ lo ] n_-am pus hnl-i mcno[c_
^c`c]cf. Ag h]_l][n m `[] d__jolcf_ m-o ia pe un
[fn ^log h Pc_ll[, ^[l ho gc-a mers.
De-[]ifi hnltc_l_[ jliôm ^_ f_chof no, ho?
Mi-[ ìmn `lc] m ho `c jcn ]_p[.
Cn_p[ ]fcj_, g_mn_] ah^cni[l_. Mh][l_[ [l nl_\oc
m gc m_ j[l aomni[m, ^[l ho gc _ ^_fi] ì[g_. Al
nl_\oc m c mjoh cg_^c[n ^_ _fc\_l[l_[ foc E^_h, hm
tonul lui Day ][l_ j[l_ m jl_p_mn_[m] i òlnoh
g l_ch_. O[l_ P[nlcicc [o jonon m [o^ ni[n_
]ihp_lm[ccf_ g_f_ ]o Ah^_h? D[] ^[, [noh]c _ jimc\cf
][ D[s m `c [`f[n ^_d[.
Razor ne minte cu privire la motivul pentru care
f pl_[ j_ Ef_]nil giln. No nco h] ^_ ]_, ^[l
chestiile pe care ni le-[ tcm jol c mcgjfo ho m_
f_[a.
F[] i j[ot, hnl_\hô-g ^[] Razor nu a fost deja
l_chon ^_ i`c]c[fcncf_ l_jo\fc][h_. D[] ho, [noh]c
VP - 261
[mn[ m_ p[ hngjf[ ]olh^. Ph f[ m`lcnof tcf_c,
[onilcncf_ [l nl_\oc m c ^_[ m_[g[ ] Razor le-a
ilîh[n h gi^ _rjl_m i`_lcfil ^_ j_ d__jolc m
lgh j_ nl[m_of chcc[f, ^cl_]cihhô-l astfel pe
Ah^_h h [g\om][^.
D[s lc^c] ^ch og_lc c m_ ]ih]_hnl_[t [mojl[
gh]lcc.
Cch_ nc_ ]_ [hog_ `[] _c c P[nlcicc []og?
M hnl_\ ^[] mjoh_ [mn[ `cch^] m_ ah^_n_ f[
T_mm. F_fof h ][l_ ]ijcf[ f-[ jlcpcn h[chn_ m mlcg
h noh_f< M binlm] m ho-l chestionez h f_anol
cu ce s-i `c hngjf[n hnl_ _c. c ninoc, h gchn_[
g_[ m_ h[n_ cg_^c[n i cg[ach_ D[s c T_mm, j_ i
][h[j_[ gjl_oh, l_f[r[c, ][ [noh]c ]h^ h_-am
hnfhcn jlcg[ ^[n ]o P[nlcicc h V_a[m. I[l D[s c
i^cbh_n_ ][jof h ji[f[ _c. Ajic T_mm m_ [jf_[] c
c [[t \ot_f_ j_ \ot_f_ foc. Dch ][ot[
^cm]ihìlnofoc, mcgn ]og gc m_ mnlha_ mnig[]of. D[l
Tess n-[ p_hcn ]o hic, gc mjoh mchaol. C_ m-a
hngjf[n hnl_ _c? Mc-i h]bcjoc j_ T_mm ]_lnhô-se
cu el din cauza mea.
Deci, zice Day, pe un ton egal, spune-mi ce-ai
^_m]ij_lcn h f_anol ]o Ef_]nilof ^_ n_-ai decis c-
[l nl_\oc m-c nl^g j_ P[nlcic.
A[^[l, D[s ho nc_ ^_ E^_h. Poh [j[ j_ g[m c
mnlha ^ch \ot_.
Electorul l-[ _fc\_l[n j_ `l[n_f_ no.
D[s c ijl_n_ gh[ ]o òl]ofc[ h [_l.
Poftim?
Anden i-[ ^[n ^logof f[ i tc ôj ]_ c-am
transmis semnalul. E^_h m_ [`f f[ D_hp_l, mo\
jlin_]c_ `_^_l[f. Ah^_h l_al_n ]_ f_-[o `]on
[onilcncf_ g_g\lcfil `[gcfc_c n[f_< c pl_[ m h_
l_]nca_ h]l_^_l_[. Mc_ c c_.
M hnch^ ôj gh[ foc D[s, ^[l _f c l_nl[a_
\lom] \l[of. gc m][j oh i`n[n ^_t[gacn. No [g
ncon mcaol ]og p[ jlcgc D[s []_[mn p_mn_, ^[l i
VP - 262
j[ln_ ^ch gch_ [ mj_l[n ], jol c mcgjfo, p[ `c<
fericit.
Ah^_h _mn_ nin[f gjinlcp[ jifcnc]cfil ìmnofoc
Ef_]nil, ]ihnchoc m-c _rjfc]. Vl_[ m l_hoh_ f[
Er[g_h_ c f[ _rj_lcg_hn_f_ ]o pclomolc.
Etcn. D[s ]ihncho m `cr_t_ ]o jlcpcl_[ ]ihm_lp[ ]o
j[mn_; ch_ òl]ofc[ h gh, ^[l ho g[c ghh].
Vl_[ m `[] i gofcg_ ^_ m]bcg\lc l[^c][f_, ^[l,
h[chn_ ^_ ni[n_, nl_\oc_ m ]nca_ \ohpich[
poporului. Practic, m-[ cgjfil[n m-f [dong.
Erjl_mc[ foc D[s m_ m]bcg\.
Asta-c nin? D_ [mn[ [c ^_]cm no m ^[c h[c\cc
jf[hof P[nlcicfil? g hnl_[\ _f ]o [gl]coh_.
P_hnlo ][ Ef_]nilof m g gcnoc[m] h schimbul
mjlcdchofoc g_o? Doj jl_l_[ g_[, nin ]_ gc-ai zis
j[l_ i afog mchcmnl. D_ oh^_ ncc ] c-a spus
[^_plof, Joh_? Ac pl_i îp[^ ] f-a eliberat pe
Eden?
Poh i gh j_ \l[of foc. Amn[ _ _r[]n l_[]c[ ^_
care m-am temut, dar Day are tot dreptul m `c_
momjc]cim. Cog m c pil\_m] foc D[s ^_mjl_ chnocc[
g_[ h f_anol ]o `_fof h ][l_ ah^_n_ Ah^_h m[o
despre sinceritatea pe care am citit-i h i]bcc foc?
nco ] nhlof Ef_]nil f-[ _fc\_l[n j_ E^_h. nco
[mn[. hm D[s ho [ ìmn ]o gch_, h h]j_l_[ [c[. Ef
ho f ]ohi[n_ j_ Ah^_h. No [l_ hc]coh gincp m [c\
h]l_^_l_ h _f.
Ah^_h _ [fn`_f. Tl_\oc_ m g ]l_tc, D[s. L-a
_fc\_l[n j_ E^_h ho î[l j_hnlo ] [l_ h_pic_ ^_
ajutorul nostru.
Copchn_f_ foc D[s moh l_]_ c ^cmn[hn.
Te-[g hnl_\[n: [c pl_i îp[^?
O`n_t, fohô-gc gh[ ^_ j_ \l[of foc.
No. No [g hc]ci îp[^.
D[s j[l_ m l_pch f[ l_[fcn[n_ c c h`ca_ c[l
òl]ofc[ h gh][l_[ ^ch ]ihm_lp, hm ]o [nn[
ìl, h]n []_[mn[ m_ hî[c_.
VP - 263
Te-[ j]fcn. c ni]g[c j_ nch_= R_joblica n-i m
m_ m]bcg\_ hc]ci^[n. A]og, Ef_]nilof mn[ hio _
nhl, jlimn ][ hi[jn_[ c jfch ^_ mch_. Tin ]_ c
îl_n_ _ ][ i[g_hcc m-f c[ h m_lcim. Al tc]_ ilc]_
][ m i\ch [mn[. D[l, ôj ]_ fo]lolcf_ m_ pil
fchcnc, i m-c ^_[ [l[g[ j_ `[. c garantez. Nu e
]o hcgc] ^c`_lcn ^_ n[c]-mo _ î[l oh ngjcn \ia[n
c ][l_ gchn_ ]og l_mjcl.
M clcn `[jnof ] D[s c h]bcjoc_ ] mohn [[ ^_
h[cp.
Thl c jfch ^_ mch_? l_j_n _o c f gjcha oil,
h]_l]h^ m ^_n_hmcih_t [ngim`_l[. Amn[-mi amchn_n_
^_ [fn]ch_p[<
Ch^p[, l_jfc][ [mn[ f-[l `c `]on m l^, ^[l []og
D[s ho `[]_ ^_]n m m_ ocn_ oln f[ gch_.
Ag pton oh \c[n h L[g[l, gc ]igohc] _f. El[
^_ []__[c plmn ][ `l[n_f_ g_o. O ]fcj, ]bc[l [g
]l_ton ] _ E^_h. El[ nl[hmjiln[n ê colo-]ifi hnl-un
no\ ^_ mnc]f olc[, ^_ tc]c ] _l[ j[ln_ ^chnl-un
_rj_lcg_hn ncchc`c]. Ag h]_l][n m-l scot de-acolo,
dar n-[g jonon. Sha_f_ \c[nofoc _ ìfimcn j_ jimn ^_
[lg \cifiac], j_ ][l_ R_jo\fc][ pl_[ m-i f[hm_t_ h
Colonii. Asta e ceea ce-c `[]_ `logo_fo no ^_
Ef_]nil `l[n_foc g_o. To nin g[c ]l_tc ] f-a
eliberat?
M hnch^ c c []ijl j[fg[ ]o gh[ g_[.
Congresul l-[ nlcgcm j_ E^_h j_ `lihn h[chn_ ][
Ah^_h m ^_pch Ef_]nil. Ah^_h f-a eliberat zilele
nl_]on_. Ef<
D[s g cahil. Fcaol[ foc [`c_[t i _rjl_mc_ h
][l_ m_ [g_mn_] `lomnl[l_[ c ]ihòtc[. c mo`f_]
gh_]cf_ ]gcc jh f[ ]i[n_.
D_ ]_ ]l_tc [[ ^_ gofn h ncjof mn[?
C_ pl_c m mjoc?
Scgn ]og ghc[ foc ]l_n_ ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c n[l_.
Vl_[o m mjoh ] no [c fost singurul motiv pentru
][l_ ho [g mj[ln `_l_[mnl[ g[chcc Ef_]nilofoc no c
VP - 264
nu i-[g nc[n ano ]o ]ocnof. P_hnlo ]-[g ncon ]
no nl_\oc_ m [c oh gincp hn_g_c[n. A]og hm gc m_
j[l_ ] no ho `[]c ^_]n m ]l_tc nin ]_ mjoh_ `l
hc]ci îp[^ ^ch j[ln_[ foc. Uh^_ c-_ l[coh_[?
No gc jf[]_ `_fof h ][l_ f hog_n_ j_ Ah^_h
Ef_]nilof g_o _ ][ c ]og _o c D[s [g `c h] h
tabere opuse.
c mjoh [^_plof, c ijn_m]. c-apoi, ultima
^[n ]h^ ai jli]_^[n [[, j[l] hc]c no ho _l[c oh
criminal<
D[s m_ hni[l]_ ]o mj[n_f_ f[ gch_ c \if\ilim_n_
]_p[ ]_ ho l_o_m] m jlc]_j. gc h]lo]c_t \l[_f_
la piept.
cc gchn_ ]h^ [g [pon h]l_^_l_ h nch_, ^_c nin
]__[ ]_ nc[g jh [noh]c gc mjoh_[ ]-gc _nc
ôg[h? c-[g []il^[n ]l_^cn c [g m[]lificat totul pe
\[t[ []_mn_c ]l_^ch_. I[l []og c mjoh ] [m[mch[l_[
lui Anden nu va rezolva nimic. El este persoana de
care Republica are nevoie cu-[^_pl[n cineva din
chn_lcilof mcmn_gofoc, ]o ^_mnof jon_l_ ][ m m]bcg\_
fo]lolcf_. c-ai putea-o iern[ pl_i^[n ^[] [c o]c^_
un astfel de om? Anden e bun.
c ]_ ^[] _ \oh? gc ^ _f l_jfc][ af[]c[f.
Snlha_ \f[nof g_m_c ]o [nn[ jon_l_, h]n c m_
albesc buricele degetelor.
Boh, lo ]_ ]ihn_[t? Ef _ Ef_]nilof.
Tu chiar crezi asta?
D[s ]f[nch ^ch ][j c h]_j_ m l^ [g[l.
P[nlcicc h]_[l] m jilh_[m] i l_pifoc_. D_
[mn[ [l_ h_pic_ [l[, ho ^_ oh hio Ef_]nil, ]c ^_
hc]coh Ef_]nil. R_jo\fc][ _ ^cmnlom c ho m_ g[c
ji[n_ l_`[]_. Tl_\oc_ m fmg Cifihccf_ m jl_c[
conducerea.
Nc]c g][l ho ncc ]og _ h Cifihcc.
nco ] []ifi nl_\oc_ m `c_ g[c \ch_ ^_]n h
c[ôf mn[, m_ lmn_n_ D[s.
VP - 265
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] ho _ òlcim î[l j_ gch_; j[l_ oh
]ijcf, c[l [mn[ g _h_lp_[t.
ncc ^_ ]_ [g []]_jn[n m-c [don j_ P[nlcic? tc]
_o, jlchthô-l de \l[, c[l j_ mo\ gh_], mcgn i
]c][nlc]_; ]h^ f [ncha, D[s m_ ]lcmj_[t.
P_hnlo ] [g plon m n_ [don. To ]l_tc ] ninof _
^ch pch[ g_[, ho? C ^ch pch[ g_[ m-[o `]on
_rj_lcg_hn_ j_ `l[n_f_ no. C ^ch pch[ g_[ [ nl_\ocn
m-c jlm_nc j_ P[nlcic. C ^ch pch[ g_[ T_mm [
l_òt[n m pch ]o hic.
No<, mjoh_ D[s, `lhahô-c gchcf_ ^_ `lomnl[l_.
No ninof _ ^ch pch[ n[. I[l T_mm< h jlcpch[ _c, _
]f[l ] pch[ gc [j[lch_.
P_ ]bcj c m_ ]cn_n_ i ôl_l_ l_[f h ]fcj[ [mn[,
ho gc ^[o m_[g[ din caut[ ]oc mo`_l. S-[o hngjf[n
[nn ^_ gofn_. h gi^ ]olcim, mcgn oh dohabc ^_
chpc^c_, c[l mha_f_ gc hpf_n_ h i\l[dc, ^[l,
chmn[hn[h_o, g ]ojlch^_ loch_[. No _ ]il_]n ^ch
j[ln_[ g_[ m `co a_fi[m. h ìh^, D[s i ]ohi[n_ j_
Tess de ani de zile, de gofn g[c gofn pl_g_ ^_]n g
nc_ j_ gch_. Cog m ho m_ mcgn [n[[n ^_ _[? n
jfom, T_mm _ ôf]_, [fnlocmn, c[l jl_t_h[ _c [l_
^[lof ^_ [ n_ [fch[. Eo ho mohn [[. Fcl_n_, nco ^_
ce Tess l-a abandonat. Din cauza mea.
Studiez chipul prietenului meu.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n hnl_ nch_ c T_mm?
D[s m_ bif\_[t f[ tcôf ^ch `[[ hi[mnl, [^h]cn
h ahôlc. Tl_\oc_ m c [ncha jc]cilof ]o jc]cilof
g_o ][ m f `[] [n_hn.
Tess m-[ mlon[n, tc]_ _f. c ]l_^_ ] [g nl^[n-
i< j_hnlo nch_.
O\l[dcc gc m_ g\odil_[t ^ch hio. h]bc^ i]bcc,
ìlhô-g m gc m]in ^ch gchn_ cg[ach_[ fil
mlonhô-se. Asta-i o prostie. Nu-c [[? T_mm f
]ohi[n_ j_ D[s ^_ [hc ^_ tcf_ [l_ nin ^l_jnof m-l
mlon_. P_ gch_ ho g-[ mlon[n Ef_]nilof? c gc-a
jf]on, ho? Dchnl-i^[n, Ahên mi se pare undeva,
VP - 266
^_j[ln_, f[ gcfci[h_ ^_ ecfig_nlc ^cmn[h, ][ c ]og
ho [l g[c l_jl_t_hn[ hcgc] j_hnlo gch_. h ]fcj[ [mn[,
ho g[c p^ hcgc] [fn]_p[ ^_]n j_ D[s c T_mm
gjl_oh. E ][ c ]og ]ch_p[ g-[l `c fipcn h mnig[].
Sohn_g h gcdfi]of ohoc lt\ic. No `c g_fi^l[g[nc]=
De ce mi-ai spus asta?
Ac `c jl_`_l[n m `c lg[m oh m_]l_n?
D[s j[l_ loch[n c mnlha_ ^ch \ot_.
No nco ^_ ]_, ^[l \c[nof mn[ ho [l_ hc]ci
jli\f_g h [ g `[]_ m g mcgn ][ i jli[mn. h]_l]
m g jl_`[] ] nl_[\[ [mn[ ho g ^_l[hd_[t.
T_mm i m n_ c_ln_.
Copchn_f_ g_f_, g_hcn_ m j[l h_f_jn_ c
fchcncni[l_, moh [ aif. Ch^ _l[g [l_mn[n, [g
nl_]on ^_ n_mnof ]o ^_n_]nilof ^_ gch]cohc `foc_lh^
^_ ]_ gc _ [nn ^_ ^c`c]cf m a_mncih_t mcno[c[
asta?
Doj i pl_g_, D[s gc mjoh_ j_ oh nih g[c jinifcn:
C_ jl_l_ [c ^_mjl_ _f? Sch]_l?
Cl_^ ] _ ih_mn, c lmjoh^, cgjl_mcih[n ^_ ]n
^_ ][fg j[l.
Sohn `_lc]cn ] ^cm]oc[ [ chnl[n j_ oh [fn à[.
Cl_^ ] _ [g\ccim c jfch ^_ ]igj[mcoh_, ^_c
[mn[ f `[]_ m `c_ g[c joch _`c]c_hn. Co mcaol[h,
ho _ ^c]n[nilof \lon[f, h ][l_ mjoh_[o P[nlcicc ]
m_ p[ nl[hmìlg[. E nhl c [l_ h_pic_ ][ jijilof m
`c_ ^_ j[ln_[ foc. c [l_ h_pic_ ^_ [donil, ^[] _ m
schimbe lucrurile.
Joh_, [g m]j[n f[ gomn[ ^_ P[nlcic. C_ h]_l]c
m-gc mjoc []og? C [l nl_\oc m-f [dong j_ Ah^_h c
g[c gofn ^_]n f-[g [don[n ^_d[? C [l nl_\oc m
]ihnchog m h_ lcm]g pc_cf_ j_hnlo mnlchof mn[
\ia[n, j_ ][l_ [\c[ ^[]-f ]ohinc?
M moljlch^_ ]onnol[ jfch ^_ ol ][l_ c
hmi_n_ ]opchn_f_. M mcgn ^_ j[l] D[s g-ar insulta
c j_ gch_.
C_ f_anol [l_ ]f[m[ mi]c[f ]o ]b_mnc[ [mn[?
VP - 267
A]og c _o mohn clcn[n.
To ]bc[l pl_c m tc]c ] [c `c `_lc]cn m-l vezi
mort?
D[. A `c `_lc]cn m-f p^ giln, gc lmjoh^_ D[s
m]lhch^ ^ch ^chc. c [ `c `_lc]cn m-c p^ gilc
j_ nic ]_c ^ch aop_lh[l_[ amn[, ^[] [mn[ gc-ar aduce
`[gcfc[ h[jic.
P[l] h-ai fi tu. Moartea lui Anden nu va rezolva
mcno[c[, chmcmn _o.
Cog [ jon_[ m-f `[] m-c ^_[ m_[g[ ^_ [mn[?
No jic m-c joc j_ nic h []__[c ][n_ailc_,
D[s. Ercmn i[g_hc ][l_ fo]l_[t j_hnlo R_jo\fc],
care nu sunt malefici. Ce zici de mine? Sau de fratele
c ^_ jlchcc g_c? Ercmn i[g_hc \ohc h lhôlcf_
i`c]c[fcncfil, c[l _c mohn ]_c ][l_ jin m ^_m]bc^
][f_[ ohil m]bcg\lc ^_ ôl[n h R_jo\fc].
Cog jic m c_c [jl[l_[ [onilcncfil ôj nin ]_
c-[o `]on? Cog ^_ m ho pcm_tc f[ jl\ocl_[
Republicii?
Ei bine, nu-gc îl_m] [mn[= c lmjoh^ mojl[n.
Vreau s-i p^ m]bcg\hô-m_ h \ch_. L[ h]_jon,
Republica a avut motivele ei pentru care i-a controlat
j_ i[g_hc<
H___c= Sn[c joch= mnlca D[s, lc^c]h^ gchcf_.
O]bcc c mnlfo]_m] ^_ òlc_ ]o i chn_hmcn[n_ j_
][l_ jh []og h-[g g[c pton-o.
Mai zi-mi cb_mnc[ [mn[ i ^[n= T_ jlipi]= L[
h]_jon, R_jo\fc][ [ [pon gincp_f_ _c? A]cohcf_
Republicii sunt rezonabile?
No ncc nin [^_plof ^_mjl_ ìlg[l_[ R_jo\fc]cc.
Anden mi-[ jip_mncn ]og [l[ m-[ hm]on ^ch [h[lbc_ c
] i[g_hcc [o ìmn ]_c ][l_<
Deci acum crezi ce-c mjoh_ _f? Vl_c m-gc tc]c ]
_ pch[ i[g_hcfil ] R_jo\fc][ _ [[ ]og _? lc^c] D[s
nihof. C nin l[b[nof mn[ hc f-[g `]on ]o gh[
hi[mnl? A[ m_ domnc`c] `[jnof ] aop_lhof c
nilnol_[t j_ ml[]c?
VP - 268
No, ho h]_l] m domnc`c] [mn[<
No ncu de ce, dar acum acele date istorice
jlcpcni[l_ f[ R_jo\fc] ho g[c j[l f[ `_f ^_ ]l_^c\cf_
][ h gig_hnof h ][l_ gc f_ _rjoh_[ Ah^_h.
i-[]og ]l_tc ] Ah^_h ji[n_ m h_ joh j_ ^logof
]_f \oh ]o c^_cf_ foc ]l_nch_? C \c[nof mn[ ^_ \[hc
a[n[ i m h_ m[fp_t_ j_ nic?
Nu-c g[c tc]_ [[= I^_cf_ foc mohn ]_f_ ][l_ [l
jon_[ m h_ m[fp_t_, ho \[hcc foc. B[hcc ho hm_[gh
hcgc] ]h^<
D[s lc^c] oh ^_a_n h [_l hmjl_ gch_.
S ho-gc g[c mjoc [mn[ hc]ci^[n= B[hcc hm_[gh
totul.
Obrajii mi se g\odil_[t.
Nu-c [^_pl[n.
Amn[ j_hnlo ] no h-[c ôm hc]ci^[n fcjm[ fil.
Tl_m[l. Vl_[o, ]o ^cmj_l[l_, m c lmjoh^, m c
_rjfc] ] ho [mn[ [g plon m tc]. B[hcc ho g ^_`ch_m]
nici pe mine, nici pe Anden, pe niciunul dintre noi.
De ce nu am putut m tc] [mn[? D_ ]_ _ D[s mchaol[
j_lmi[h ^ch fog_ h `[[ ]l_c[ [g ^c`c]ofnc h [-
gc momch_ ]i_l_hn joh]nof ^_ p_^_l_?
D[s, n_ lia<, h]_j _o, ^[l _f m[l_ ^_ j_ g[m.
ncc ]_p[?= Pi[n_ ] T_mm [ [pon ^l_jn[n_ h
jlcpch[ n[.
Pi`ncg? g lmn_m] c _o f[ _f. h f_anol ]o ]_
m `c [pon T_mm ^l_jn[n_?
Pi[n_ ] n_-[c m]bcg\[n joch h ofncg_f_
mjnghc, ^[l, h [^h]of no, [c lg[m nin oh mif^[n
republican. Un soldat republican pur-mha_. L_ _nc
h] ^_pin[n ]lcgch[fcfil fil[. Ac ocn[n ]og [o
golcn g[g[ c `l[n_f_ g_o? Ac ocn[n ]ch_ c-a ucis
familia?
gc m[l_ c gc_ gon[lof. To l_òtc h gi^ ^_fc\_l[n
m n_ joc h fi]of g_o ][ m p_tc fo]lolcf_ ^chnl-o
[fn j_lmj_]ncp? M ^[o dim ^_ j_ g[m c g jimn_t
h `[[ foc.
VP - 269
Eo ho ocn hc]ci^[n hcmic. Sunt aici de dragul
no, [g l_hoh[n f[ nin j_hnlo nch_. Cog h^lth_nc
m-gc [g_mn_]c `[gcfc[ h jip_mn_[ [mn[?
Tu mi-[c [g_mn_][n `[gcfc[ h jip_mn_[ [mn[= gc
mnlca _f. h ni[n jip_mn_[ [mn[= To c R_jo\fc][ n[
mult-co\cn=
D[s c ^_m]bc^_ f[la \l[_f_.
Cog h^lth_nc no m [j_lc R_jo\fc][, ]og
h^lth_nc no m n_ gj[]c ]o `_fof h ][l_
[]cih_[t [onilcncf_? P_hnlo nch_ _ ì[ln_ oil m
mjoc ni[n_ [mn_[, ho? Ch^ c-[c nlcn ni[n pc[[
hnl-unul din palatele alea j_hnlo ] [mn[ mont din
blocurile alea nolh< B[a gh[-h ì] ] ho n_-ai mai
al\c m f_ am_nc fo]lolcfil mnil[ oh m_hm ^[] c-
[c `c j_nl_]on pc[[ m]ilgihch^ jlch aohi[c_, h
g[b[f[f_ ][ m [c ]_ gh][. S[o h-am dreptate?
Sohn [nn ^_ òlci[m c ^_ lhcn ] [\c[ g[c
respir.
Nu e cinstit, Day. N-[g [f_m m g h[m] \ia[n. N-
[g plon hc]ci^[n m-c `[] pl_oh lo `[gcfc_c<
Ec, ^[l [c `]on-o!
h]_j m nl_gol c m g jl\o_m] mo\ jlcpcl_[ foc
h_g\fhtcn.
Tu i-[c ]ihôm j_ mif^[c jh f[ o[ `[gcfc_c
mele. Din caot[ n[ mohn gilc.
D[s gc hni[l]_ mj[n_f_ c c_m_ ][ i òlnoh ^ch
\o]nlc_. Rgh j_ fi], mchaol, h fchcn_[ ][l_ m-a
fm[n \lom]. P_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n h pc[, ho nco ]_ m
`[]. Niôf ^ch an [g_hch m g moì]_. O]bcc gc
hi[n h f[]lcgc.
Prietehof g_o c h]bcjoc_ ] _o f ]l_^ il\_n_ j_
Ef_]nil, h fi] m `c lg[m l[cih[f. C ho jin m
`co ^_ j[ln_[ foc D[s c, h []_f[c ncgj,
]l_^ch]ci[m mn[nofoc. Ec \ch_, g[c mohn h] fic[f?
Oare n-[g lmjohm ]il_]n f[ hnl_\[l_[ [mn[ ]h^ [g
ìmn h camera-jifcal[`? Sohn a_fi[m j_ T_mm? G_fi[m
j_hnlo ] _[ _ oh ig g[c \oh ^_]n gch_? c olg_[t
VP - 270
[]_f ah^ ][l_ _ [nn ^_ ôl_lim, ] [\c[ ^[] jin m
f hôl, ch^c`_l_hn ]n ^_ gofn g-[o hòlc[n
]opchn_f_ foc: D[s [l_ ^l_jn[n_. No jin m h_a. Eo
sunt motivul pentru care a pierdut tot ceea ce
]ihn_[t j_hnlo _f.
VP - 271
18. DAY
N-[l `c nl_\ocn m olfo f[ _[. Ag `]on oh fo]lo

ali[thc] c nco [mn[.
D[l, h fi] m gc ]_l m]ot_, i jilh_m] c[l jlch
[^jimn c g[c p_lc`c] h] i ^[n ][g_l_f_. Mchcf_
h] gc nl_gol; ]l_c_lof h] gc m_ g[c fojn ]o
p[fof ^_ [^l_h[fch. Ag mjom nin< ch_[g h gch_ []_f_
]opchn_ ^_ mjnghc hnl_ac. L_-am rostit cu voce
n[l_ c ho g[c [g ]og m ^[o h[jic. Ec, c ]_ ^[]?
M \o]ol ] nc_ ]_ ah^_m]. Tl_\oc[ m nc_. S mjoh
] \[hcc ho hm_[gh hcgc]< Cb_mnc[ [mn[ c-[ m]j[n
[[, ]o h[nol[f__. Sohn [m[fn[n ^_ [gchnclcf_ nonolil
gig_hn_fil h ][l_ [g `c [pon h_pic_ ^_ nin `_fof ^_
fo]lolc, h ][l_ ninof [l `c ìmn g[c \ch_ ^[] [g `c
[pon g[c gofc \[hc. D_ jcf^, hnl-i ôj-amc[t
dintr-i mjngh ì[ln_ jli[mn, g-[g hnilm [][m,
^_ f[ ]i[f, g[c ^_pl_g_ c f-[g amcn E^_h, ][l_
avea atunci patru ani, scotocind prin frigider. S-a
mj_lc[n ]h^ [ pton ] [dohm_m_g [][m. h gh ch_[
i ]onc_ ai[f ^_ ni][h ^_ pcn. Dcgch_[, ]onc[
òm_m_ dogn[n_ jfch l_mnolcf_ jl_ci[m_ ^_ f[ g[m[
^ch m_[l[ jl_]_^_hn, j_ ][l_ g[g[ f_ hp_fcm_ ]o
alcd ]o ìfc_ c f_ jom_m_ h `lcac^_l j_hnlo ]ch[
^ch tco[ olgni[l_. Ch^ E^_h g-[ pton bif\hô-g f[
]onc[ ai[f ^ch gh[ foc, c-a dat drumul pe podeaua
^ch \o]nlc_ c [ ct\o]hcn h jfhm.
S ho-i spui mamei, te rog, m-a implorat.
Ag [f_la[n f[ _f c f-[g fo[n h \l[_. M-a prins de
]g[ ]o gho_f_ foc ^_ ]ijcf[ c c-[ halij[n
`[[ h jc_jnof g_o.
N-i m-i spun, i-[g ijncn. Promit.
ch gchn_ c []og ]n ^_ mo\clc c _l[o \l[_f_.
M[c nltco, h ]olmof m_lcc, ]h^ g[g[ c Jibh [o
mimcn h m`lcn [][m, c-[g tcm g[g_c ] [g ]_^[n c
VP - 272
[g gh][n l_mnolcf_ ^_ ni][h. E[ gc-[ ^[n i j[fg
t^l[ph c gc-[ mjom ] mohn ^_mnof ^_ g[l_ ][ m
nco ] [[ ]_p[ ho m_ `[]_. Jibh gc-[ chon oh
^cm]olm ^_ ig ^_t[gacn. D[l ]oc c-[ jm[n? No g-a
deranjat deloc.
D_ òlc_, nlhn_m] i o ^_ j_ ]ilcîl. c-[ `]on
Joh_ pl_i^[n alcdc ^ch ][ot ] [ òl[n dogn[n_ ^_
]onc_ ^_ ni][h ^_ pcn? D[] [l `c ìmn ml[], [l
g[c `c jonon m g[c c_ln_ j_ [onilcncf_ mn[nofoc ]o
[nn[ oolch?
Pistolul pe care mi l-[o ^[n P[nlcicc gc [nlh
greu de curea. Asasinarea Electorului le-ar fi oferit
P[nlcicfil ijilnohcn[n_[ ^_ [ mo\gch[ l_acgof. Nic [g
fi fomn m]hn_c[ ][l_ [l `c [jlchm \onicof ]o jof\_l_,
^[l, ^ch ][ot[ hi[mnl de fapt, din cauza lui June
, m]hn_c[ m-[ mnchm. c j_hnlo ]_? C[ m [p_g
jlcf_dof ^_ [ p_^_[ ]og Ef_]nilof mn[ ^_pch_ f[ `_f
][ n[nf foc? gc pch_ m l^ f[ ahôf ] Ah^_h f-ar
_fc\_l[ j_ E^_h. O gch]coh ncjc] l_jo\fc][h= I[l
acum sunt la fel de a-l salva, am pierdut-i j_ T_mm c
[g l_p_hcn ^_ oh^_ [g jf_][n. A^c] mohn oh jlim]lcm.
A[ p[ `c g_l_o, ho?
P_mn_ i dogn[n_ ^_ il, ]h^ g hnil] h
\o]nlc_, Joh_ ho g[c _ []ifi. Pli\[\cf ] [ c_cn j_
ohof ^chnl_ ]ilcî[l_, ][ m mno^c_t_ ni[n_
]ljnolcf_ ^ch tcôlc.
D_m]bc^ ni[n_ m_ln[l_f_ ^ch \o]nlc_, aif_m] oh m[]
^_ jht c, milnh^ ^cp_lm_f_ ncjolc ^_ gh][l_, f_
[_t h m[]. Ol_t. Pilog\. Soj_ ^_ ][lni`c c
ciuperci. Tl_c ]oncc ^_ \cm]occ. (C_ ^lao: ninof m_
ô]_ ^l[]ofoc, ^[l g][l [g ]o ]_ m-mi umplu burta!)
I[o c ]n_p[ mnc]f_ ^_ [j ^_ `c_][l_ c [jic h]bc^
m[]of. D_i][g^[n _ mo`c]c_hn. h ]olh^, p[ nl_\oc m
jf_]g c ]ch_ nc_ ]n ^_ foha g[c _ noh_fof m[o ]h^
pig g[c [doha_ f[ oh [^jimn. Tl_\oc_ m h_ ]ihnchog
^logof mjl_ Cifihcc. Pi[n_ ], i^[n [dohc h j[ln_[
]_[f[fn, i[g_hcc ^_ []ifi pil `c ^cmjoc m h_ [don_.
VP - 273
S[o ji[n_ ], ^ch ]ihnl, pig `c h_picc m h_
[m]oh^_g. h ìh^, hic mohn_g ]_c ][l_ [g jom ][jn
n_hn[ncp_c ^_ [m[mch[n `ch[h[n ^_ Cifihcc. O`n_t ^ch
ni[n chcg[. A pl_[ m `c [pon mai mult timp la
^cmjitcc_ m mn[o ^_ pil\ ]o K[_^_, m [`fo ]n g[c
gofn_ ^_mjl_ ]og _ ^_ ]_[f[fn j[ln_ [ `lihnofoc.
Cog m_ `[]_ ] ni[n_ jf[holcf_ hi[mnre s-au
nl[hmìlg[n hnl-un dezastru?
h o[ \o]nlc_c m_ [o^_ oh ]ci]hcn mf[\. M
lmo]_m] c i p^ j_ Joh_ mnh^ h jl[a, ]o \l[_f_ f[
jc_jn. c-[ ^_m`]on h[mnolcc d[]b_n_c l_jo\fc][h_;
p_mn[ c ]g[[ ^_ ^_^_mo\n c mohn cìh[n_. E g[c
g\odil[n ^_]n ^_ i\c]_c, c[l i]bcc c mohn licc,
][ c ]h^ [l `c jfhm.
Circuitele electrice de-aici nu sunt alimentate
^ch R_jo\fc], gc ]igohc] _[.
D[] hnl-[^_pl [ jfhm, [noh]c [mn[ ho m_ mcgn_ h
vocea ei.
C[\folcf_ g_la ]nl_ ]_ff[fn ][jn [f noh_fului,
oh^_ hic h] h-am ajuns.
M hnil] f[ mni]olcf_ ^_ ]ihm_lp_.
c? gilgc ]nl_ _[.
Amn[ hm_[gh ] [fcg_hn[l_[ _ `]on ^ch Cifihcc,
nu?
Pl_mojoh ] ^[. A[ [l `c fiac], ho?
M h^l_jn ^_ mj[n_ c mnlha \ch_ f[ aol ]_c îc
saci pe care i-am jl_ancn.
Amn[ g][l hm_[gh ] noh_fof ho m_ hòh^. S
mj_lg ] ô]_ h Cifihcc. Ch^ i m `cg a[n[ ^_
jf_][l_, h_ pig jon_[ fo[ ôj ][\folc. D[l, g[c
hnc, ]l_^ ] [l nl_\oc m h_ i^cbhcg joch.
Sohn j_ joh]nof m c_m ^ch \o]nlc_, nl_]h^ j_
fha _[, ]h^ Joh_ c ^l_a_ af[mof c ]ihncho.
H_c, ]n [c mn[n ]o _c, n_-[o hp[n P[nlcicc
c[ oh jc] ]og m n_ \[c?
Clatin din cap.
Nu. De ce?
VP - 274
Joh_ m_ hni[l]_ ]o `[[ mjl_ gch_. U[ ^_ f[
chnl[l_[ h \o]nlc_ _ mnlgn, [[ ] og_lcc _c c
ancha j_ [c g_c. P_ \l[_ gc m_ `[]_ jc_f_[ ^_ ach.
M clcn ], h ]co^[ [ nin ]__[ ]_ m-[ hngjf[n,
Joh_ h] [l_ _`_]nof mn[ [mojl[ g_[.
Ch^ m jnloh^_g h noh_f, [g i\m_lp[n ], [noh]c
]h^ te-[c \non ]o P[nlcicc, c \[f[hm[c j[ln_[ ^_
sus a corpului folosindu-n_ ^_ \l[_< ]__[ ]_ ho _
ì[ln_ _`c]c_hn. Al nl_\oc m ìfim_nc ifôlcf_ c
jc]ci[l_f_ j_hnlo []_mn ncj ^_ gc][l_.
Clcnc][ _c g ][f] j_ h_lpc, ^_c [ limncn
cuvintele pe un ton ciudat de ezitant.
No pl_[o m pil\_m] ^_mjl_ [mn[ [cum.
D[l ]h^, ^[] ho []og?
Jun_ m_ mjlcdch ^_ ][^lof occ c gc [l[n ]o gh[
chnl[l_[ h [^jimn.
D[] ^g h[m h h[m ]o hcn_ mif^[c?
O`n_t c lc^c] \l[_f_ i m_]oh^.
D[] mn[ _ `_fof no ^_ [-c ]_l_ m]ot_ ôj i
]_[ln, [noh]c m ncc ] ho n_ jl_[ jlc]_jc. Am]ofn=
gc j[l_ lo ] g-[g hòlc[n g[c ^_pl_g_.
Ezit, amintindu-gc jlijlccf_ ]opchn_. No gc j[l_
lo. D[l, ^[] c mjoh [mn[ []og, ho i m l_tifp
nimic.
L[m-g î[l ]n_p[ gchon_ c-i m g mcgn g[c
bine, adaug eu.
Haide, Day! Ce-i m m_ hngjf_ ]h^ i m-l
am_nc j_ E^_h c-i m nl_\oc[m] m-l aperi?
h `_fof _c pi[f[n, ]bc[l h]_[l] m c ]_[l
m]ot_. Ec= M][l h]_[l], ]o ni[n_ ] ho-i iese.
Cn_p[ ]fcj_, g ocn f[ _[ h]lohn[n.
Bch_, c lmjoh^ h ]_f_ ^ch olg. Al[n-gc ]n_p[
gc]lc, mif^[n. C_ [c [c h gh_]?
Joh_ m]bc_[t oh tg\_n, [jic m_ h^l_[jn ]nl_
gcdfi]of mfcc jlch]cj[f_ ^ch [^jimn. A]og mn _r[]n
fha gch_.
Ac ]cncn pl_i^[n Arta Luptei, de Ducain?
VP - 275
P[l _o a_hof ][l_ m `c [pon ncgj fc\_l m
]cn_[m]?
Joh_ g cahil, c[l gc_ h]_j_ cg_^c[n m gc j[l
lo ^ch ][ot[ fo]lolcfil mjom_.
Ec, no n_ gcnc ^_d[ oil j_ jc]ci[l_ c [c oh
_]bcfc\lo cgj_][\cf, c ^ _[ h[chn_. D[l ho-c
ìfim_nc []_mn_ [noolc ]h^ [n[]c. E ][ c ]h^ n_-ai
panica. Ucc ]igjf_n ^_ [p[hn[dof pcn_t_c c ^_
centrul de greutate.
C[l_ ]_hnlo? h]_j _o, ^[l _[ g fip_n_ oil j_
_rn_lcilof a[g\_c ]o plòf \i][h]ofoc.
Sn[c j_ j[ln_[ [hn_lci[l [ f[\_fil jc]ci[l_fil.
I[l ^_m]bc^_l_[ jc]ci[l_fil nl_\oc_ m `c_ ]n fcg_a
og_lcfil. Ig[ach_[t-c ] c cc jc]ci[l_f_ j_ hcn_
ch_, ohof ^chnl_ _f_ `cch^ jf[m[n ]_p[ g[c h[chn_.
Sohn joch moljlchm. Joh_ [ mno^c[n ]o [n_hc_ `_fof
h ][l_ [n[], ^_c, h a_h_l[f, [mn[ m-[ hngjf[n
]h^ _l[g h gcdfi]of b[imofoc. Al_ ^l_jn[n_. Ph
[]og, hc]c g][l ho [g l_[fct[n ], [noh]c ]h^ g c[o
f[ \n[c_ ]o ]ch_p[, chmnch]n_f_ jlcpcni[l_ f[
jmnl[l_[ _]bcfc\lofoc gc ^cmj[l jol c mcgjfo. A[
] `[] ]og gc-a spus.
Boh. c []og?
Pc, h jlcgof lh^, f[m \l\c[ h dim.
gc [ncha_ gchcf_ c gc f_ lc^c], [mn`_f ] []og
ohof ^chnl_ joghc gc _ g[c [jli[j_ ^_ i\l[t, c[l
]_ff[fn _ h [n_jn[l_, jitccih[n nin h ^l_jnof
`__c, ^[l g[c mom. c jfcg\ j[fg_f_ h fohaof
\l[_fil g_f_, p_lc`c]hô-mi postura. Simt
òlhc]nolc j_ jc_f_.
C_c g[c gofc i[g_hc m_ f[m j_ mj[n_, c lc^c]
\l\c[ c i m]in f[ h[chn[l_, gc _rjfc] _[; `[[ _c
_ fha [ g_[.
gc [ncha_ i mchaol ^[n \l\c[ ]o ^_a_nof.
c no `[]c f[ `_f. Pitcc[ [mn[ chpcn f[ ehi]e-
out.
VP - 276
h]_l] m g ]ih]_hnl_t [mojl[ jimnolcc, lc^c]h^
ambii pumni.
Cog fip_nc? hnl_\.
Joh_ gc [ncha_ ^_fc][n \l\c[, [jic g[lach_[
`lohcc.
ch_ gchn_: ninof ch_ ^_ jl_]ctc[ ]o ][l_
fip_nc, ho ^_ jon_l_. D[] fip_nc h joh]n_f_
jinlcpcn_, jic m-l dobori pe unul mult mai mare ca
tine.
Nc]c ho gc ^[o m_[g[ ]h^ nl_]_ i dogn[n_ ^_ il.
Joh_ g hp[ nin `_fof ^_ `caolc, oh[ ôj [fn[
]og m ch oglof lc^c][n ][ m gc jlin_d_t \l\c[,
]og m gc moljlch^ ijih_hnof ]o a[l^[ fm[n jlch
chn_lg_^cof ohil gc]lc ^_ hpfocl_, ][l_ m-l
chô] h _li[l_, ]og m-f ji]h_m] h j[ln_[
moj_lci[l m[o h ]_[ ch`_lci[l [ ]iljofoc, ]og m g
f[m j_ mj[n_ c m fip_m] [jic ]o jc]ci[l_f_, ]og m
`[] i _m]bcp l[jc^. c ]og m chn_m] joh]n_f_
vulnerabile i]bcc, anof c [[ g[c ^_j[ln_. M
l_j_^ c fip_m] ]o ni[n ìl[. Ch^ h]_l] m i c[o
jlch moljlch^_l_, Joh_ gc m][j ][ [j[ jlchnl_
^_a_n_. Al_ gc]lc `foc^_ c ho mn fi]ofoc i ]fcj.
hnl-i m_]oh^ _[ _ ^_d[ h mj[n_f_ g_o, lmo]chô-mi
\l[of h mom.
h m`lcn, Joh_ gc joh_ jc_^c] c g chnoc_n_
la podea. Mi-[ \fi][n h]b_c_nolcf_.
V_tc? gc mjoh_. T_-[g j]fcn. To nin ncgjof n_
occ h i]bcc ijih_hnofoc dar, din cauza asta,
p_^_l_[ n[ j_lc`_lc] [l_ ^_ mo`_lcn. D[] pl_c m
ncc ]og gc gc] \l[_f_ c jc]ci[l_f_, nl_\oc_ m n_
concentrezi asupra pieptului meu.
Ch^ [o^ [mn[, lc^c] ^ch mjlh]_[h.
Eo tc] m ho ]ihnchoc= mjoh c f[m cg_^c[n i]bcc
h dim.
Joh_ l^_ c m_ g\odil_[t joch. N_ ijlcg j_hnlo i
]fcj. Mchcf_ _c ]ihncho m g ch cgi\cfct[n f[
podea, chhô-c jc]ci[l_f_ j_mn_ [\îg_hof g_o.
VP - 277
Aghîc l_mjclg al_ic. A]og jlc]_j ^_ ]_ [ jlijom
acest antrenament improvizat: am obosit _r_l]cccf_
[o m]im ^ch gch_ ni[n òlc[. D_c ho i mjoh_, c j[l_
lo; ]cn_m] [mn[ j_ ]bcjof _c, h [l]ocl_[ ^l[g[nc] a
mjlh]_h_fil c h nl_golof \ot_fil _c, ^[n j[l] ^_
]opchn_f_ h_limncn_. Ig[ach_[ [mn[ gc hgi[c_
h]jh[l_[, ^[l ho ]o ninof. Bch_, ho gc j[l_ lo
pentru ce i-[g mjom g[c ^_pl_g_, ^[l, h []_f[c ncgj,
nco ] hc]c _o ho mohn ]il_]n. Ag jc_lôn golte
fo]lolc, ^[l Joh_ [ jc_lôn c _[ h []__[c gmol.
El[ \ia[n c [ l_hoh[n f[ nin ][ m gc m[fp_t_
pc[[. A do][n oh lif h gi[ln_[ `[gcfc_c g_f_, ^[l<
gc nl_] i gh jlch jl, ]]c ^_ []og g mcgn ^_-a
^l_jnof pchip[n. No jin m ^[o pch[ j_ _[ j_ntru tot
ce s-[ hngjf[n. c, hnl-oh gig_hn ][ mn[, ho jin
m `co mchaol, `l hc]coh [fc[n, `l hcg_hc mjl_
][l_ m g hnil].
Joh_ m_ ]f[nch.
M lc^c] j_ ]i[n_.
T_ mcgc \ch_?
E[ m]onol ^ch ][j, m_ h]lohn c ^ m lc^c]_ ^ch
og_lc ][ c ]h^ ho ar fi nimic.
Da. Cred c-am contractat un virus sau ceva de
a_ho mn[. No-i ceva grav.
O mno^c_t h fogch[ [lnc`c]c[f. A]og, ] mohn [n_hn
f[ n_hof _c, gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ g[c j[fc^ ^_]n ^_
i\c]_c c ] i\l[dcc c j[l g[c g\odil[c ^ch jlc]ch[
asta. M lc^c] g[c gofn, ìlh^-i m [foh_]_ ^_ j_
gch_. Ajic c joh i gh j_ `lohn_. Mc-o retrag
imediat.
Enc `c_l\chn_=
Joh_ h]_j_ m jlin_mn_t_, jl_nchth^ ] _ mf\cn
^ch ][ot[ [hnl_h[g_hnofoc. S_ ]f[nch, ^[l c
l_am_n_ _]bcfc\lof mjlcdchchô-m_ ntr-i gh.
O m `co h l_aof, \if\ilim_n_ mjl_ gch_.
Olc]og, [l ][g nl_\oc m jf_]g.
VP - 278
i eu care m-[g hòlc[n j_ _[, ocnh^ ^_ ni[n_ jlch
]n_ [ nl_]on. Plimnof jlincfil= gc nl_] oh \l[ j_
ôj mj[n_f_ _c, c[l ]_ff[fn j_ mo\ a_hoh]bc c i
ridic. Joh_ m_ jl\o_n_ f[ jc_jnof g_o. Fc_l\ch_[f[
`lohcc _c h ]ihn[]n ]o jc_f_[ g_[ l_]_ g moljlch^_.
Tl_\oc_ m n_ i^cbh_nc.
O ô] hnl-una dintre camerele cu paturi suprapuse,
c m]in ]ctg_f_, i [_t ]o alcd j_ oh j[n c i []ijl
]o jnolcf_. Joh_ ]fcj_n_, jlcpchô-g.
N-am vorbit serios mai devreme.
Al_ i]bcc h]_i[c, ^[l _gic[ _ h] jl_t_hn.
D_mjl_ \[hc. c< h-[g<
Nu mai vorbi.
c h_n_t_m] `cl_f_ ^_ jl ln]cn_ j_ `lohn_. D[] [
]ihnl[]n[n pl_i \i[f al[p ]n [ ìmn [l_mn[n? Pi[n_
]bc[l pclomof _jc^_gc]?< D[l Joh_ `[]_ j[ln_ ^ch ]f[m[
moj_lci[l. Al `c nl_\ocn m m_ `c p[]]ch[n. Sj_l.
M ô] m-c am_m] ]_p[ g_^c][g_hn_, \ch_?
nchide ochii.
June cl[nch ^ch ][j, h_gofogcn, ^[l ho h]_[l]
m g ]ihnl[tc].
Doj ]_ [g lmnolh[n ninof ]o momof h dim jlch
[^jimn, l_o_m] m am_m] oh `f[]ih ^_ [mjclch
h_^_m`]on c g hnil] f[ j[nof foc Joh_. c ^[o îo
j[mncf_. Ch^ h]_j_ m nl_gol_ ^ch hio, g[c c[o îo
jf_ôlc ^_ j_ [fn_ j[nolc ^ch ][g_l c i []ijl ]o
_f_, ^[l fo]lof mn[ ho j[l_ m i [don_.
E h l_aof. M ^_m]ol], gc ijn_n_ _[, ni]g[c
]h^ ^[o m jf_] h ]on[l_[ [fnil jnolc. No ]ihn_[t
]n_ g[c joc j_ gch_, nl_\oc_ î[l m-gc m][^
temperatura.
Etcn, [jic hnch^_ i gh ]onh^-o pe a mea.
Pic m mn[c [c]c?
Vi]_[ _c mf\cn g halcdil_[t g[c gofn ^_]n
ilc]_ [fn]_p[. M ol] h j[n, g hnch^ fha _[,
j_mn_ jnolc, c i nl[a mjl_ gch_. Joh_ m]bc_[t oh
tg\_n, [jic h]bc^_ i]bcc. Ch^ c mcgn linohdcgcf_
VP - 279
corpului lipite de mine sunt inundat de un val de
cfôl. Nc]ci^[n ho g-[g ah^cn m mjoh ^_mjl_ _[ ]
_ ^_ i `logom__ ^_fc][n, `cch^], jol c mcgjfo,
mn[ ho _ oh n_lg_h ][l_ m c m_ jinlcp_[m] foc Joh_<
D[l [c]c, []og ] _ \ifh[p, l_[fct_t ]n ^_ `l[acf
ji[n_ `c. O\l[dcc lit[fcc, \ot_f_ gc]c c ]atifelate,
i]bcc g[lc, h]bcc, glachcc ^_ ]ol\[ a_h_fil h_al_.
No gc jf[]_ m i p^ [[ ^_ ^_fc][n. Uh^_p[, _rcmn
[gchncl_[ ^cmjon_c h]chm_ j_ ][l_ [g joln[n-i, hm
acum trebuie s-o uit. Certurile n-[l `[]_ ^_]n m h_
h]_nch_[m]. N_ pig i]oj[ g[c nltco ^_ ^c`_l_h_f_
de opinie dintre noi.
h]_nof ]o h]_nof, [cjcg [ghîc.
C_p[ g nl_t_n_ \lom] ^ch migh. Uh moh_n ][ oh \cj.
f [m]ofn i pl_g_, \ocg[], h]_l]h^ m ^_n_lgch ^_
oh^_ pch_, ôj ][l_ g nlm] dim ^ch j[n, `l m i
trezesc pe June. h[chn_ m c_m ^ch ][g_l, g [jf_]
c c joh ^ch hio gh[ j_ ][j. No _ g[c \ch_. Al_
\li\i[h_ ^_ moî[l_ j_ `lohn_, ^_]c jli\[\cf ], f[ oh
moment dat febra i-a cedat, dar acum a crescut la loc.
Soh_nof g ]ihô]_ h \o]nlc_, oh^_ p^ oh \_]
care fogch_[t chn_lgcn_hn ^_[mojl[ occ j_ oh^_ [g
jnlohm h [^jimn. D_^_mo\n mnlfo]_m] hcn_ ]opchn_
^_ oh lio [g_hchnil:
PERSOANE CARE SE APROPIE 120 METRI
hab_ ^_ `lc]. Cch_p[ h[chn_[t jlch noh_f ]nl_

[^jimn ji[n_ P[nlcicc m[o, ]ch_ nc_, mif^[cc
l_jo\fc][hc. No gc ^[o m_[g[ ][l_ [l `c p[lc[hn[ ]_[
g[c jli[mn. M lmo]_m] j_ ]f]c_ c [f_la []ifi
oh^_ [g ^_jitcn[n m[]cc ]o gh][l_ c [j. S]in g[c
multe conserve dintr-ohof. Ch^ f mcgn ] ^_pch_
mo`c]c_hn ^_ oil, gc nl_] \l[_f_ jlch hololcf_
[g\cfil m[]c, ][ c ]h^ [l `c i l[hc, [jic ^[o òa[
f[ j[nof foc Joh_. F[n[ m_ nl_t_n_ ]o oh a_[gn
stins.
VP - 280
H_c, c ijn_m], h]_l]h^ m j[l ][fg c m c
^[o m_ht[c[ ^_ mcaol[h.
M [jf_] c i ghac j_ jl.
Tl_\oc_ m jf_]g. Vchi-ncoace.
D[o jnolcf_ f[ i j[ln_, jmnlh^ î[l oh[, ]o ][l_
m i hìl: i h][f ]o ]ctg_f_ c [jic i lc^c] h
\l[_. Joh_ m_ t\[n_ i ]fcj, ][ c ]h^ c-[l `c n_[g
] i m ][^, ^[l _o i mnlha c g[c n[l_ f[ jc_jn.
Uol_f, c golgol ]o aol[ fcjcn ^_ jlof _c. Ag
_o alcd ^_ nch_.
O mcgn ]og m_ l_f[r_[t h g\lc[l_[ g_[, hnl-o
mn[l_ ^_ m_gc]ihnc_h.
Plmcg [^jimnof c i jilhcg ^ch hio jlch \_th[
noh_fofoc. Bi][h]cc gc jf_im]c_ jlch \fni[]_ c
hilic. R_mjcl[c[ foc Joh_ _ moj_l`c]c[f c
pl_]cjcn[n, c[l jc_f_[ c [l^_ ^ch ][ot[ `_\l_c. h
olg[ hi[mnl, moh_nof [f[lg_c c jc_l^_ ^ch
chn_hmcn[n_ c, ôj ]_ ]incg ^_ ]n_p[ ilc, m_ l_ô]_
f[ oh \tcn hòh^[n. M [n_jn m [o^ j[c h
mj[n_f_ himnlo, hm, ]olh^, ^cmj[l_ c \tcnof
alarmec c [mn`_f ]ihnchog m h_ ^_jf[mg h fchcn_.
Mc m_ j[l_ ] [o nl_]on ^_d[ il_ hnl_ac ^_c Joh_
gc \if\ilim_n_ ] [g jf_][n ^_ j[nlot_]c c îo ^_
gchon_ c nl_ct_]c c nl_c ^_ m_]oh^_. gc nlc
jc]ci[l_f_ [p[hmh^.
Pilcoh_[ [mn[ ^_ noh_f _ gofn g[c foha ^_]n jlcg[
c _ mf[\ fogch[n, ^_ fgjc jfjcni[l_, jf[m[n_ ^ch
fi] h fi]. M ijl_m] h ]_f_ ^ch olg, jl\ochô-g
j_ i \o][n ^_ jghn om][n. Sil\ hcn_ [j c hcn_
moj ^ch ]ihm_lp (]l_^ ] _ moj ho p^ g[c hcgc]
h hnoh_lc]of mn[, [[ ] [g m]im ][j[]of jlcg_c
cutii ^_ n[\f j_ ][l_ [g jom gh[). June are
`lcmi[h_, ^[l g [n_jn[g f[ [mn[. E `lca [c]c, h
noh_f. Ann ^_ `lca h]n gc p^ lmo`f[l_[
nl[hmìlghô-m_ h òci[l_ `cl[p_ ^_ [\ol. Tl[a
jnol[ g[c \ch_ h dolof foc Joh_, g[c joh i ^[n gh[
VP - 281
j_ `lohn_[ _c, [jic h]_l] m-c ^[o m \_[ joch
moj. O l_òt.
Nu mi-_ ì[g_, gc ijn_n_.
Ch^ c gon ][jof c c-f fcj_n_ ^_ jc_jnof g_o,
c mcgn `c_l\ch_[f[ `lohcc jlch ]g[.
O mnlha ^_ gh. Bl[_f_ gc mohn [nn ^_ [gilcn_,
] jh c a_mnof mn[ gc m_ j[l_ ^c`c]cf.
Bch_. D[l i m \_c oh jc] ^_ [j, ^[?
Da.
Joh_ m_ fcj_n_ c g[c gofn ^_ gch_ c c f[m
][jof h ji[f[ g_[. A pl_[ m am_m] i ][f_ m i
h]ft_m].
Tin h_ g[c olgl_m]?
Mcd_m] i]bcc c jlcp_m] mjl_ [^h]of hnoh_][n [f
tunelului.
Nu, o mint. I-[g fm[n h olg ^_ gofn. To î[l
fchcn_n_-te, nu-c `[]_ alcdc= D[l h]_[l] m ho
adormi.
E[ h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j. D_a_n_f_ _c ]_l]_n_[t
]_p[. Ch^ g ocn g[c [n_hn, gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ pil\a
^_mjl_ ch_fof ^ch [al[`_ ^_ blnc_. f ghac_ ][ c
]h^ i\c_]nof mn[ c-ar da putere.
Adon-g= Sjoh_-mi o poveste.
Ochii lui June sunt de-[]og j_ dogn[n_ h]bcc,
^_c gc ^[o m_[g[ ] m_ ]bchoc_n_ m c ch
^_m]bcc. Vil\_n_ [nn ^_ mnchm ] nl_\oc_ m g
[jf_] mjl_ aol[ _c ][ m i [o^.
C_ `_f ^_ jip_mn_? i hnl_\, binln m ho i f[m
m c jc[l^ ]ohinch[.
No nco.
c gc] joch ][jof ][ m c hni[l] `[[ mjl_
gch_. Doj oh gig_hn ^_ n]_l_, gc mjoh_ mighili[m:
Pip_mn_n_-mi ^_mjl_ jlcgof no mlon. Cog [ ìmn?
hnl_\[l_[ _c g h_ôg_l_n_ nu am mai cunoscut
hc]ci `[n ]l_c[ m c jf[] m-i vorbesc despre
celelalte tcj_ ^ch pc[[ g_[. D[l gc ^[o m_[g[ ]
[]og _ pil\[ ^_ Joh_, ] [l jon_[ m m_ ìfim_[m] ^_
VP - 282
ìl[ a_fitc_c j_hnlo [ fojn[ ]o mighof. Sn[o []ifi h
hnoh_lc] c ho g jin [\ch_ m ho mol^. A h[c\cc ^_
cmn_[ g[c _=
Ap_[g îcmjl_t_]_ [hc, c golgol. I[l _[
[cmjl_t_]_.
Ochii lui June devin mai vioi.
L_ ][g [p_[c ]o pld_[f[.
Ridic din umeri.
Probabil. P_ pl_g_[ [c[, _l[g g[c mnha[]c. D_
]n_p[ ilc, [g ìmn f[ oh j[m ^_ gi[ln_. h ilc]_ ][t,
_[ goh]_[ j_ ]b_c, h m_]nilof L[e_, gjl_oh ]o
n[c]-mo. M-[ jlchm ]h^ [g h]_l][n m òl gh][l_
^ch ftcf_ fil. Ag ]ihpchm-i m ho g ^_[ j_ gh[
jifcc_c. A ìmn ^_ []il^, ]o ]ih^cc[ m g_la ]o _[
j_ i [f__ [m]ohm, ^_ j_ lg.
Joh_ h]_[l] m l^, ^[l bibinof _c m_ nl[hmìlg
hnl-i ]lct ^_ nom_.
i-acolo te-[ mlon[n?
Zg\_m].
S-[l jon_[ mjoh_ c [[.
Doj l_jfc][ f[]ihc], Joh_ ct\on_n_ m lc^c]_
hnl_\nil ^chnl-i mjlh]_[h. I[o [mn[ ][ j_ oh m_gh
\oh. M][l _ nl_[t mon f[ mon. M [jf_] c g[c gofn
c [jli[j_ ] gc fcj_m] \ot_f_ ^_ ol_]b_[ _c.
Rmo`f[l_[ g_[ c ghac_ j_lcilcc `chc.
Plcg[ ^[n ]h^ n_-[g pton, ]h^ [c chnl[n h
lchaof f[ S]bct, m n_ \[c ]o K[_^_, gc-[g tcm ]
_nc ]_[ g[c `logi[m `[n j_ ][l_ [g pton-o
pl_i^[n. A `c jonon m mn[o m n_ jlcp_m] i
p_hc]c_. c jlcg[ ^[n ]h^ n_-[g mlon[n j_ nch_<
Agchncl_[ [mn[ g ]ijf__n_ c []og, c[l [mn[ g
surprinde. Rememoret ninof, jh f[ ofncgof ^_n[fco,
fo]lo ][l_ [jli[j_ ] l_o_n_ m-gc h^_jln_t_ ^ch
gchn_ cg[ach_[ l_]ol_hn [ Ef_]nilofoc nlah^-o pe
Joh_ ]nl_ _f.
Ec, ]l_^ ], ^_ `[jn, f[ [ ìmn jlcgof mlon ^ch
pc[[ g_[.
VP - 283
D_c _ hnoh_lc], p^ m_gh_f_ ohoc gc] molm ][l_
c `[]_ fi] j_ ]bcjof _c.
D[. Cbc[l ] f_ [c ]o pld_[f[.
M h]lohn jlcpch^-i, ]o i _rjl_mc_ i`_hm[n.
Iubito, te-[ gchc _o pl_i^[n?
Nc]c m ho h]_l]c. M jlch^ j_ fi].
Dc[fiaof himnlo j[l_ l_f[r[n, ][ c ]h^ ho [g [p_[
hc]ci alcd, hm [ghîc mcgcg n_hmcoh_[ ^ch mj[n_f_
`c_]loc ]ophn. Eìlnof ^_ [ h]_l][ m ocng, ^_ [
l_jlcg[ nlclc< Cihm_]ch_f_ fo]lolcfil j_ ][l_
hc]cohof ^chnl_ hic ho f_ g[c ji[n_ n_la_.
M[c lgh_g [[ ]n_p[ gchon_. Aôh [jic ni[n_
catrafusele, o iau pe Joh_ h \l[_ ]o alcd c
jilh_m] ^ch hio jlch noh_f. D_ []og, \l[_f_ gc
nl_gol c `c_][l_ l_mjcl[c_ moh taiginim. h `[
ho m_ hnl_p_^_ hc]c olg ^_ [^jimn. h ]co^[
og_t_fcc c [ `lcaofoc ^ch noh_f, [mo^ ^_ j[l] [ `c
h gc_tof oh_c p_lc ^ch Lim Aha_f_m. M ijl_m] ^ch ]_
h ]_ g[c ^_m, jh ]h^, h ]_f_ ^ch olg, g
jl\o_m] mjlcdchchô-g ^_ j_l_n_f_ ^_ fha oh [fn
j_nc] ^_ jghn om][n.
Di[l m g i^cbh_m] joch, i [mcaol j_ Joh_, h
ncgj ]_ c ^[o joch [j. Cl_^ ] ho g[c [p_g gofn.
A[ ]og gc tc]_[ c g[c ^_pl_g_, Joh_ c ^
cg_^c[n m_[g[ ] i gchn.
No jon_g m g_la_g g[c ^_j[ln_, gc mjoh_ ]o pi]_[
jc_lcn. H[c m h_ i^cbhcg. Afn`_f, h mncfof mn[, ho
g[c l_tcnc hc]c g][l i il.
No c c[o h m_[g pil\_f_.
Toh_fof mn[ nl_\oc_ m [c\ oh ][jn. M[c gofn ][
mcaol [g ^_jcn `lihnof. C__[ ]_ hm_[gh ] ^_ []og
suntem pe teritoriul Coloniilor.
F[] i j[ot. h ]fcj[ h ][l_ ]opchn_f_ gc-au zburat
de pe buze, am h_f_m ][l_ _, ^_ `[jn, mcno[c[, c[l
asta mi-[ ^[n `cilc j_ cl[ mjchlcc. T_lcnilcof
Cifihccfil.
VP - 284
Ca la un semn, de undeva, de dincolo de tunel, de
^_[mojl[ hi[mnl, m_ [o^_ oh moh_n. Ago_m]. Aghîc
[m]ofng i pl_g_ c, ]olh^, moh_nof l_pch_ e un
taigin ][ oh bolocn m[o ^_ pdcn. Dch ][ot[ mnl[nofoc
^_ jghn ^_ ^_[mojl[, m_ [o^_ hòh^[n. Plipch_ ^_ f[
un obiect de mari dimensiuni.
S `c_ i[l_ oh ^clcd[\cf? g hnl_[\ Joh_.
Soh_nof m_ mncha_, ho hm h[chn_ ^_ [ nlcgcn_ h
tunel un curent de aer glacial. Ridic ochii. Eram prea
i\imcn ][ m m_mct_t [mn[, ^[l []og tl_m] `c[
mo\cl_, ^l_jnohabcof[l, ^_ fogch. O ][f_ mjl_
mojl[`[. D_ `[jn, mohn ]bc[l g[c gofn_. S_ hcl j_
jf[ìh ^ch fi] h fi]; jli\[\cf ] g_la_g j_ mo\ _f_
^_ i \o][n \oh ^_ ncgj. M ìl_t m g m[fn h
jc]ci[l_. Rc^c] i gh c gc jlimb degetul pe
g[lach_[ `[hn_c. Ancha oh g_n[f h_n_^, hab_[n.
h]_l] m f gjcha.
M_n[fof m_ gc] ^ch fi]. gjcha h _f g[c n[l_ c
f p^ ]og m_ ^_jf[m_[t h f[n_l[f. D_c _ hi[jn_,
fogch[ ][l_ jnloh^_ h noh_f _ g[c jon_lhc] ^_]n
aceea de care ag [pon j[ln_ h ofncg_f_ il_ c g
nl_t_m] mnlhah^ ^ch jf_i[j_. gc c[ i m_]oh^ jh
h_f_a ] j_ `[ gc ][^_ ]_p[ l_]_ c oil.
D[o ^ch gh ][ m [foha []_f fo]lo, ^[l l_[fct_t
l_j_^_ ^_mjl_ ]_ _ pil\[: mohn òfac ^_ tj[^. Ihcg[
h]_j_ m-gc \[n g[c l_j_^_. Doj ]_ gjcha \o][n[ ^_
g_n[f ]n ^_ gofn jin, gc ^[o dim ^_ j_ gch_ b[ch[
gcfcn[l ]o hm_gh_f_ l_jo\fc][h_. No [l `c ^_fi]
[got[hn m `co gjo][n ^_ mif^[c ni]g[c ]h^ [g
[dohm j_ nlgof àôch_c.
Doj ]_ g ^_t\l[] c ^_ ]g[ c ^_ p_mn, m[l c
g jlch^ ]o gchcf_ ^_ \ot[ ^_m]bctnolcc. Bl[_f_ gc
nl_gol. M m[fn [`[l jh f[ \lo ][ m p^ oh^_
mohn_g. E oh mic ^_ j[m[d hnoh_][n. h dol ho _
hcg_hc. S[l h[jic c c c[o gchcf_ foc Joh_ hnl-ale
g_f_. E[ hm h]_j_ ^ch hio m gic_.
VP - 285
No [îlgc, c ijn_m], mnlhah^-i h \l[_. Pic
m n_ lc^c]c mchaol.
Joh_ ^_m`[]_ jnol[ ^_ j_ _[. ha_hoh]b_t c i [don
m-c joh jc]ci[l_f_ j_ og_lcc g_c. S_ ]f[nch,
l_mjcl al_ic, ^[l ct\on_n_ m m_ m[fn_ [`[l. O
olg_t ]o jnol[ mnlhm f[ mo\l[ c, ^chnl-un salt,
[doha c _o f[ mojl[`[.
Sohn_g j_ i [f__ haomn, ]oòh^[n h hnoh_lc],
][l_ m_[gh ]o ]_f_ ^_ oh^_ [g jf_][n. Pl_ ^_ i
m_]oh^, g hnl_\ ^[] ho ]ogp[, ]ch_ nc_ ]og, h_-am
hnilm h R_jo\fc]. Amn[ ]bc[l ] [l `c ]_p[= Doj i
pl_g_, gc ^[o m_[g[ ] ho g[c mohn_g h R_jo\fc].
Sifof _ \ch_ hcp_f[n c j[p[n. A]og _ []ij_lcn, j_
[fi]olc, ]o tj[^. Zcôlcf_ mohn ]igjf_n g\l][n_ ]o
[`c_ pco ]ifil[n_ l_jl_t_hnh^ mif^[c tg\cnilc c
]ijcc p_m_fc. h ]ifof `c_]loc [`c _ oh mcg\if j_
][l_ f l_]ohim] ôj ]n_p[ m_]oh^_. O j[ml_ [olc_,
][ oh icg. Co oh `lcmih ^_ _gic_, l_[fct_t ]n ^_
\ch_ m_[gh ]o []__[ ][l_ _ cgjlcg[n j_ j[h^[hncpof
g_o. Joh_ i\m_lp c _[ [`c_f_. Dch jlc]ch[ `_\l_c,
[l_ i]bcc glcc c jlcpcl_[ nof\ol_. R_mjcl[c[ i se
nl[hmìlg h òci[l_ ^_ [\olcc. D_ dol-gjl_dolof
himnlo mohn hcn_ ]ihmnlo]cc ]_ j[l [ `c \[l]c
gcfcn[l_. c []_mn_[ mohn []ij_lcn_, ^_ mom jh dim,
]o []_f_[c jimn_l_ pco ]ifil[n_. D_ i j[ln_ c ^_
]_[f[fn [ [f_cc m_ hcl fgjc mnl[^[f_, jitccih[n_
hnl-i il^ch_ lcaoli[m. Pli\[\cf ] ^_ [c]c m_
[fcg_hn_[t ]o _h_lac_ _f_]nlc] noh_fof c
[^jimnolcf_ mo\n_l[h_. Uh phn l_]_ h_ [loh] h `[
c g[c gofn tj[^.
D[s< []ifi= gc mjoh_ Joh_ ]o l_mjcl[c[ nc[n,
strhahô-g ^_ gh.
Lcjcn ^_ gch_, nl_gol ch]ihnlif[\cf, hm ho gc
^[o m_[g[ ^[] ^ch ][ot[ `lcaofoc m[o [ ]__[ ]_ p_^_g.
h `[[ hi[mnl, ogjfh^ mj[ccf_ ^chnl_ \[l]cf_
gcfcn[l_, m_ p_^_ oh il[: talc_-hilc h[fc,
mnlfo]cnilc m_ lc^c] mjl_ ]_l jlch hilc dic c jlch
VP - 286
hchmi[l_. Fc_][l_ ]f^cl_ mnlfo]_n_ h fogchcf_
[f\[mnl_ ][l_ m_ l_p[lm jlch [jli[j_ ni[n_ `_l_mnl_f_
^_ f[ `c_][l_ _n[d. P_ []ij_lcolc mohn [fchc[n_
[pci[h_ ^_ phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_. hnl_aof j_cm[d
m]hn_c[t. Mh[ g_[ i mnlha_ pe cea a lui June.
Rgh_g h_gc][c. Pl_ ^_ i m_]oh^, mohn_g
ch][j[\cfc ^_ ilc]_ a_mn. E _r[]n ][ h ^_m]lc_lcf_
n[ncc. Ag [dohm hnl-ohof ^chnl_ il[_f_ mnlfo]cni[l_
din Coloniile Americii.
VP - 287
19. JUNE
M_nc[m gc mjoh_[ g_l_o ] [noh]c ]h^ g

g\ifhp_mc, fac nin ]_ gc mn h jon_lc ][ m gc
revin.
nco ] _ `lca, ^[l ho gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n_ al[^_
mohn. nco ] _ hi[jn_, ^[l ho gc ^[o m_[g[ ]n _
]_[mof. nco ] _o c D[s [g ct\oncn, ]ogp[, m nl_]_g
al[hc[ c m jnloh^_g h Cifihcc, ^[l mohn gofn jl_a
i\imcn ][ m gc ^[o m_[g[ h ][l_ ^chnl_ Sn[n_f_ fil
[g chnl[n. Mh[ foc D[s gc momch_ `_lg n[fc[, ^[l _o
f mcgn ]og nl_gol ^ch jlc]ch[ _ìlnofoc ^_jom ]n g-
[ joln[n h \l[_. gc ijn_n_ ]opchn_ h]ol[d[ni[l_,
][ m ho g ijl_m] ^ch g_lm.
h] joch î[l, gc mjoh_. Tl_\oc_ m _rcmn_
spitale aproape de front.
gc nl_gol g_g\l_f_ ^ch ][ot[ _ìlnofoc ^_ [ g
ch_ j_ jc]ci[l_, hm ho ]ih]_j m f_ch ni]g[c []og.
Snl[nof mo\cl_ ^_ tj[^ m]lc_ mo\ h]flcf_
hi[mnl_ h pl_g_ ]_ h[chng. Privirile ne sunt
[chncn_ [mojl[ il[ofoc mnlfo]cnil ^ch `[[ hi[mnl.
Cf^clcf_ [o ^_ f[ j[nlo jh f[ mon_ ^_ _n[d_
hfcg_. Uh_f_ ^chnl_ _f_ ^cmj[l h hilcc dic.
Cogp[, j[hil[g[ gc _ `[gcfc[l, ^[l mohn c fo]lolc
noi. Zidurile sunt decorate cu ste[aolc mnlch_, h
ìlg ^_ ]i[^ ^_ lhôhc] c ]ifil[n_ h [f\[mnlo-
g[lch c [olco. Cihmnlo]ccf_ [o ^_]il[cohc mo\ ìlg
^_ [l]_. Apci[h_ ^_ phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_ mohn [fchc[n_
j_ ni[n_ []ij_lcolcf_. E pil\[ ^_mjl_ hcn_ gi^_f_
absolut diferite de cele ìfimcn_ h R_jo\fc]. Ao i
mnlo]nol ]co^[n, [lcjcf_ `]h^ ohabc [m]ocn ]o
j[ln_[ ^ch `[ [ [j[l[n_fil ^_ t\il, c[l [mn[ `[]_ ][
[pci[h_f_ m m_g_h_ ]o hcn_ nlc^_hn_. P_ [lcjc, ni[n_
[o jc]n[n_ h [olco cg[ach_[ []_f_c jmlc
h`lc]ini[l_ c oh mcg\if j_ ][l_ ho f nco. No
VP - 288
^_a_[\[ [g [otcn g_l_o ] [lg[n[ Cifihccfil ^cmjoh_ ^_
ìl_ [_lc_h_ g[c cgjiln[hn_ ^_]n []_f_[ [f_
R_jo\fc]cc. Apci[h_f_ [mn_[ mohn g[c hic ^_]n ]_f_ ]o
][l_ mohn _o i\chocn c, do^_]h^ ôj fi]of oh^_
sunt trase, pe acopelcolc, hm_[gh ] mohn ][j[\cf_
^_ ^_]iflc c [n_lctlc p_lnc][f_. A]_mn il[ ^ch
[jlijc_l_[ `lihnofoc j[l_ ì[ln_ jl_ancn m m_ [j_l_.
c i[g_hcc. Sohn j_mn_ nin. Sif^[c c ]cpcfc ogjfo
mnltcf_. Mcoh hììfcc h b[ch_f_ ]o afoac ][l_
m-i apere ^_ tj[^. Tl_]h^ j_ mo\ mnlfo]cl_[
h_i[h_fil, `__f_ fil ][jn ho[h_ p_ltoc, jilni][fcc
c gip. Sohn jl_[ _joct[n ][ m c ]_l]_n_t ]og
nl_\oc_, ^[l m_mct_t ninoc oh fo]lo: ni[n_ [lnc]if_f_
lor vestimentare \i][h]c, j[hn[fihc, ]gc, d[]b_n_
afc_[t i p[lc_n[n_ ^_ _g\f_g_ c ^_ ]opchn_
cgjlcg[n_ j_ _f_. Sohn i][n ^_ hoglof g[l_ ^_
reclame de pe ziduri []_mn_[ m_ hnch^ ]n p_tc ]o
i]bcc. Uh_ilc mohn [nn ^_ [jlijc[n_ oh_f_ ^_ [fn_f_,
h]n [m]oh^ h nin[fcn[n_ j_l_cc ][l_ f_ atôc_m].
Re]f[g_f_ [mn_[ jligip_[t [\mifon ninof, hnl_ ][l_
c fo]lolc j_ ][l_ ho f_-[g g[c pton c ^_ ][l_ h-am
g[c [otcn hc]ci^[n. ]ifc mjihmilct[n_ ^_ ]iljil[cc?
Cl]coh?
Tl_]_g j_ fha i pcnlch h ][l_ mohn _rjom_ i
serie de ecrane miniaturale. Pe fiecare dintre ele
lof_[t nclc c hl_acmnllc pc^_i. SOLDURI= m]lc_
h pcnlch. REDUCERI DE 30% PN LUNI! Uh_f_ ^chnl_
jlial[g_f_ ^còt[n_ gc j[l `[gcfc[l_, mohn ]o nclc
^_ j_ `lihn c ]ih`_lch_ jifcnc]_. DESCON CORP
NREGISTREAZ O NOU VICTORIE PENTRU COLONII LA
GRANIA DINTRE DAKOTA I MINNESOTA. SPRTURI DE ZID
DIN REPUBLIC DISPONIBILE LA VNZARE CA SUVENIRE=
Alte canale transmit filme h R_jo\fc] `cfg_f_ jin
`c pton_ î[l h ]ch_g[nial[`_f_ ^ch m_]ni[l_f_
bogate. Pe majoritatea ecranelor rul_[t l_]f[g_. Sjl_
^_im_\cl_ ^_ [hoholcf_ jlij[a[h^_c ^ch R_jo\fc],
[]_mn_[ j[l] h]_[l] m ]ihpcha jijof[c[ m
VP - 289
]ogj_l_ fo]lolc. M hnl_\ ]og _ aop_lhof oh_c [mn`_f
^_ lc. S[o ji[n_ ] h Cifihcc hc]c g][l ho _rcmn
guvern.
Tata mi-[ tcm i^[n ] il[_f_ ^ch Cifihcc jol c
mcgjfo mnlfo]_m] ]h^ f_ jlcp_nc ^_ f[ ^cmn[h, gc
spune Day.
h ncgj ]_ g [don m h[chn_t jlch òlhc][lof ^_
i[g_hc, i]bcc c òa ^_ f[ i l_]f[g h ]ofilc chn_hm_
la alta.
Ol[of mn[ _ _r[]n ][ h ^_m]lc_lcf_ foc. Di[l ]
_o ho jin m jlc]_j l_]f[g_f_ [mn_[. No c m_ j[l
ciudate?
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j. h R_jo\fc], l_]f[g_f_ [o oh
anumit model grafic, stilul guvernamental specific,
][l_ ho m_ m]bcg\ h òh]c_ ^_ fi]. Ac]c, l_]f[g_f_
ho l_mj_]n hc]coh ]i^ [f ]ofilclor. Sunt o
[g_mn_]nol ^_ h_i[h_ c ^_ `f[mb-uri luminoase. Ca
c ]h^ ho [l `c ]ih]_jon_ ^_ oh aop_lh ]_hnl[f, ]c ^_
i m_lc_ ^_ ila[hct[cc g[c gc]c, ch^_j_h^_hn_.
Uh[ ^chnl_ l_]f[g_ jl_tchn cg[ach_[ pc^_i [ ohoc
i`c_l tg\cnil h ohcìlg. Vi]_[ ^_ je coloana
mihil mjoh_: D_j[ln[g_hnof ^_ Pifcc_ Tlc\oh_.
Tl_\oc_ m l[jiln[c i ch`l[]coh_? Ap_c h_pic_ î[l
^_ oh [p[hm ^_ ]ch]c mon_ ^_ \[h]hin_= D_^_mo\nof
i`c_lofoc, ]o fcn_l_ gc]o_, mn[o m]lcm_ ]opchn_f_:
DEPARTAMENTUL DE POLIIE TRIBUNE ESTE O FILIAL A
DESCON CORP.
O [fn l_]f[g [hoh: URMTOAREA VERIFICARE
NAIONAL NFA* SPONSORIZAT DE CLOUD 27 IAN. AVEI
NEVOIE DE AJUTOR CA S TRECEI DE VERIFICARE? NOILE
CAPSULE MEDITECH JOYENCE SUNT ACUM DISPONIBILE N
TOATE MAGAZINELE! Dedesubt, oh [fn [mn_lcm] gc]o _
olg[n ^_ n_rnof: NFA, NIVELUL DE FERICIRE AL
ANGAJATULUI.
A nl_c[ l_]f[g g `[]_ m g ijl_m] ][ m i
]_l]_n_t. N_ h`c_[t lhôlc ^_ ]ijcf[c, nic
g\l][c h b[ch_ c^_hnc]_, [`ch^ ]_f_ g[c g[lc
VP - 290
tg\_n_ j_ ][l_ f_-[g pton pl_i^[n. P_ _]l[h [j[l_
n_rnof: GSETE-I FIUL PERFECT, FIICA PERFECT SAU
ANGAJATUL PERFECT. MAGAZINELE SWAPSHOP FRANCHISE SUNT
FILIALE ALE EVERGREEN ENT. M h]lohn, h_ôg_lcn.
Pi[n_ [[ c [^gchcmnl_[t Cifihccf_ il`_fch[n_f_ m[o
[fn_ chmncnoci de gen. Nu?
h ncgj ]_ ]ihnchog m h[chng, i\m_lp ] h
]ifof ^ch ^l_[jn[ dim [f nonolil l_]f[g_fil _rcmn oh
fo]lo ][l_ ho m_ m]bcg\. E oh mcg\if olc[: oh ]_l]
gjlcn h j[nlo, h `c_][l_ m`_ln [`fhô-m_ ]n_ oh
[fn mcg\if gc]o. D_^_mo\n, ]o fcn_l_f_ g[lc, mn
scris:
COLONIILE AMERICII
CLOUD. MEDITECH. DESCON. EVERGREEN
UN STAT LIBER E UN STAT CORPORATIST
Dintr-i^[n, mcgn mo`f[l_[ ][f^ [ foc D[s j_

urechea mea.
Joh_, gc ijn_n_ _f.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n?
N_ olgl_n_ ]ch_p[.
Un alt detafco j_ ][l_ [l `c nl_\ocn m f m_mct_t
jlcg[. Ag jc_lôn clof fo]lolcfil j_ ][l_ ho f_-am
observat la timp.
Pic m-c p_tc `[[?
No. D[l ôj mcfo_n, _ i `[n, gc lmjoh^_ _f.
An_jn ]n_p[ m_]oh^_, [jic lcm] c [loh] i jlcpcl_.
No p^ hcgc] [fn]_p[ ^_]n i g[l_ ^_ i[g_hc.
Ih^c`_l_hn ]ch_ [ ìmn, `[n[ l_mj_]ncp [ ^cmjlon
^_d[ h gofcg_.
Probabil c-[ ìmn î[l i [f[lg `[fm, golgol. O
mcgjf `[n ^ch Cifihcc.
D_tilc_hn[n, D[s ]_l]_n_[t h mom c h dim mnl[^[
]o jlcpcl_[, [jic lc^c] ^ch umeri. Nu m-ar surprinde
^[] [l h]_j_ m hc m_ htl_[m] nin `_fof ^_
]b_mncc. M[c [f_m h j_cm[dof mn[, gjhtcn ^_ fogchc
VP - 291
hic, mnlfo]cni[l_, mnl[hcc c ^_ l_]f[g_
fluorescente.
Cbc[l h ]fcj[ h ][l_ h_ gong [n_hc[ f[ fi]
[mojl[ mnltcc, mohn_g [\il^[c ^_ i ncj: [l_ ][g oh
g_nlo [jn_t_]c c nl_c, i\l[dcc i`cfcc c n_hof
\liht[n hnl-i ho[h [lgc_, ]n_p[ opc_ ^_ jl
h_alo c m_ cp_m] ^_ mo\ ]]cof[ ^_ c[lh. h gh [l_
i n[\f_n. Ih^cpc^[ ji[ln oh òf[l (fh mchn_nc],
do^_]h^ ôj n_rnol[ ohcìlg) hòl[n mnlhm h
dolof anofoc. Mc]c ]lcmn[f_ ^_ ab_[ c mn[o [hch[n_
^_ g[n_lc[f mo\ \l\c_, []ifi oh^_ [\olof _rjcl[n [
hab_[n. P_ gh_] [l_ ]omon_ ]opchn_f_
SUPRAVEGHETOR STRADAL, ]bc[l ^_[mojl[ ohoc [fn
simbol ciudat.
No [jl_c. Cilj? \if\ilim_n_ ncj[ mjl_ hic.
O]bcc c lgh `cr[c [mojl[ n[\f_n_c, ][l_ [`c_[t
i cg[ach_ ][ i b[ln c hcn_ joh]n_ gc]ni[l_.
Fc_][l_ joh]n j[l_ m ]il_mjoh^ oh_c j_lmi[h_ [`f[n_
j_ mnl[^.
Pli\[\cf ] `_g_c[ m_ l_`_l f[ `[jnof ] ho [jl_g
j_ _]l[hof n[\f_n_c. Ajic l_[fct_t ], j_ mnl[^, mohn
gofn_ [fn_ j_lmi[h_ ][ _[, ni[n_ g\l][n_ ]o []__[c
b[ch ^_ oh [f\[mnlo h]bcm.
Cilj? l_j_n _[ _h_lp[n.
D[s _ j_ ][f_ m-c lmjoh^, ^[l f ijl_m].
Meditech, zic repede, amintindu-mi cele patru nume
de pe reclamele pe care le-[g pton.
Cu o expresie dezaprobatoare, femeia tace,
[h[fcthô-h_ ^_ mom jh dim b[ch_f_ (]gc ]o
aof_l, ][l_ []og mohn gol^[l_, j[hn[fihc h_alc c
bocanci).
Pli\[\cf mohn_c hic, mjoh_ ][ j_hnlo mch_,
chnliô]h^ ]_p[ j_ n[\f_n. hm_[gh ] mohn_c
ì[ln_ ^_j[ln_ ^_ fi]of oh^_ nl_\oc[ m p [`f[c. No
nco ^[] pc m-[ `]on h] ilc_hn[l_[, ^[l M_^cn_]b i
m p n[c_ t^l[ph ^ch \[hc ^[] hnltc[c.
VP - 292
Ajic h_ nl[n_[t ]o oh tg\_n `[fm c m_ f[hm_[t
hnl-un discurs straniu de optimist.
Sohn mjihmilct[n ^_ Cfio^ Cilj. Ojlcc-p h
Pc[[ C_hnl[f Tlc\oh_ ][ m ]ogjl[c ]_f g[c hio
milncg_hn ^_ jch_ jliôm ^_ hic=
Gol[ c m_ h]bc^_ f[ fi], l_p_hch^ f[ _rjl_mc[
jim[] ^_ ^ch[chn_. Tcj[ i c[ f[ jc]cil. M ocn ôj
ea c i p^ ]og m_ ijl_n_ f[ i [fn j_lmi[h ^_ j_
mnl[^, h `[[ ]l_c[ h]_j_ []__[c l_jl_t_hn[c_.
E ]_p[ h h_l_aof ]o il[of mn[, c ijn_m] foc
D[s ]h^ h_ olhcg ^ch fi].
Bl[of mo n_hmcih[n g ch_ mnlhm.
De-asta n-[g hnl_\[n-o de cel mai apropiat
mjcn[f, lmjoh^_ _f.
I[l g ]ojlch^_ [g__[f[.
ine-n_ n[l_= Gmcg hic i mifoc_.
h]_l] m c lmjoh^, hm [\c[ ^[] g[c p^ j_ oh^_
g_la. D[s gc mjoh_ ]_p[, ^[l ho h_f_a hc]coh
]ophn. f [o^ ^_ j[l] [ `c ]oòh^[n mo\ [j.
Ce-ai zis?
Log_[ [ h]_jon m m_ hpln_[m] h dolof g_o.
G_hoh]bcc gc ]_^_[t.
Ag tcm ] ji[n_< S ijlcg j_ ]ch_p[< Sjcn[f<
Scgn ]og g jl\o_m]. gc h]lo]c_t \l[_f_ c g
ghemuiesc; m-[g mnlhm ^_ j[l] [ `c i gcha_, c[l
[mn[ gc ^ i m_ht[c_ ^_ jlin_]c_. Undeva, deasupra
g_[, `logicc i]bc [f\[nlc [c jlc_n_hofoc g_o m_
hnil] mjl_ gch_. D[s c joh_ gchcf_ j_ og_lcc g_c,
^[l _ ][ c ]og m-ar afla la milioane de kilometri
^cmn[h. h]_l] m mjoh ]_p[, ^[l [g m_ht[c[ ] aol[
mi-_ jfch ]o hcmcj. M ]oòh^ h hnoh_lc].
O m]fcjcl_ [olc_ ]o alc. Mh[ l]ili[m [ ]ocp[ j_
`lohn_[ g_[. D[o m i [ncha, ^[l, h m_]oh^[ h ][l_
^_a_n_f_ g_f_ c [ncha jc_f_[, gh[ m_ nij_n_. No g
pot opri din tremurat e inimaginabil de frig aici.
Ch^ ct\on_m], h m`lcn, m ^_m]bc^ i]bcc, gc ^[o
m_[g[ ] mohn hnchm j_ oh jno mcgjfo, [f\, ]o
VP - 293
][jof h ji[f[ foc D[s. Plc_n_hof g_o c ch_ i gh
j_ n[fc[ g_[. O ]fcj g[c nltco, l_[fct_t ] D[s m_
ocn f[ i [fn j_lmi[h ][l_ m_ [`f h []__[c
h]j_l_ ]o hic. D_ `[jn, la alte trei persoane.
(O[g_hcc nc[ mohn g\l][c ]o ohcìlg[ ^cmnch]ncp
[ mif^[cfil ]ifihcnc ^_ j_ `lihn: d[]b_n \f_og[lch
]o aof_l f[la, h[mnolc [olcc c _jif_c, ]o ôhac
a[f\_h_ c [f\_ j_ ji[f_ c icgof ][l[]n_lcmnc]
\li^[n ]o []__[c ]ofi[l_ j_ `c_][l_ gh_].) mi
m]onol ][jof. F_fof h ][l_ [h[fct_t fo]lolcf_ _ ][g
p[a. M ]ih]_hnl_t [[ ^_ al_o []og<
Prin tuneluri, spune Day.
Logchcf_ ^ch n[p[h g il\_m]. Ph []og ho f_-am
observat.
D_ ]n ncgj mohn_c h Cifihcc? hnl_[\ ohof
dintre \l\[c.
Al_ oh []]_hn ]co^[n. c i gomn[ ^_m]bcm f[
]ofi[l_, jf_incn c jlof micim. Logch[ [mn[ c ^ i
]ofi[l_ \ifhpc]ci[m n_hofoc mo.
Ac `[]_ \ch_ m mjoc [^_plof, \c_n_. D_mCon nu
nif_l_[t gch]chicc.
h m_[l[ [mn[, [\c[ [g [dohm, c lmjoh^_ D[s.
c ^_ oh^_ p_hcc? Lo]l[c j_hnlo P[nlcic?
Cbc[l ^[] mohn [g_cn, nco ] [mn[ _ i hnl_\[l_
j_lc]ofi[m. Cifihcncc ho pil `c jl_[ `_lc]cc ^[]
[`f ] hic mohn_g ]_c ][l_ f_-au stricat planurile
jlcpcni[l_ f[ Ef_]nil. Pi[n_ ] h] h-au aflat ce s-a
hngjf[n. Razor ne-[ tcm ] nlcgcn_ chìlglc
Coloniilor sporadic.
E ]f[l ] D[s c ^ c _f m_[g[ ^_ j_lc]ifof
l_jl_t_hn[n ^_ hnl_\[l_ ]]c _pcn lmjohmof.
Am venit aici singuri.
F[]_ i j[ot, [jic f [o^ ]ihnchoh^ ]o oh nih
precipitat:
V lia, [l^_ ^ch ][ot[ `_\l_c. Do]_c-ne la un
mjcn[f c p mjoh ilc]_ pl_c. N-[g \non [nn[ ^log
ca s-i p^ ]og gi[l_ hnl-i m_]c_ ^_ jifcc_.
VP - 294
Spitalu i m n_ ]imn_, `cof_, c lmjoh^_
\l\[nof.
D[s gc jcjc_ ohof ^chnl_ \otoh[l_ c [jic m]iate
^ch _f gc]of ab_gini] ^_ \[h]hin_. V^ ] ho g[c [l_
arma. Probabil i-[ ìmn ]ih`cm][n.
Ap_g j[nlo gcc ^_ \[h]hin_ l_jo<
Hibin_f_ mif^[cfil f hnl_loj.
Bc_n_, ]o j[nlo gcc ^_ \[h]hin_ l_jo\fc][h_ ho-c
jic fo[ hc]coh ][mnlih ]o moj, f fgol_n_ ohof
^chnl_ _c. c ilc]og [ghîc i m [n_jn[c [c]c jh
]h^ i m pch ]ig[h^[hnof himnlo. Doj ][l_ p_c `c
nlcgcc f[ ]_hnlof ^_ ^_n_hc_ j_hnlo jlctihc_lcc ^_
lt\ic, j_hnlo chn_lia[nilcof mn[h^[l^.
L[ ]_hnlof ^_ ^_n_hc_ j_hnlo jlctihc_lc ^_ lt\ic<
Dch ho nco ]_ gincp, ]opchn_f_ [mn_[ gc [ô] [gchn_
de ziua aia, de la care a trecut mai bine de un an,
]h^ M_nc[m g-[ fo[n ]o _f h gcmcoh_, j_hnlo [-l
olglc j_ jlctihc_lof f[ ^_ lt\ic ]ifihcmn, ][l_
evadase. Am tot cutreierat statele Repo\fc]cc jh f-
[g igiln h Y_ffiqmnih_ Ccns. gc [gchn_m] mha_f_
foc j_ jghn, mha_f_ foc g\c\h^ ohcìlg[ [f\[mnl.
Ihnlo h j[hc] c lc^c] gh[ ][ m f [jo] j_ D[s ^_
aof_l. C_cf[fc \l\[c ^ch ][g_l m]in moh_n_ ^_
moljlct. Ao^ g[c gofn_ ]fc]oli metalice.
Bl[of foc D[s m_ mnlha_ c g[c n[l_ h dolof g_o,
hnl-un gest protector.
Uol_f, gc ijn_n_ _f.
Cog i ]b_[g j_ `[n?
Plc_n_hof g_o m_ hni[l]_ ^ch hio mjl_ mif^[c.
S[l[b, f_ lmjoh^_ gchch^. No l_jl_tchn hc]ci
[g_hch[l_, _ î[l ì[ln_ \ifh[p.
Mcfcn[lcc mjoh ]_p[ ][l_ f hòlc_ j_ D[s, hm
fog_[ g_[ _rjfi^_[t hnl-un haos de culori. Alunec
^ch hio hnl-i mn[l_ h ][l_ mohn j_ dogn[n_
]ihnc_hn, j_ dogn[n_ h ^_fcl. Ao^ pi]c jon_lhc]_,
[jic m]lcnof oh_c oc al_f_. Doj ][re nu mai aud
hcgc] j_hnlo g[c gofn ncgj. Uh_ilc gc m_ j[l_ ] f
VP - 295
p^ j_ M_nc[m, mnh^ h ]ifof m_]c_c c ocnhô-se
f[ gch_. Afn_ilc, M_nc[m m_ nl[hmìlg h Tbig[m c ho
g jin ^_]c^_ ^[], pthô-f, [l nl_\oc m mcgn òlc_
m[o mo`_lch. Uh_ilc l_]ohim] gchcf_ foc D[s
[nchahô-f_ j_ [f_ g_f_. Plc_n_hof g_o gc mjoh_ m
g fchcn_m], ] ninof i m `c_ \ch_. Vctcohcf_
dispar.
Pli\[\cf ] [o nl_]on il_ jh ]h^, h]_j m [o^
c[l, ]ogp[ hòh^[n, `lhnolc ^chnl-i ^cm]oc_.
< ^ch R_jo\fc]?
Da.
Tu _nc D[s?
Eu sunt.
Ao^ i[g_hc ][l_ m_ [acn, [jic hcn_ golgol_ ][l_
pil m [l[n_ ] ho f_ pch m ]l_[^.
No, f l_]ohim], nin l_j_n ]ch_p[. f l_]ohim],
f l_]ohim]. Ef _.
Afn_ taigin_ jliôm_ ^_ ìc[f[ ]_fil ^ch dol< Ajic
f mcgn j_ D[s ]og m_ lc^c], c[l _o g jl\o_m] h
]_[l[òlcf_ l_]c ^_ j_ jnoof ^_ mo\ gch_. f ô] h
[fn j[ln_. L-au luat.
Vl_[o m g [a ^_ ahôf mn[, hm ^_fclof g_o
`_\lcf g ]ijf__n_ c [foh_] ^ch hio h hnoh_lc].

Sohn h [j[ln[g_hnof g_o ^ch m_]nilof Ro\s. Stau cu
][jof j_ i j_lh og_^ ^_ nl[hmjcl[c_. Tlojof gc _
[]ij_lcn ]o i jnol mo\cl_ c m]f^[n h fogch[
[olc_ [ mi[l_foc ^_ ôj-[gc[t. Offc_ î[lg_ oh^_p[
[jli[j_. L[\_f_ foc ^_ joc, ^cmjlijilcih[n ^_ g[lc h
l[jiln ]o ]iljof, c m_ i^cbh_m] f_h_e pe dalele
l]ili[m_ ^_ g[lgol. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] fo]lolcf_ ho m_
f_[a: _o [g [jli[j_ [cmjl_t_]_ [hc, c[l Offc_ [l
nl_\oc m [c\ hio. Pli\[\cf ] pcm_t.
Uh jlimij o^ gc [ncha_ `lohn_[. M ocn h mom c f
p^ j_ M_nc[m mnh^ fha gch_. gc [[t ]o alcd
jlimijof j_ `lohn_, [mn`_f h]n [j[ m ho gc ]ola
h i]bc.
VP - 296
Boh, Bo\olot, gc mjoh_ _f tg\ch^.
N-i m hnltcc f[ ]_ [c no ^_ `]on? c ijn_m].
Ag m_ht[c[ m]cni[l_ ] M_nc[m ho [l nl_\oc m `c_
[c]c. C[ c ]h^ [l hnltc[ oh^_p[.
Fratel_ g_o m_ gofog_n_ m ]f[nch_ ^ch ][j, [mn`_f
] g[c gofn_ opc_ ^_ jl h_alo c [foh_] j_ `[.
Si[l_f_ c [jlch^_ i]bcc ]o m]fcjclc ^_ [ol.
Pc, ho jin m n_ f[m mchaol [c]c, ho?
R^_ c moh_nof mn[ g ogjf_ ]o [nn ^_ gofn
\o]olc_, h]n [g cgjl_mc[ ] i m _rjfi^_t.
A]]_jn mcno[c[: ho g[c m][jc ^_ gch_. c-acum
ghh]-c moj[= No-gc j[m ]n ^_ m]l\i[m c m_
pare.
I[o i aol ^_ moj. Jol ] [jli[j_ c mcgn aomnof.
Cbc[l i m mn[c [c]c, ]o gch_?
M_nc[m m_ [jf_[] c g mlon j_ `lohn_.
O m mn[o ]o nch_ i p_hc]c_, joni[c]i, jh ]h^
i m n_ m[nolc m g nin p_tc.
Sol^.
M_l_o [c alcd gch_. Ch^ i m g[c [c ncgj c
pentru Thomas?
L[ [otof ]opchn_fil g_f_, M_nc[m _tcn, [jic h]_j_
m ]bc]in_[m].
No jin m [m]oh^ hcgc] ^_ nch_, nu?
S ncc ]-[c `c jonon m-mi spui de voi doi.
Scgn i ôl_l_ ]h^ limn_m] ]opchn_f_ [mn_[, ^[l ho
mohn ]igjf_n mcaol ^ch ]_ gincp. Mc m_ j[l_ ] [g
uitat ceva important.
No [ `c mjom hcgc] hcghoc. c-[ ìmn `lc] î[l
] î[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih [l jon_[ m [`f_ c m p
^_mj[ln, m p nlcgcn j_ nch_ c j_ Tbig[m h
patrule diferite?
M_nc[m f[m ][jof h dim c mn [ôm ^_ og_lc.
N-[g [pon hc]ci^[n oh gincp j_hnlo ][l_ m
vorbesc despre asta.
f co\_nc?
VP - 297
gc [gchn_m] ] pcm_t c ] ilc]_ gc-ar spune Metias
ho l_jl_tchn ^_]n jlic_]c[ ahôlcfil g_f_. c
ninoc, g î[l_ ]h^ M_nc[m c ]i\i[l jlcpcl_[ c
gc lmjoh^_, ]o i m]oln [jli\[l_ ^ch ][j.
Ag ]l_ton ] ^[, tc]_ _f c [\c[ ^[] f [o^.
gc j[l_ [[ ^_ lo, c ijn_m], c[l `l[n_fe meu
m_ ocn f[ gch_ ]o i]bcc jfchc ^_ f[]lcgc.
h]_l] m lc^c] gchcf_ c m f ]ojlch^ ]o \l[_f_
j_ ôj an. D[l cg[ach_[ m_ m]bcg\, fogch[ m][^_ c,
\lom], t[] hnl-i ][g_l hnoh_]i[m, plocn h [f\,
pe un pat care nu e al meu. Imaginea lui Metias se
^_mnl[g. D[s _ ]_f ][l_ g halcd_n_ []og. F[[ c _
h][^l[n ^_ []_f jl mnlfo]cnil ][ fogch[. gc
[l[hd_[t ^ch hio jlimijof ^_ j_ `lohn_ c g
mno^c[t.
Boh, S[l[b, gc mjoh_.
Fifim_n_ hog_f_ `[fm j_ ][l_ f-a inventat pentru
mine.
Nu-c `[]_ alcdc. Enc h mcaol[h.
Cfcj_m] ^ch ][ot[ m]bcg\lcc \lon_ [ ][^lofoc.
h mcaol[h?
Ag ìmn lc^c][c ^_ jifcc[ ^ch Cifihcc. Doj ]_-
au aflat cine sunt, ne-[o ôm f[ oh mjcn[f gc]o. S_
j[l_ ] ni[n fog_[ ^_ [c]c g nc_, c[l [mn[ _ h
avantajul nostru.
D[s gc tg\_n_ ncgc^.
hm ^_ ^[n[ [mn[ mohn [nn ^_ ^_t[gacn m f p^,
mohn [nn ^_ nlcmn ] f-am pierdut din nou pe Metias
h [^h]olcf_ pcm_fil g_f_, h]n mohn h_picn m gc
go] \ot[ ][ m ho ct\o]h_m] h jfhm. gc mcgn
gchcf_ n_lc\cf ^_ mf\cn_. Pli\[\cf ] ho [ `c ìmn
][j[\cf m f g\lc_t j_ `l[n_f_ g_o c, j_hnlo ]
ho [g `]on-i, ho [g ct\oncn m f gjc_^c] m
^cmj[l.
Zg\_nof foc D[s m_ mncha_. gc mcgn_ ôl_l_[.
hnch^_ i gh c g [ncha_ ]o ^_a_n_f_ j_ i\l[t.
Chipuf foc _ [nn ^_ [jli[j_, [nn ^_ l[^cim h fogch[
VP - 298
\fh^ [ m_lcc. Co jon_lcf_ ][l_ gc-[o g[c lg[m, g
lc^c] joch c f f[m m g mnlha f[ jc_jn.
Ab, D[s, ijn_m] ]o \ot_f_-gc [m]ohm_ h jlof foc
c ]o pi]_[ nl_golhô-gc ^ch ][ot[ bibin_fil ^_ jfhm
l_jlcg[n_. gc _ îl ^_ _f= Mc-_ [[ ^_ îl ^_ _f= c-
gc j[l_ lo, gc j[l_ [[ ^_ lo j_hnlo nin=
R_j_n ]opchn_f_ [mn_[ f[ h_m`lcn, ]opchn_f_ j_
care i le-[g mjom foc M_nc[m h pcm, ]opchn_f_ j_ ][l_
c f[ pic mjoh_ foc D[s j_hnlo nin l_mnof pc_cc.
El g mnlha_ c g[c n[l_ h \l[_. M ghac_ j_
jl c g f_[ah oil, ][ j_ oh ]ijcf. M [a ^_ _f
]o ^cmj_l[l_. Rmo`f[l_[ gc-_ hnl_nc[n. M jc_l^ h
`c_l\ch_[f, nlcmn__ c mchaoln[n_.
M_nc[m [ jf_][n ^ch hio. E [nn ^_ ^_j[ln_ g_l_o<
VP - 299
20. DAY
Tre]_ i dogn[n_ ^_ il jh ]h^ Joh_ l_o_n_ m

[î[lg f[ fi], ôj ]_ i [mcmn_hn ^ch Cifihcc c-a
chd_]n[n h _[ ho nco ]_ g_^c][g_hn_. I[l [ jfhm ^ch
][ot[ `l[n_foc _c. E ][ c ]og [l `c [foh_][n hnl-un
bo ][ c ]og [l `c ]ton h mch_ hmc, ]o chima-i
lhcn f[ p_^_l_. O]bcc _c h_alc c jfchc ^_ _h_lac_
j[l []og< h`lhc. Tl_m[l. Scaol, nco _r[]n ]_
hm_[gh m c jc_ltc `l[n_f_ g[c g[l_. Plcp_m]
gc]lcf_ afi\cfil _c i]of[lc mo\ jf_i[j_f_ h]bcm_.
Pli\[\cf ] Joh_ m-[ ]oòh^[n hnl-oh [fn ]igar, iar
_o ho i jin [don[ ]o hcgc]. A[ ] `[] c _o ]_ [
`]on _[ hnin^_[oh[ j_hnlo gch_ c h_n_t_m] jlof,
c mlon `lohn_[ og_^, i\l[dcc c \ot_f_. No j[l_ m
`c_ ^_ hc]coh ìfim, ^[l _o ]ihnchoc ]bc[l c [[.
E i [ngim`_l ^_mnof ^_ fchcncn [c]c, la spital.
Ercmn hm hcn_ moh_n_ ][l_ gc-[o ]l_[n h gchn_ oh
soi de zgomot de fond: de la luminile din tavan se
[o^_ oh mic ^_ togt_n hòh^[n, c[l ^_ [`[l, ^_ j_
mnltc, oh `_f ^_ [acn[c_ mnchm. L[ `_f ][ h
R_jo\fc], j_ _]l[hof gihn[n j_ j_l_n_ sunt difuzate
nclc ^_ j_ `lihn. D[l nclcf_ (f[ `_f ][ mnltcf_)
mohn jfch_ ^_ l_]f[g_ f[ fo]lolc [f ]lil limn ho-l
h_f_a. Tl_]_ oh ncgj, c[l _o l_hoh m g[c olgl_m]
jlial[gof. M nin ah^_m] ]og f [fchn[ g[g[ j_ E^_h,
]h^ m-[ g\ifhpcn, ]og c ijn_[ pil\_ fchcncni[l_
c c ghac[ ]bcjof ]o \c_n_f_ _c gchc \[h^[d[n_.
gc [gchn_m] ]og Jibh p_h_[ f[ j[nof foc ]o ]n_ oh
][mnlih ]o moj.
gc j[l_ [[ ^_ lo j_hnlo nin, gc-a spus June.
Doj ]n_p[ gchon_, oh mif^[n ^_m]bc^_ o[ m[fihofoc
himnlo c m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ gch_. E []__[c `[n,
][l_, g[c ^_pl_g_, c-[ ^[n m_[g[ ]ch_ mohn c h_-a
[ôm f[ mjcn[fof mn[ ]o hiomjl_t_]_ _n[d_. A]og m_
VP - 300
ijl_n_ h `[[ g_[ c m_ h]fch m]oln. C[ c ]h^ [
`c pl_oh i`c_l m[o ]_p[ ^_ a_hof mn[. L[ `_f ^_
surplchtnil _ c `[jnof ] ho g[c _ hc]coh gcfcn[l h
h]j_l_. O[g_hcc nc[ jli\[\cf ] ho h_ ]ihmc^_l j_
gch_ c j_ Joh_ i [g_hch[l_. No mohn_g h]no[c,
c[l f[ o ho _rcmn hc]c g][l oh a[l^c[h. O[l_ nco
] hic mohn_g ]_c ][l_ [g `]on ][ n_hn[ncp[ de
[m[mch[l_ [ Ef_]nilofoc m _o_t_? D[] _c,
]ifihcncc, c `ch[h_[t j_ P[nlcic, g[c ^_pl_g_ m[o
g[c nltco, ]o ]_lncno^ch_ ] pil [`f[. S[o ji[n_ ]
ho nco ] _o c Joh_ [g ]if[\il[n ]o l_\_fcc. h
fond, Razor ne-[ chnliôm h di] ^_mnof ^_ nltco.
Pl_mojoh ] mn[l_[ jlc_n_h_c n[f_ m-a stabilizat,
nu?
O]bcc `_n_c m_ h^l_[jn mjl_ Joh_. No `[] ^_]n m
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j. E g[c \ch_ ][ hcg_hc m ho c
dea seama ] Joh_ _, ^_ `[jn, ]ijcfof ^_ [ol [f
Republicii.
D[n `cch^ mcno[c[ _c, [^[oa `[n[, p[ nl_\oc m
lgh [c]c jh ]h^ p[ `c h mn[l_ m m_ ^_jf[m_t_
mchaol. To jic m mn[c [c]c, ]o _[, m[o, ^[]
îl_nc, DesCon Cilj [l `c h]hn[n m n_
mjihmilct_t_ ]o i ][g_l h jfom.
DesCon Corp oh [fn n_lg_h ]ifihcmn j_ ][l_ ho f
jlc]_j. hm ^_j[ln_ ^_ gch_ ahôf ^_ [ h]_j_ m joh
hnl_\lc ]o jlcpcl_ f[ molm[ a_h_litcncc fil. D[]
[c]c mohn ^_mnof ^_ ]_f_\lo, h]n, h mjcn[f, m `co
nl[n[n ][ i p_^_n, [noh]c ^_ ]_ [ ]lnc?
M_lmc, c lmjoh^. Ag m lgh [c]c.
Anoh]c c pig [ô]_ oh j[n, g [mcaol _[, `]h^
m_gh mjl_ mj[cof fc\_l ^ch ][g_l. Vig l_p_hc gch_-
^cgch_[ m p_^_g ]_ `[]_c.
gc l_c[o p_ab_[ f[ ]jncof foc Joh_. Ch^ gc ^[o
m_[g[ ] `_g_c[-gcfcn[l _ nin [c]c, i jlcp_m] lc^c]h^
^ch mjlh]_h_. F[n[ m_ hli_n_.
Pin m n_ g[c [don ]o ]_p[?
E[ lc^c] ^ch og_lc, h]_l]h^ m j[l ^_a[d[n.
VP - 301
No. Di[l< D_]c no _nc D[hc_f Afn[h Wcha?
gc limn_n_ hog_f_ ][ c ]h^ [l ]on[ g[hc_l[ ]_[
g[c jinlcpcn ^_ [-f jlihoh[.
Evergreen Ent nin jo\fc] [lnc]if_ ^_mjl_ nch_ h
n[\fic^_f_ fil. R_\_fof ^ch R_jo\fc], F[hnig[,
Jokerul ]l_^ ]-c chp_hn_[t ]n_ i hio jil_]f
i-c [nlc\oc_ ]n_ i [fn h`c[l_ h `c_][l_ tc.
Ao tcm ] [c _p[^[n ^_ ohof mchaol ^chnl-i h]bcmi[l_
din Los Angef_m. H_c, ]bc[l [c ìmn co\cnof ]hnl__c
f_c[, Lch]ifh?
I^__[ gc m_ j[l_ [nn ^_ ]l_nch, h]n ho g jin
[\ch_ m ho l^. No nc[g ] i[g_hcc ^ch Cifihcc mohn
f[ ]ol_hn ]o ]_ `[] ]hnl_cc ^_ ]oln_,
jlij[a[h^cncc m_f_]n[c ^_ aop_lhof l_jo\fc][h.
Lch]ifh _ hc_f ][g nl_]on j_hnlo gch_, ho ]l_tc?
V_m_fc[ g_[ lcmcj_n_ n_hmcoh_[ ^ch h]j_l_, [[ ]
`[n[ h]_j_ c _[ m l^.
Pc, mjngh[ [mn[ _nc. Sjngh[ nl_]on,
Evergreen Ent [ [hoh[n ] [c `_hn[n afi[h_f_ nl[m_
^_ jfonihof ^_ _r_]oc_ l_jo\fc][h c ] [c m]j[n ]o
pc[.
Tcj[ ct\o]h_n_ c[l h lm, ^[l _o [go_m].
Nu, n-[g `_hn[n hc]coh afih. L-[g fm[n j_ `l[n_f_
g_o g[c g[l_ m f_ h][m_t_ h fi]of g_o.
L[ p_^_l_[ _rjl_mc_c ^_ j_ ]bcjof g_o, lmof `_n_c
se stinge jenat. O aud apoi cum c ^l_a_ af[mof.
h ]__[ ]_ jlcp_n_ noh_fof jlch ][l_ [c p_hcn,
l-[g \fi][n. E [f nl_cf_[ j_ foh[ [mn[. Dch ]h^ h
]h^, l_òac[c l_jo\fc][hc [doha [c]c f[ `_f ][ pic,
iar locuitorii din Tribune s-[o ][g mnol[n m m_
ocupe de ei. Oamenilor nu le jf[]_ m p[^ ] nin
`_fof ^_ ]cpcfc ^ch n_lcnilcof ch[gc] m_ chmn[f_[t h
il[of fil. D_ i\c]_c, c nlcgcn_g j_ l_òac[c
h[jic, j_mn_ fchc[ `lihnofoc.
Sif^[nof i`n_[t.
Pe vremuri, toate teritoriile astea erau Statele
Uhcn_ [f_ Ag_lc]cc. ncc [mn[, hu?
VP - 302
Dintr-i^[n, mcgn al_on[n_[ j[h^[hncpofoc j_ ][l_ f
jiln f[ an.
tiu.
ncc c ^_ choh^[cc? Aj_f_ [o h[chn[n l[jc^ c
h g[c joch ^_ îc ani, au acoperit toate teritoriile
joase, din sud. Locuri despre care republicanii ca
nch_ jli\[\cf ] hc]c n-[o [otcn< Liocmc[h[ m-a dus.
Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Carolina de
Nil^ c ]_[ ^_ So^, jc_lôn_ c _f_. Tinof m-a
hngjf[n [[ ^_ l_j_^_ ], ^[] h-[l `c plòlcf_
ohil ]f^clc, lmlch^ ^_j[ln_, ^ch i]_[h, [c jon_[ m
]l_tc ] hc]c h-au ercmn[n pl_i^[n.
i de-[mn[ [c p_hcn pic h]i[]_?
h p_mn _l[ g[c gofn jghn. Ac c^__ ]c
l_òac[c _l[o? Ajic V_mnof [ lc^c][n oh tc^, ][ m-i
gjc_^c]_ j_ _mnc]c m g[c ^_[ \oth[ h mn[n_f_ fil,
pentru a contracara suprapopularea. Zidul pornea din
j[ln_[ ^_ mom [ blcc, ^ch D[ein[ ^_ Nil^, nl_]h^
jlch ]_[ ^_ So^ c [dohah^ jh h T_r[m.
F[n[ c ct\_n_ ]o joghof j[fg[ ]_f_cf[fn_ gchc.
A[ ] [ nl_\ocn m mjg noh_folc ][ m [doha_g
h p_mn. P_ pl_golc, h j_lci[^[ ^_ pl` [ _gcal[c_c,
eximn[o gcc ^_ noh_folc. Doj ][l_ [ ct\o]hcn
lt\icof. Ch^ R_jo\fc][ [ h]_jon m ìfim_[m]
noh_folcf_ [mn_[ ][ m f[hm_t_ [n[]olc-moljlct [mojl[
hi[mnl, f_-[g \fi][n j_ ni[n_. Rt\icof ôl_[t ^_-
[nn[ ncgj [[ h]n ]_c g[c gofc i[g_hc hc]c ho-c
mai [gchn_m] ] gct[ fojn_c _ n_lcnilc[f. hm, ]h^
[j_f_ c-[o mn[\cfct[n, h m`lcn, hcp_fof, mcno[c[
de aici s-[ _]bcfc\l[n c _[. c-[[ [o [jlon
Coloniile Americii.
Thl[ limn_n_ ]opchn_f_ [mn_[ og`fhô-c gh^l
pieptul.
Rt\icof h-i m g[c ôl_t_ gofn, ^_ i \o][n \oh
^_ pl_g_ ]ncag ni[n_ fojn_f_.
gc [gchn_m] ]_ gc-[ mjom K[_^_, ]h^ [g [dohm h
L[g[l: Cifihccf_ ]nca lt\icof. L[ gig_hnof f[, ho
VP - 303
m-[g ah^cn jl_[ gofn f[ nl_[\[ [mn[ h ìh^, ]n
]ihn_[t i [mn`_f ^_ [`clg[c_ momchon ^_ oh mchaol
ig? S[o oh [mn`_f ^_ tpih? D[l []og mif^[nof mn[ gc
mjoh_ []_f[c fo]lo ]o [_lof ] []_mn[ _ [^_plof-
[^_pl[n.
Aghîc lgh_g n]oc ]h^ [acn[c[ ^ch [`[l[
]f^clcc ^_pch_ g[c taigini[m. h]fch ][jof hnl-o
j[ln_. D_ ]h^ [g [dohm [c]c, gofcgc de oameni au tot
p_hcn c [o nin jf_][n ^_ f[ mjcn[f, hm ho gc-am
\non ][jof ]o [mn[. A]og hm gc m_ j[l_ ] gc [o^
numele.
ncc ]ogp[ ]_ m_ hngjf [`[l? i hnl_\ j_ `[n.
Putem s-i gong j_ jlc_n_h[ g_[ hnl-i ][g_l oh^_ m
fie mai lihcn_?
Thl[ c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_.
Vl_c m p_tc ]o i]bcc nc ]_-c ]o ni[n [acn[c[
asta?
gc `[]_ m_gh m g lc^c] c m i olg_t.
Snlcan_f_ ^_ [`[l [o ^_p_hcn òlnohi[m_. Ch^
mif^[nof ^_m]bc^_ o[ ^_ f[ \[f]ih c [ghîc c_cg h
[_lof hijcc, mohn hngjch[n ^_ i j[f ^_ phn
af[]c[f c ^_ oh ]il ^_ ol[f_. Logchc jofm[ncf_ g
il\_m]; jl_ ^_ i m_]oh^, ho jin m `[] hcgc] [fn]_p[
^_]n m g mjlcdch ^_ \[fomnl[^[ ^_ g_n[f c m
]ihn_gjfo m]_h[. E ì[ln_ nltco h hi[jn_ c ninoc,
sub fereastra hi[mnl, ]l_^ ] mohn mon_ ^_ i[g_hc,
][l_ cahil tj[^[ ]_ m_ [n_lh_ ^ch \_foa. Tic
i]bcc mohn lc^c][c mjl_ gch_. Mofn_ j_lmi[h_ [o
j[h][ln_ cgjlipct[n_. Bch_ [c p_hcn f[ hic= m]lc_ j_
una dintre ele.
F[hnig[ nlc_n_, m_ ji[n_ ]cnc j_ i [fn[.
S hpchac R_jo\fc][= m]lc_ j_ i [ nl_c[. Sohn
t_]c ^_ j[h][ln_. D[s, ]ifihcmn ^_ ihi[l_=, Bch_ [c
p_hcn h Tlc\oh_, D[s=, C[m[ hi[mnl _ ][m[ n[=
O[g_hcc nc[ nco ]ch_ mohn.
Fata-mif^[n [l[n ]o gh[ mjl_ gch_ c tg\_n_
gofcgcc.
VP - 304
El e Day! l_ mnlca.
O [fn _rjfitc_ ^_ ol[f_. Eo h]l_g_h_m] fi]ofoc. C_
[l nl_\oc m `[]c ]h^ i alg[^ ^_ i[g_hc c mnlca
hog_f_ ^_ j[l] [l `c hh_\ohcn j_ fi]? No [g hc]c ]_[
g[c p[a c^__. A[ ] f_ `[] ]o gh[. I[l [mn[ `[]_ ][
mnlcan_f_ m ]l_[m] h chn_nsitate.
Enc i p_^_n [c]c, [o^ af[mof `_n_c j_mn_
taiginof mnltcc.
Thl[ j[l_ m `c_ gofn g[c chn_l_m[n ^_ []_mn
[mj_]n ^_]n mohn _o.
Enc mchaolof l_\_f j_ ][l_ R_jo\fc][ ho ct\on_n_
m joh gh[. Cl_^_-g, gch_-^cgch_[, i m [j[lc j_
prima j[ach [ nonolil tc[l_fil. C_c ^_ f[ Evergreen
Ent i m gi[l ^_ h_l\^[l_ m n_ chn_lpc_p_t_.
hmicni[l_[ g_[ ]ihncho m pil\_[m], ^[l _o ho
g[c [o^ ]_ mjoh_. An_hc[ gc-[ ìmn [nl[m ^_ oh[
^chnl_ j_lmi[h_f_ ]o j[h][ln_. E i `[n ]o òf[lof
hòl[n h dolof aolcc c afoa[ nl[m j_ ][j, [mn`_f
h]n i j[ln_ ^ch `[ c _ [m]ohm.
hm gc ^[o m_[g[ ] _ K[_^_.
Scgn ] g c[ [g__[f[. Ihmn[hn[h_o, gc [ô] [gchn_
^_ [f[lg[ ]o fogch[ lic_, chn_lgcn_hn, care ne-a
[p_lnct[n j_ gch_ c Joh_ ] ^_ [m]ohtni[l_[ hi[mnl
m_ [jlijc[ ]ch_p[. gc [gchn_m] c ^_ j_lmi[h[ ][l_ gc
s-[ jlon ] h_-[ olglcn j_ mnltcf_ ^ch Cifihcc. S
`c ìmn K[_^_? S hm_gh_ [mn[ ] P[nlcicc mohn c _c
[c]c? K[_^_ ch_ lc^c][n i j[h][ln ][l_ [jli[j_ ]
se pierde printre restul.
P_ _[ m]lc_: Tl_\oc_ m n_ hnil]c. A]og.
VP - 305
21. JUNE
Visez din nou. Sohn mcaol ^_ [mn[ j_hnlo ] Metias

_ c _f [c]c c nco ] [l nl_\oc m `c_ giln. D_ ^[n[
[mn[ mohn hm jl_ancn, gc ch _giccf_ h `lo.
Eo c M_nc[m g_la_g j_ mnltcf_ ^ch Pc_ll[. De jur-
gjl_dolof himnlo, mif^[c l_jo\fc][hc [f_[la jlchnl_
alg_tc ^_ gifit c _rjfitcc, ^[l, j_hnlo hic îc,
ni[n_ fo]lolcf_ m_ ^_mì[l h fchcn_, f[ l_f[hnc,
][ c ]og [g jlcpc oh `cfg jlic_]n[n ]o h]_nchcnilof.
Uh jinij ^_ hilic c m]bcd_ ^_ f[ al_h[^_ lc]i_[t
^ch nlojolcf_ hi[mnl_ `l m h_ lh_[m]. M mcgn
chpch]c\cf m[o chpctc\cf. Uh[ m[o [fn[ ilc ji[n_
[ghîo.
Ceva nu-c h l_aof [c]c, c mjoh `l[n_foc g_o.
Rc^c] i]bcc mjl_ []ij_lcolc, [jic c ]i\il ^ch hio
mjl_ b[imof ^_ j_ mnlzi. Unde e Anden?
M_nc[m m_ ocn f[ gch_, h]lohnhô-m_ ah^cnil.
M_la_ ]o gchcf_ f[ mj[n_, ]o _f_a[h[ j_ ][l_ ilc]_
]jcn[h nl_\oc_ m i [c\, c[l ]co]olcc [olcc ^_ j_
ohcìlg tilhc_ \fh^, fipchô-m_ hnl_ _c.
gc ^[o m_[g[ ] n_ ^_l[hd_[t ]_p[ [c]c, gc
lmjoh^_ _f, m]ljchhô-c \l\c[ h_l[m.
Spre deosebire de Thomas, Metias a fost mereu mai
^_a[d[n ]h^ p_h_[ pil\[ ^_mjl_ l_aofcf_ gcfcn[l_
privitoare la aspectul personal.
Spune-mi ce anume.
S]_h[ [mn[<, c _rjfc], [lnh^ ]o gh[ h dolof
himnlo. Tin jf[hof mn[< C_p[ ho-c h il^ch_.
M_nc[m j_n_ j_mn_ i alg[^ ^_ \o]c ^_ ]cg_hn.
Ce anume nu-c h il^ch_?
Cu el e ceva aiurea.
c lc^c] gh[ mjl_ oh []ij_lc. No nco ^_ ]_, ^[l
Razor mn []ifi, f[ p_^_l_, c olgl_n_ nin ]_ m_
hngjf. Sn ]o \l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_ f[ jc_jn.
VP - 306
Ceva nu-c h il^ch_ ]o _f.
Pc, Bo\olot, c[ p_tc ]_ ho-c h il^ch_, g
h^_[gh `l[n_f_ g_o.
Nogl j_ ^_a_n_.
Ch^ g-[g ol][n h d__jof ^ch mj[n_f_ g[chcc
Ef_]nilofoc, il^chof jlcgcn ^_ i`_lc _l[ ]f[l.
Ef_]nilof f_ mjom_m_ m g ô] f[ mjcn[f.
i apoi?
Apoi Razor le-[ ilîh[n m lgh j_ lon[ fo[n h
][f]of h jf[hof jlcpcnil f[ [m[mch[n. A cahil[n ]o
ninof ]ig[h^[ Ef_]nilofoc. Pli\[\cf ] c-a spus lui
Ah^_h ] _o [g chmcmn[n m `c_ olg[n nl[m_of chcc[f.
E singurul care l-[l `c `]on j_ Ah^_h m []]_jn_
schimbarea ordinului.
M_nc[m lc^c] ^ch og_lc.
C_ hm_[gh [mn[? Pol c mcgjfo, ] Razor a vrut
m ìl_t_ fo]lolcf_ c m-c ô] jf[hof f[ \oh
sflcn?
No. D[] [m[mch[nof [p_[ fi], ni[n fog_[ [l `c
ncon ]ch_ [ cahil[n il^chof Ef_]nilofoc. Ti[n fog_[
[l `c ncon ] Razor a fost cel care a ordonat
d__jolcfil m ]ihncho_ j_ ^logof mn[\cfcn chcc[f.
f jlch^ j_ M_nc[m ^_ \l[.
R_jo\fc][ [l `c ncon ] Razor [ h]_l][n m-l
o]c^ j_ Ah^_h.
Fl[n_f_ g_o mnlha_ ^ch \ot_.
De ce s-ar pune Razor hnl-i mcno[c_ [nn ^_
jl_pctc\cf j_lc]ofi[m? C_ [fn]_p[ [ g[c ìmn
nelalocul lui?
M hnil] ^ch hio f[ b[imof chmn[ol[n [c]c, j_
mnl[^, oh^_ ninof m_ ^_mì[l ]o h]_nchcnilof.
Pc, h] ^_ f[ h]_jon, Razor [ jonon m-i
mnl_]i[l_ j_ P[nlcic _rnl_g ^_ oil h [j[ln[g_hnof
din Vegas. I-[ chnliôm c c-a scos pe rebeli din
^clcd[\cf [nn ^_ oil< P[l] [l `c [pon ][j[]cnc
mojl[ig_h_ti de a-i se ascunde.
VP - 307
Pi[n_ ] c [l_, gc l_jfc] M_nc[m. h ìh^, _
momchon ^_ Cifihcc, ho?
Amn[ [[ _.
Flomnl[n, gc nl_] i gh jlch jl. h mn[l_[ [mn[
^_ pcm h ][l_ g [`fo, ^_a_n_f_ gc mohn [gilcn_,
[[ ] ho mcgn opc_f_ [nchahô-mi pielea.
N-[l_ hc]ci fiac]. Al `c nl_\ocn m `c [hof[n
jf[hof ^_ [m[mch[l_. Doj ]_ _o f_-am stricat ploile,
Razor [l `c nl_\ocn m-f ijl_[m]. Al `c nl_\ocn ][
P[nlcicc m m_ hni[l] h [^jimnolc, m l_ah^_[m]
mnl[n_ac[ c [\c[ [jic m h]_l]_ i hio fipcnol.
Pi[n_ hnl-i foh m[o îo. D_ ]_ m-c lcn_ Razor
jitcc[, ^[] [m[mch[nof _l[ h j_lc]if ^_ [ _o[?
M_nc[m f jlcp_n_ j_ oh mif^[n l_jo\fc][h ][l_
nl_]_ h òa j_ fha hic. Bc[nof lc^c] i]bcc mjl_
Razor, ][l_ m[fon ^_ j_ []ij_lc.
D[] [^p_lm[lcc, Cifihccf_, m_ [`f h mj[n_f_ foc
Razor, tc]_ `l[n_f_ g_o, c nco ]ch_ _ D[s, ho ]l_tc
] c no, c _f [l `c nl_\ocn m `cc ôc cg_^c[n m
^cm]on[c ]o ]_f [`f[n f[ ]ihô]_l_ []ifi?
Rc^c] ^ch og_lc. M ah^_m] f[ gig_hn_f_ j_ ][l_ f_-
am petr_]on h ]igj[hc[ foc Ah^_h. L[ f_acf_ foc hic,
radical diferite de cele anterioare, la viziunea lui
jlial_mcmn. Ajic gc [gchn_m] ^_ n_hmcohcf_ ^chnl_ _f
c Cihal_m, ^chnl_ _f c m_h[nilc.
h ]fcj[ [mn[, pcmof m_ lcmcj_n_. D_m]bc^ i]bcc
brusc. Mi-am dat m_[g[ ]_ g ^_l[hd_[t [nn ^_ n[l_
h ]__[ ]_-f jlcp_n_ j_ Razor.
Cifihccf_ ho f momch. D_ `[jn, Cifihccf_ ho [o
hc]c ]_[ g[c p[a c^__ ]_ joh f[ ][f_ P[nlcicc. D_
asta nu a vrut Razor m l_hoh_ f[ h]_l][l_[ ^_ [-l
[m[mch[ j_ Ah^_h. Scaol ] ho m-[ n_gon ]
[onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc pil [`f[ ] fo]l_[t ]o
P[nlcicc.
P_hnlo ] _f_ f-au angajat pe Razor m f o]c^ j_
Anden.
VP - 308
22. DAY
Doj ]_ _o c mif^[nof h_-[g hnilm ^_ j_ \[f]ih,

fmh^ h olg gofcg_[ ^ch `[[ mjcn[fofoc, g-am
[mcaol[n ] [p_g a[l^c_hc f[ o (h ][tof h ][l_
pl_oh [^gcl[nil [l ^[ \oth[ hohnlo, [ tcm `[n[-
mif^[n, h[chn_ m jf_]_), [jic [g g[c mifc]cn[n hcn_
jnolc c g_^c][g_hn_ j_hnlo Joh_. No pic[g m g g[c
lc^c] c m i p^ j_ K[_^_ mnh^ h ]ihncho[l_ mo\
\[f]ih. h]_nof ]o h]_nof, mnlcan_f_ ^_ [`[l [o
h]_jon m m_ jinif_[m]. Ph f[ olg, mnl[^[ m-a
]oòh^[n h n]_l_. A]og mohn_g ]igjf_n mchaolc, ]o
_r]_jc[ a[l^c_hcfil ^_ f[ o.
Tinof _ jl_ancn, ^[l _o ho g ]fchn_m] ^_ fha
Joh_. h ][g_l ho _rcmn hc]coh fo]lo ^_ ][l_ m g
jin ìfimc j_ jimn ^_ [lg. D[] ^cm_[l pig `c
h_picc m òacg, h-[g ^_]n m mj_l ] ho p[ nl_\oc
m h_ fojng ]o hcg_hc. c ] hcg_hc ho h_ p[ i\m_lp[
^cmj[lcc[ jh ^cgch_[.
M lc^c] c g ô] mjl_ \[f]ih. A`[l, tj[^[ ]_ m_
[n_lhom_ [ ìmn ghdcn ^_ hilicof \i][h]cfil.
Fcl_n_, K[_^_ ho g[c _ []ifi. O pl_g_, [^gcl j_cm[dof
^ch Cifihcc, nin ah^chô-g f[ j[h][ln[ _c.
D_ ]_ gc nl[hmgcn_ K[_^_ m g hnil] h R_jo\fc]?
h]_[l] m g [nl[a hnl-i ][j][h m[o m g
[p_lnct_t_? P_ ^_ [fn j[ln_, ^[] pic[ m h_ `[]
lo, ^_ ]_ f-[ ji]hcn j_ B[rn_l fmhô-h_ m jf_]g
]h^ _l[g h Pc_ll[? K[_^_ ]bc[l h_-[ tilcn m i fog
^ch fi] h[chn_ m `cg jlchc ^_ l_mnof P[nlcicfil.
M hnil] mjl_ Joh_, ][l_ î[lg_ h ]ihncho[l_.
R_mjcl[c[ c-[ ^_p_hcn []og g[c l_aof[n, c[l li_[[
din obraji s-[ g[c _mnigj[n h ofncg_f_ il_. Co ni[n_
[mn_[, ho h^lth_m] m i ^_l[hd_t.
Afn_ ]n_p[ gchon_ nl_] h]_n, nlhô-m_ j[l].
An_jn. O[l_ K[_^_ p[ g[c `[]_ pl_i gc][l_? Ph []og
VP - 309
toate lucrurile care ni s-[o hngjf[n m-au succedat
l[jc^, [[ ] []og gc m_ j[l_ h_`cl_m] m [n_jn [c]c,
\fi][n h ][g_l[ [mn[. Blom], [g jl_[ gofn ncgj.
S_ [o^_ i fipcnol h o[ \[f]ihofoc. S[l h
picioal_. Pi[n_ ] m-[ lojn i ]l_[ha ^chnl-un copac
m[o [ ]ton i caf ^_ j_ []ij_lc. An_jn, h mn[l_
^_ [f_ln. O pl_g_, ho m_ g[c hngjf hcgc]. Ajic
pch_ i ji]hcnol h a_[g.
M lc^c] ^_ j_ j[nof foc Joh_, g ô] mjl_ o[
\[f]ihofoc c, jl_][on, [loh] i jlcpcl_ [`[l. Ncg_hc.
O]bcc gc ]i\i[l mjl_ j[lîm_[f[ \[f]ihofoc. A]ifi,
f[ p_^_l_, mohn îo jc_nlc]_f_. D_ oh[ ^ch _f_ _
legat un bilet.
D_m]oc o[ \[f]ihofoc, i hnl_^_m]bc^ c h`[]
\cf_nof. O h]oc f[ fi] c ^_mjnol_m] blnc[.
Cuvintele au fost s]lcm_ h al[\:
Vino afar. Sunt singur. Urgen. Sunt

aici s te ajut. Trebuie s vorbim. K.
Ula_h. Mininif_m] \cf_nof h jogh. C_ ]ihmc^_l

_[ [ `c ola_h? C[g ninof ji[n_ `c ^_m]lcm [mn`_f
[]og, ho? E [^_pl[n ] h_-[ [don[n m òacg, ^[l [mn[
ho hm_[gh ] mohn ^cmjom m [g h]l_^_l_ h _[.
No g[c nl_]_ oh gchon jh ]h^ h] i jc[nl
fip_n_ o[. D_ ^[n[ [mn[, h \cf_n m]lc_:
O s regrei dac nu vorbeti cu mine acum. K.
Ccnch^ [g_hch[l_[, g [jo] h_lpcc. K[_^_ [l_

puterea de a ne da j_ gh[ [onilcncfil j_hnlo ] f_-
[g mnlc][n jf[holcf_ P[nlcicfil. Rgh fi]ofoc,
l_]cnch^ \cf_nof. Di[l j_hnlo ]n_p[ gchon_, gc
mjoh mchaol. D[. Di[l [nn ]n m p^ ]_ pl_[. Doj
][l_ g hnil].
gc c[o b[ch[, nl[a [_l [^h] h jc_jn c `[] oh jas
]nl_ o[ \[f]ihofoc. Tl[a tpilof `l taigin. M
VP - 310
mnl_]il [`[l, j_ \[f]ih, c oh phn l_]_ g fip_n_
h `[. M f[m j_ pch_ c nl[a ocf_ ôj gch_. D[]
p[ pl_[ m-c `[] lo foc Joh_ ho p[ jon_[ m chnl_
`l m `[] taigin, c[l [mn[ c p[ [f_ln[ pe paznici.
Tl_] j_mn_ \[fomnl[^[ f[n_l[f, g lmo]_m] c g
jlch^ ]o gchcf_ ^_ g[lach_. M f[m h dim jh [doha
momj_h^[n f[ dogn[n_[ ^cmn[h_c ^chnl_ jlcgof _n[d c
j[ln_l. Ajic gc ^[o ^logof.
Bi][h]cc gc [n_lct_[t h tj[^[ joì[m cu un
m]lh_n. M[c [loh] i ofncg jlcpcl_ ]nl_ g[lach_[
\[f]ihofoc ^_ f[ _n[dof hnc, g_gil_t fi][fct[l_[
mjcn[fofoc, [jic gc h^_m jlof h aof_lof b[ch_c c
g fcj_m] ^_ tc^.
L[ il[ [mn[, mnltcf_ mohn jomncc c n]on_. An_jn
hnl-i j[ln_, fha ]f^cl_, jl_ ^_ oh gchon c [\c[
[jic g ^_mjlch^ ^_ tc^. H[c^_, K[_^_. A_lof gc
c_m_ ^ch jc_jn h gc]c pfno]c ^_ [\ol. O]bcc g_c
]_l]_n_[t ni[n_ ]ifolcf_ c ]ifci[l_f_ ^cgjl_dol,
]onh^ m c^_hnc`c]_ _p_hno[f_f_ [g_hchlc. Sohn
hm mchaol. Ac plon m h_ hnfhcg? Pc, ocn_-g=
Vil\_n_, ijn_m], h ncgj ]_ j_m] h fohaof
]f^clcc.
M ocn ôj j[nlof_, ^[l j_ mnl[^ ho _ cj_hc_ ^_
om.
Dintr-i^[n, g ijl_m]. P_ oh[ ^chnl_ [f_cf_ ^ch
[jlijc_l_ abc]_m] i og\l, i mcfo_n ][l_ mn j_ pch_.
M ]lcmj_t.
Vini, mjoh mo`c]c_hn ^_ n[l_ h]n j_lmi[h[ m g
[o^. nco ] _nc []ifi.
K[_^_ m_ g[n_lc[fct_[t ^ch og\l c g ]b_[g ]o oh
gest.
S `[]_g ]cp[ j[c, gc ]_l_ h i[jn. R_j_^_=
c i c[ f[ jc]cil j_ i [f__ haomn, [m]ohm h
mj[n_f_ ohoc cl ^_ no`colc h]l][n_ ]o tj[^.
M_la_g j_ [f__[ [mn[ jh ]h^ m_ chn_lm_]n_[t ]o i
mnl[^ g[c f[n, j_ ][l_ K[_^_ i ]in_n_ \lom]. M
al\_m] m i jlch^ ^ch olg. C_l]_n_t ]o i]bcc `c_][l_
VP - 311
]ifcil. I^_hnc`c] ni[n_ joh]n_f_ j_ oh^_ [ jon_[ m
g ][l f[ _n[d, h ]f^clcf_ ^_ []ifi, h ][tof h
][l_ ]ch_p[ [l h]_l][ m g [n[]_ jlch moljlch^_l_.
Mi s-[ t\olfcn jlof j_ ]_[`.
K[_^_ h]_nch_n_ jh ]h^ [doha_g m h_ ^_jf[mg
ohof fha [fnof. Pi[ln []_c[c j[hn[fihc c \i][h]c
pe care i-[ [pon c g[c devrem_, h ncgjof n_hn[ncp_c
^_ [m[mch[n, ^[l c-[ hfi]ocn b[ch[ gcfcn[l ]o i
j_f_lch ^ch fh c oh òf[l. S-[ mjf[n j_ `[,
n_lahô-c ]o ninof ôha[ h_[al ^_ j_ i]bc.
h l_aof= Sjoh_-gc l_j_^_ ]_ pl_c, c tc]. No
vreau s-o las pe June prea mult sihaol. C_ ][oc
aici?
Ag alcd m jmnl_t hnl_ hic i ^cmn[h
[jl_]c[\cf, ][ ho ]ogp[ `_n_c m c pch c^__[ m gc
`[] pl_i \o]olc_ ]o oh ]ocn m[o ]_p[ ^_ a_hof mn[.
S_ j[l_ ] [ p_hcn h_hmicn, ^[l g [mcaol ninoc ]
h_ ^_jf[mg j_ mnltc g[c g[li, unde, la nevoie, pot
m m][j. Ccp[ goh]cnilc nl_] al\cc j_ fha hic,
fogch[c ^_ l_]f[g_f_ ^_ j_ ]f^clc. O]bcc foc K[_^_
sunt de o nervozitate aiuritoare, expresie care nu-i
_mn_ ^_fi] ][l[]n_lcmnc].
N-[g jonon m ol] jh h m[fihof no, gc _rjfc]
ea.
Fof[lof ^ch dolof `__c c h\o ]opchn_f_, [[
], _h_lp[n, f nl[a_ h dim.
M-[l `c [otcn h_hili]ccc c[ ^_ a[l^c_hc. D_-asta
no _nc ]igcmcih[l c _o ho. c dol ] ho mohn [c]c
m-c `[] pl_oh lo jl_ci[m_c n[f_ ^_ Joh_. D[] [
lg[m mchaol []ifi, h ][g_l, i m `c_ h l_aof. N-
i m n_ ch gofn.
Ne-[c olglcn jlch noh_f?
K[_^_ h]opcch_[t ^ch ][j.
Ag l_ocn m ^[o f[ i j[ln_ ^lgnolcf_ [nn ]n
m g mnl_]il jlchnl_ _f_.
C_cf[fc oh^_ mohn?
VP - 312
K[_^_ c nl[a_ ghocf_ g[c \ch_ c mo`f h joghc,
[jic, h_gofogcn, \if\ilim_n_ ]_p[ f_a[n ^_ pl_g_.
No mohn [c]c. Ag p_hcn î[l _o. Tl_\oc[ m n_
avertizez.
Scgn ]og gc m_ mnlha_ mnig[]of.
h f_anol ]o ]_? A jcn ]_p[ Tess?
K[_^_ m_ ijl_n_ c g habcihn_n_ ]o jon_l_ h
coaste.
Am[mch[nof [ _o[n.
Rc^c] [g\_f_ gchc h[chn_ m [jo] m i hnl_loj.
D[, ^[, nco ] pic mohn_c ^_d[ f[ ]ol_hn. Mofc
P[nlcic [o ìmn [l_mn[c. Uhcc [o m]j[n ]_f joch,
T_mm [ hi[mnl [ m]j[n mcaol. A òacn ]o ]cp[
^chnl_ jcficc c ]igcmcih[lcc hinlc. L[ `_f c
P[m][i c B[rn_l.
Ch^ [o^ [mn[, m][j i hdolnol. T_mm< Blom], mcgn
cg\ifôf ^_ [ òac h ]on[l_[ _c, ^_ [ g [mcaol[ ]
_ \ch_, [jic gc [gchn_m] ofncgof fo]lo j_ ][l_ gc f-a
mjom gc][ g_[ jlc_n_h. K[_^_ ]ihncho m pil\_[m] h
timp ce ne vedem de drum.
No nco oh^_ mohn []og. Ucn_ hm ]_ ho ncc no.
Nici eu n-[g [pon b[\[l, jh ]h^ no c June n-[c
oprit tentativa de asasinat. Jordan, comisionara o
cc gchn_, ho? [ ^_m]ij_lcn ni[n_ chìlg[ccf_ [mn_[
pe drive-ul unui calculator, pe care i l-a dat unuia
^chnl_ b[]e_lcc hinlc.
F[n[ chmjcl jliòh^, m_ ijl_n_ c f[m jlcpcl_[ h
dim. O\chocn[ `_lgcn[n_ [ pi]cc _c j[l_ m m_ `c
evaporat.
Day, Razor ne-[ ôm j_ nic ^_ h[m. I-[ gchcn j_
P[nlcic, ôj ][l_ c-a d[n j_ gh[ R_jo\fc]cc.
M ijl_m] c _o ^ch g_lm.
Cum?
Razor ne-[ tcm ] [g ìmn [ha[d[c ^_ Cifihcc m-l
o]c^_g j_ Ef_]nil c m jilhcg i l_pifoc_. D[l [mn[ [
ìmn i gch]coh. h tco[ [m[mch[nofoc, [g [`f[n ]
P[nlcicc mohn momchoc ^_ S_h[nof R_jo\licii.
VP - 313
K[_^_ ]f[nch ^ch ][j.
c pch_ m ]l_tc? R_jo\fc][ c-a angajat pe
P[nlcic m-l omoare pe Anden.
Ag [gocn. Sohn i][n. Copchn_f_ foc June gc lmoh
h gchn_: gc-[ mjom ] g_g\lcc Cihal_mofoc ho f
[al__[t j_ hiof Ef_]nil c ] _[ ]l_^_ ] Razor
gchn_. Cb_mnccf_ j_ ][l_ hc f_-[ tcm jol c mcgjfo ho
m_ f_[a, [mn[ gc-a zis June.
Ne-[o h_f[n j_ nic g[c joch j_ Razor, [^[oa
K[_^_, ]h^ p_^_ ] _o ho-c lmjoh^ h hc]coh `_f.
N_ joh_g c[l h gc][l_.
S_h[nilcc f pil j_ Ah^_h giln. S-au ah^cn ] jin
m m_ ìfim_[m] ^_ hic c ôj []__[ m [loh]_ pch[
nin h ]l][ hi[mnl.
Sha_f_ gc jofm_[t ]o [nn[ jon_l_ h p_h_ h]n
[o^ ]o al_on[n_ ]bc[l c ]_ tc] _o hmogc.
De ce i-[l nl^[ Razor j_ P[nlcic? No fo]l_[t ]o
ei de zece ani? Oricog, ]l_^_[g ] g_g\lcc Cihal_mofoc
ho pil i l_pifoc_.
Ug_lcc `_n_c m_ jl\o_m]. Erjcl, c[l lmo`f[l_[ _c
m_ nl[hmìlg h [\ol.
A ìmn jlchm fo]lh^ ]o P[nlcicc []og ]cp[ [hc.
A[ ] [ [dohm f[ i h_f_a_l_ ]o Cihal_mof, [hog_ m-
c `[] j_ P[nlcic m-f o]c^ j_ Ah^_h, h_fchcncnof
nhl l_pifocih[l, g_g\lcc Cihal_mofoc olgh^ ][, f[
m]bcg\, m `[] ocn[n_ ]if[\illcf_ foc nl^ni[l_. L[
`ch[f, [fnolc ^_ nch_ c ^_ Joh_, Razor ar fi numit
hiof Ef_]nil c [l `c ìmn j_l]_jon ][ oh _lio [f
jijilofoc m[o ]_p[ ^_ a_ho mn[. O[g_hcc [l ]l_^_ ]
P[nlcicc [o jl_fo[n ]ihô]_l_[ lcc, ]h^, ^_ `[jn,
n-[l `c pil\[ ^_ [fn]_p[ ^_]n ^_mpre vechea
R_jo\fc]. Razor ho pl_[ ][ Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_ m `c_
l_]l_[n_; _f ho pl_[ ^_]n m-c m[fp_t_ jc_f_[. A[
] _ ^cmjom m m_ [fnol_ []_f_c jlc ][l_ c [mcaol
][f_[ ]_[ g[c \oh ^_ [ i\ch_ [mn[.
h]bc^ i]bcc. Log_[ g_[ m_ ]onl_gol. Joh_ g
avertct[m_ h jlcpch[ foc Razor< h nin ncgjof mn[,
VP - 314
am lucrat pentru Senatorii Republicii. Ei sunt cei
][l_ f pil j_ Ah^_h giln. No _ ^_]c ^_ gcl[l_ ]
[c]c, h Cifihcc, i[g_hcc j[l m ho nc_ hcgc] ^_
jf[hof P[nlcicfil. D_m]bc^ c[l i]bcc.
D[l [o _o[n, tc]. Ah^_h h] nlc_n_.
Ah^_h h] nlc_n_, l_j_n K[_^_. Dch `_lc]cl_.
Al `c nl_\ocn m [g h]l_^_l_ h Joh_. Folc[ j_ ][l_
i mcg_[g h[chn_ `[ ^_ nhlof Ef_]nil h]_j_ m m_
o\l_t_[m]. O[l_ m hm_gh_ [mn[ ]< ] Ah^_h hnl-
[^_pl f-a eliberat pe Eden? Oare fratele meu e liber
c h mcaol[h? O mno^c_t j_ K[_^_.
Ac \non nin ^logof jh [c]c ][ m-mi spui asta?
i hnl_\.
D[. ncc ^_ ]_?
F[n[ m_ [jlijc_ c g[c gofn ^_ gch_, jh h[mof _c
[jli[j_ ] f [ncha_ j_ [f g_o.
Anden e pe punctul s jc[l^ ]ihnlifof [mojl[
lcc. Ann g[c [o i[g_hcc jh m m_ lc^c]_ gjinlcp[
foc, gc mjoh_ c [jli[j_ ] fcj_n_ îo ^_a_n_ ohof
^_ ]_ff[fn ][ m gc [l[n_ _r[]n ]og mn[o fo]lolcf_.
D[] Ah^_h ][^_, h_ p[ `c ì[ln_ al_o m-f gjc_^c]g
pe Razor m joh gh[ j_ jon_l_. h ]fcj[ [mn[, Ah^_h
m_ fojn m-c g_hch ]ihnlifof [mojl[ [lg[n_c, h
timp ce Razor c î[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih h]_[l] m
i-f c[. Gop_lh[l_[ _ j_ ][f_ m m_ loj h îo.
Sn[c< Di[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih?
Ag amcn pe drive transclc_l_[ oh_c ^cm]occ
^chnl_ _[ c Razor. cc gchn_ ] h_-[g hnfhcn ]o _[
]h^ _l[g f[ \ilôf foc AR Dsh[mns? gc lmjoh^_
Kaede. Razor s-[ jl_`]on ] ho nc[ ] î[gh[
]ig[h^[hn [p_[ m `c_ []ifi. D[l _o ]l_^ ] ncj[ n_-a
l_]ohim]on. Pli\[\cf ] [ plon m p[^ ]o i]bcc _c. S
`c_ mcaol ] _nc ]o-[^_pl[n j[ln_ ^ch jf[holcf_ foc
Razor.
F[n[ m_ mnlg\.
Al `c nl_\ocn m-gc ^[o m_[g[ ^_ ]_ _ h mn[l_
Razor m `[]. c h jlcpch[ foc Ah^_h g-[g h_f[n.
VP - 315
De ce-c j[m ]_ m_ hngjf ]o R_jo\fc][?
Vhnof lc^c] òci[l_ ^_ tj[^ ^_ j_ mnl[^, h
j_l`_]n ]ih]il^[h ]o l]_[f[ ]opchn_fil g_f_.
i de ce acum?
M-[g \a[n h jip_mn_[ [mn[ j_hnlo \[hc, l_]ohim],
mjoh_ K[_^_ ^h^ ^ch ][j c mnlhah^ ^ch \ot_. D[l m
h]_j_g ]o h]_jonof: ^_ jfncn, h-am ìmn jfncn,
`cch^] jf[hof m-[ gjingifcn. h [f îcf_[ lh^,
[ha[d[g_hnof g_o ho [ ìmn m ^cmnloa [l[ c m i`_l
j_ n[p hnl_aof jijil l_jo\fc][h [fnoc Ef_]nil
nemernic.
Ac]c K[_^_ m_ hnl_loj_ joch, c[l jlcpcl_[ c m_
nof\ol.
No nco< Pi[n_ ] [g mj_l[n ] P[nlcicc gc pil
i`_lc oh _f g[c hi\cf ^_]n f[ ^_ [ `[]_ \[hc. S
ohcg f[ fi] h[cohcf_ [mn_[ ^cmnlom_. Amn[ gc-ar fi
jf]on.
Vhnof af[]c[f gc h_[j `[[. K[_^_ ho nl_\oc_ m
gc mjoh ^_ ]_ [ p_hcn jh [c]c ][ m g am_[m].
Doj ni[ne pe care mi le-[ mjom, nco gincpof. gc
aduc aminte ce mi-[ tcm T_mm ]h^ _l[g h L[g[l.
Log_[ _ [n_hn f[ nch_, D[s, ]o nicc [n_[jn
olgni[l_[ n[ gc][l_. S-[l jon_[ ][ []og m `co
mchaolof ][j[\cf m f m[fp_t_ j_ Ah^_h. C]c mohn
singurul pe care i[g_hcc ^ch R_jo\fc] f-ar asculta.
c _o, c K[_^_ n]_g c h_ [^h]cg c g[c gofn_ h
hnoh_lc] ]h^ îc jifccnc nl_] h al[\ j_ fha
hic. Foci[l_ ^_ tj[^[ f_ t\i[l j_ mo\ \i][h]c. i
olgl_m] ]o jlcpcl_[ jh ]h^ [ghîc ^cmj[l j_ [f__[
pe care am venit. Unde se duc?
K[_^_ ]ihncho m h[chn_t_, ]o òf[lof lc^c][n f[
fi] j_ `[, c[l _o i hnl_\:
i Coloniile?
Ce-c ]o _f_? gilgc_ _[ jlch _mnol[ òf[lofoc.
C_ p[ `c ]o jf[hof f[ ^_ [ fm[ R_jo\fc][ m m_
jl\o_[m] j_hnlo ][, f[ `ch[f, Coloniile se preia
]ihô]_l_[? Cog lgh_ ]o c^__[ [mn[?
VP - 316
Ideea n-[ ìmn hc]coh gig_hn m fmg Cifihccf_ m
]nca_. P[nlcicc pil m l_]l__t_ Sn[n_f_ Uhcn_.
Indiferent cum.
K[_^_ `[]_ i j[ot c gc ch^c] m ]in_m] j_ i [fn
mnl[^. P[l]ola_g h] îo mnltc jh ]h^ h_ ijlcg
h `[[ ohoc cl _hilg ^_ ]f^clc [`f[n_ h j[l[ach.
Ce-c [mn[? i hnl_\, ^[l _[ ho gc lmjoh^_.
M hnil] ]o `[[ mjl_ ]f^cl_. Al_ ][g nl_ct_]c ^_
_n[d_, ^[l m_ hnch^_, g[mcp, j_ i ^cmn[h ]_ [l `c
jonon `c i]oj[n ^_ g[c multe cvartale. La fiecare
]n_p[ t_]c ^_ g_nlc, h j[ln_[ ^_ dim [ ]igjf_rofoc
m_ p^ chnllc gc]c, ]oòh^[n_ h \_th. P_ jlcf_
f[n_l[f_, ^_ j_ \[f]i[h_f_ ^_al[^[n_ c ^_ f[ `_l_mnl_
m_ m]ola_ [j. Pc]nolcf_ [o m]ofjn[n j_ tcôlc ôhac
hidoase, acopelcn_ ]o go]_a[c. Snlo]nol[ m_ hnch^_ j_
ni[n fohacg_[ mnltcc jlcpcn ^_ mom jli\[\cf ]
[l[n ][ oh \fi] aca[hnc] h_alo-n]coh_.
C[m] i]bcc f[ _[. Doj ]_ [g pton fogchcf_ talc_-
hilcfil ^ch Cifihcc, _ i][hn m [`fo ] nin [c]c
_rcmn c i [mn`_f ^_ ]f^cl_. nco, h R_jo\fc],
]igjf_rolc [\[hîh[n_ ][l_ [l[n g[c \ch_ ][ mn[.
F_l_mnl_f_ c ]ilcî[l_f_ mohn ^cmjom_ [nn ^_ mnlhm,
h]n fogch[ ho lt\[n_ mjl_ hcp_fof ch`_lcil. Aloh]
oh i]bc mjl_ oh[ ^chnl_ chnllcf_ hnoh_][n_.
B_th c hcgc] g[c golt. Din interior se aude
moh_nof ohil jc]nolc ^_ [j c []_f[, g[c hòh^[n,
[f ohil j[c. Dch ]h^ h ]h^, p^ nl_]h^ ]n_ i
fogch jfjcni[l_, ][ c ]h^ ]ch_p[ m-ar preumbla cu
i f[hn_lh. Rc^c] ][jof ]nl_ _n[d_f_ moj_lci[l_.
Majoritatea geamurilor mohn ]lj[n_ m[o mj[ln_ m[o
fcjm_m] ]o ^_mplcl_. P_mn_ oh_f_ aifolc [o ìmn
fcjcn_ ìfcc ^_ jf[mnc]. O[f_ p_]bc [_t[n_ j_
\[f]i[h_ ]if_]n_[t [j[ ][l_ m_ m]ola_. P_ g[lachcf_
ohil[ mohn hnchm_ b[ch_ t^l_hocn_. c ninoc, [c]c
fi]oc_m] i[g_hc. M nl_] `cilc. hnil] i]bcc, î[l i
^[n, ]nl_ talc_-hilcc m]fcjcnilc [`f[c ]bc[l j_
VP - 317
mnl[^[ ^ch mj[n_f_ himnlo, [jic l_pch f[ []_[mn
mnlo]nol aohi[m ^_ ]cg_hn.
An_hc[ h_ _ [nl[m ^_ [acn[c[ cm][n h ][jnof
mnltcc. gc ^_mjlch^ i]bcc ^_ f[ ]igjf_rof jlachcn.
h ^l_jnof olgni[l_c ]f^clc, i `_g_c_ ^_ plmn
gcdfi]c_, h]f[n ]o \i][h]c \l\n_nc c ]o i
b[ch jihimcn j_ _[, m_ gcfia_n_ ]n i ch_ aol[ ^_
îc \l\[c g\l][c hnl-un echipament din plastic
alim. Aghîc [o `__f_ []ij_lcn_ ^_ pcziere
transparente, iar pe cap jflcc ]o \ilolc f[lac.
Fcc [n_hn, gc ijn_n_ K[_^_.
Ajic g nl[a_ h ][^lof oh_c[ ^chnl_ []_f_ chnllc
hnoh_][n_, hnl_ îo oc ^_ f[ j[ln_lof ]igjf_rofoc.
S]i[n_g ][j_n_f_ oil h [`[l j_hnlo [ [otc ]_ m_
hngjf. D_c alojof m_ [`f f[ i ^cmn[h ^_mnof ^_
g[l_, pi]_[ `_g_cc lt\[n_ fcgj_^_ jlch [ngim`_l[
fchcncn c af[]c[f.
< Ag l[n[n i mchaol jf[n j_ [hof mn[, mjoh_
`_g_c[. Pin m òa f[ \[h] gch_-^cgch_[, f[ jlcg[
il, c m p ^[o ni[n_ \[h]hin_f_ j_ ][l_ f_ [g<
Uhof ^chnl_ \l\[c i hnl_loj_.
Asta e politica DesCon, î[gh. No jon_g chp_mnca[
ch`l[]cohc f[ ]_l_l_[ ]fc_hcfil ][l_ ho c-au onorat
jfcf_ `[ ^_ m_]c[ fi][f ^_ jifcc_.
F_g_c[ jfha_ c c `lha_ gchcf_ [[ ^_ n[l_,
h]n mohn ]ihpchm ] i m c m`c_ ][lh_[ ^_ j_
oase.
Tl_\oc_ m jon_c `[]_ ]_p[, chmcmn _[. Tl_\oc_
m _rcmn_ ]_p[ ]_ m p jin ^[, ôgh_[pi[mnl m[o
[fnoc ^_j[ln[g_hn ^ch jifcc_<
Af îcf_[ \l\[n ]f[nch ^ch ][j.
Ti[n_ ^_j[ln[g_hn_f_ òh]cih_[t ]ihìrm
politicii DesCon. Cch_ _mn_ [ha[d[nilof ôgh_[pi[mnl?
Cfio^ Cilj, c lmjoh^_ `_g_c[ ]o mj_l[h.
C[ c ]h^ chìlg[c[ [mn[ c-[l jon_[ ]ihpcha_ m i
ajute.
VP - 318
Cfio^ Cilj ho [al__[t mcno[ccf_ h ][l_
fo]lnilcc mc m_ [`f j_ mnl[^ ôj il[ 23:00.
Ogof `[]_ oh m_gh ^ch ][j h ^cl_]c[ ]igjf_rofoc.
D[] ho p hni[l]_c h ][m, DesCon va raporta
mcno[c[ ôgh_[pi[mnl ]nl_ Cfio^ c jon_c m p
jc_l^_c fi]of ^_ goh].
Dar mi-au furat tot ce am!
F_g_c[ ct\o]h_n_ h bibin_ taigini[m_ ^_ jfhm.
U[ g_[ [ ìmn jol c mcgjfo m]i[m ^ch hc c
ni[n_ b[ch_f_ c gh][l_[ gc-[o ^cmjlon ^ch ][m.
Bl\[cc ][l_ [o `]on [mn[ fi]oc_m] j_ _n[d ]o gch_
p lia, ^[] g_la_c ]o gch_, jon_c m-c jlch^_c.
nco [j[ln[g_hnof h ][l_ fi]oc_m]<
C_c îc \l\[c [o h]_jon ^_d[ m m_ h^_jln_t_.
F_g_c[ [f_[la ]o j[c gc]c ôj _c, cgjfilhô-c m i
[don_, ^_c [g\cc i cahil.
Dar casa mea ^[] ho `[]_c ]_p[ ]og m<,
]ihncho _[ m mjoh.
Bl\[cc c l_j_n [p_lncmg_hnof ]og ] p[ `c
l[jiln[n ]igj[hiei Cloud.
C_c nl_c [o ^cmjlon, c[l _o g hnil] mjl_ K[_^_.
Ce-a fost asta?
No _ ]f[l? gc lmjoh^_ _[ m[l][mnc].
Aghîc jlmcg \_th[ ]f^clcc c c_cg ^ch hio h
mnl[^.
T]_g. h ]_f_ ^ch olg, K[_^_ mjoh_:
P_mn_ nin goh]cnilcg_[ _ nl[n[n prost, nu? Uite
]_ pl_[o m tc]: ^ch [hogcn_ joh]n_ ^_ p_^_l_, h
Cifihcc _ g[c \ch_ ^_]n h R_jo\fc]. Pi[n_ ] ho-c
pch_ m ]l_tc, ^[l c l_]cjli][ _ [^_pl[n. D[s,
onijc[ mnojc^ f[ ][l_ [c pcm[n no ho _rcmn. Pol c
mcgjfo, ho _rcmn. N-avea niciun m_hm m-c mjoh [mn[
h[chn_. Tl_\oc[ m p_tc ]o i]bcc nc.
O jilhcg h[jic, ]nl_ mjcn[f. Afc îc mif^[c
]ifihcnc nl_] al\cc j_ fha hic. Nc]cohof ho
][n[^c]m_n_ m h_ []il^_ pl_oh ^l[g ^_ chn_l_m. Plch
gchn_ gc m_ hpln_m] oh gcfcih ^_ ahôlc. Probabil
VP - 319
] n[n[ ho [ jom hc]ci^[n jc]cilof h Cifihcc sau,
^[] [ [dohm [c]c, [noh]c [ pton î[l fo]lolcf_
moj_l`c]c[f_, ho c j_ []_f_[ ][l_ h_-[o [nl[m gc_ c
foc Joh_ [n_hc[ ^_ ]h^ [g mimcn [c]c. Mc m_ joh_ oh
nod h an.
Ac h]l_^_l_ h Ah^_h? i hnl_\ j_ K[_^_ ôj
]n_p[ ]fcj_. M_lcn m `c_ m[fp[n? M_lcn R_jo\fc][
m `c_ m[fp[n?
K[_^_ c p_^_ ^_ ^log, ]inch^ ^_ g[c gofn_ ilc.
hnl-oh `ch[f, m_ ijl_n_ fha pcnlch[ ohoc g[a[tch
h ][l_ mohn _]l[h_ gchc[nol[f_. Fc_][l_ nl[hmgcn_ oh
alt progl[g ^ch Cifihcc. F[n[ g nl[a_ j_ mnlô[ ^ch
f[n_l[fof g[a[tchofoc, []ifi oh^_ mohn_g habccc ^_
\_th[ hijcc. gc `[]_ m_gh ]o gh[ ]nl_ _]l[h_f_ ^ch
pcnlch. gc [gchn_m] ] [g g[c nl_]on j_ fha oh
[mn`_f ^_ g[a[tch ]h^ _l[g h ]_hnlo.
Coloniil_ ^còt_[t nin ncgjof nclc òl[n_ ^_ j_
][h[f_f_ ^ch R_jo\fc], gc _rjfc] _[. Ao oh ][h[f
^_^c][n fil. Gloj[dof mn[ ^_ nclc [ ìmn ^còt[n
l_j_n[n ^_ ]h^ n_hn[ncp[ ^_ [m[mch[n [ _o[n.
Plcp_m] òacncp ncnfolcf_ ^_ j_ _]l[h. L[ h]_jon,
g ][g ocn h aif, jlchm ]og mohn h pln_dof
ahôlcfil jlcpcni[l_ f[ P[nlcic, ^[l, ôj ]n_p[
m_]oh^_, l_[fct_t ] ncl_[ ho m_ l_`_l hc]c f[
`lghnlcf_ ^_ j_ `lihn, hc]c f[ pl_i hion[n_ ^ch
Colonii, ci la Electorul Republicii. Un val de dezgust
g ]ojlch^_ ]h^ f p^ j_ Ah^_h j_ _]l[h. Ccof_m]
ol_]bcf_ m [o^ ncl_[, hnl_\hô-g ]n ^_ gofn
^c`_l j_lmj_]ncp[ ]ifihcmn ^_ ]_[ l_jo\fc][h [mojl[
[]_fil[c _p_hcg_hn_.
P_ hl_acmnl[l_[ ^cm]olmofoc foc Ah^_h, ]ola_ oh
n_rn j_ i \[h^. f ]cn_m] h_p_hchô-gc m ]led:
ELECTORUL L ELIBEREAZ PE FRATELE MAI MIC AL
CELEBRULUI REBEL DAY; URMEAZ S SE ADRESEZE POPORULUI
MINE, DIN CAPITOL TOWER.
D_ [tc, mjoh_ Ef_]nilof hnl-un discurs
hl_acmnl[n. E^_h B[n[[l Wcha _mn_, h gi^ i`c]c[f,
VP - 320
fc\_l[n c, ^[nilcn ]ihnlc\oiei sale, este scutit de
Examene. Toate celelalte persoane care au fost
transportate pe front au fost, de asemenea, trimise
h[jic f[ `[gcfccf_ fil.
Tl_\oc_ m g `l_] f[ i]bc c m g[c ]cn_m] h] i
^[n n_rnof.
Ahohof _ h ]ihncho[l_ j_ _]l[h. Ef_]nilol l-a
eliberat pe Eden.
Dintr-i^[n, ho g[c mcgn [_lof l_]_. No g[c mcgn
hcgc]. Pc]ci[l_f_ h]_j m g f[m_. Rmo`f[l_[ gc m_
mch]lihct_[t ]o \o\ocnolcf_ chcgcc. No m_ ji[n_.
Pli\[\cf ] Ef_]nilof [ `]on [hohof mn[ jo\fc] ][
m g [nl[a h[jic, h R_jo\fc], c m g `[] m
chnlo h m_lpc]cof foc. h]_[l] m g j]f_[m] c
m `[] i cgjl_mc_ \oh. E cgjimc\cf m f c _fc\_l[n
pe Eden c j_ nic ]_cf[fc, j_ \c__fof j_ ][l_ f-
[g pton h nl_h ^ch jlijlc_ chcc[ncp. E [\mifon
imposibil.
Chiar _ cgjimc\cf? M ah^_m] f[ [mn[ ôj ni[n_
cele pe care mi le-[ mjom Joh_, ôj ]__[ ]_ gc-a spus
K[_^_? Nc]c []og ho [g h]l_^_l_ h Ah^_h? C_ h[c\[ _
h h_l_aof ]o gch_?
Ajic, h ncgj ]_ g ocn h ]ihncho[l_ f[ _]l[h,
^cm]olmof hl_acmnl[n [f foc Ah^_h _ hfi]ocn ^_ i
`cfg[l_ h ][l_ E^_h _mn_ ]ihôm [`[l ^chnl-un
tribunal ho _ h]no[n c ji[ln j_ _f b[ch_ j_
][l_, h gi^ hilg[f, f_ p_tc î[l f[ ]ijccc `[gcfccfil
^ch _fcn[ l_jo\fc][h.
Buclele blonde i-[o ìmn jc_jnh[n_ halcdcn. E^_h
]_l]_n_[t mnltcf_ ]o i]bc aic, ^[l tg\_n_. gc
h`ca gh[ c g[c [^h] h tj[^ ][ m ho g
jl\o_m]. E^_h [l[n mhnim, halcdcn. D_ ]h^ _
oare filmarea asta?
ncl_[ ]o Ah^_h m_ h]b_c_, c[l ][h[fof ^còt_[t
[]og i `cfg[l_ ]o n_hn[ncp[ ^_ [m[mch[n _o[n, olg[n
^_ oh l_jiln[d ]o jlcpcl_ f[ \nfccf_ ^_ j_ `lihn.
VP - 321
T_rn_f_ _rjfc][ncp_ ^_ j_ \[h^ mohn ]igjf_n ^c`_lcn_
^_ ]_f_ ^ch R_jo\fc].
TENTATIVA DE ASASINARE A NOULUI ELECTOR PRIMO AL
REPUBLICII A EUAT; ACEASTA ESTE CEA MAI RECENT
DOVAD A FRMNTRILOR SOCIALE DIN REPUBLIC.
h ]ifof _]l[hofoc g[c _rcmn oh lh^ haomn ^_
n_rn: TIRILE V SUNT OFERITE DE EVERGREEN ENT.
Afnolc [j[l_ ^_ []og `[gcfc[lof mcg\if ]cl]of[l.
To nl_\oc_ m ^_]ctc ^[] [c m[o ho h]l_^_l_ h
Ah^_h, golgol K[_^_.
S_ ijl_n_ ][ m c n_[la òfacc ^_ tj[^ ^_ j_
gene.
M-[g h_f[n. C_lncno^ch_[ _mn_ ][ i jc[nl ^_ gi[l
][l_ g [j[m, ni[n pchipc[ [mn[ m-a transformat
hnl-i mnh] am atacat-i ]o [nn[ h]lh]_h[l_ j_
Joh_ [noh]c, h [^jimnof mo\n_l[h, ]h^ [ h]_l]at
m-gc _rjfc]_ ]og mn[o fo]lolcf_. c ]_ ]opchn_
h`cilni[l_ c-[g [loh][n= M ah^_m] f[ l_]f[g_f_
]co^[n_, h_fchcncni[l_, j_ ][l_ f_-[g pton [c]c, f[
]f^clcf_ loch[n_ h ][l_ fi]oc_m] ml[]cc, f[
^_t[gacl_[ j_ ][l_ i mcgn []og, ]h^ nco ] c[n=
Cifihccf_ ho mohn []_f `[l mnlfo]cnil [f mj_l[h_c
j_ ][l_ c-f cg[ach[ n[n[. Vcmof foc ]o talc_-nori
m]fcjcnilc c i pc[ g[c \oh lgh_ î[l [nn: oh
vis.
gc [gchn_m] c ]_ [g pcm[n _o ] pic `[]_ ôj ]_
ni[n jip_mn_[ [mn[ m_ p[ `c h]b_c[n< m òa h
Cifihcc ]o Joh_, T_mm c E^_h< m h]_j i pc[ hio,
m f[m nin ]_ ch_ ^_ R_jo\fc] h olg. Pi[n_ ] [g
h]_l][n m gc am_m] m[fp[l_[ oh^_ ho nl_\oc[, ji[n_
] [g h]_l][n m òa ^_ ]__[ ]_ ho nl_\oc[. M
ah^_m] f[ ni[n_ hnfhclcf_ g_f_ ]o mif^[cc
l_jo\fc][hc. L[ ol[ j_ ][l_ [g mcgcn-i `[ ^_ Ah^_h
c `[ ^_ ni[n_ j_lmi[h_f_ ][l_ [o ]l_m]on h
\iac_. Ajic l_p^ cg[ach_[ g[b[f[f_fil h ][l_ [g
]l_m]on. Ulm] R_jo\fc][, ho? Vl_[o m i p^
jl\ocn, ho-c [[? A\c[ []og m_mct_t ^c`_l_h[ ce
VP - 322
olm] mohn f_acf_ R_jo\fc]cc, ^[l co\_m] [l[. c c
iubesc poporul. Nu fac asta doar pentru Elector; fac
[mn[ j_hnlo i[g_hcc nc[.
M_a[ì[h_f_ ^_ j_ C[jcnif Tiq_l h] mohn
conectate la JumboTron-olc? i hnl_\ j_ K[_^_.
Dch ]n_ nco _o, ^[. Co ni[n [acn[c[ ^ch
ofncg_f_ îot_]c c j[nlo ^_ il_, hcg_hc ho c-a dat
m_[g[ ] f_anolcf_ [o ìmn m]bcg\[n_.
Rc^c] i]bcc mjl_ []ij_lcolcf_ oh^_ [pci[h_f_ ^_
phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_ mn[o h [n_jn[l_.
Enc oh jcfin ]bc[l [[ ^_ \oh ]og tc]c? i g[c
hnl_\ j_ `[n.
K[_^_ mnlha_ ^ch og_lc c lhd_n_.
Mai bun.
h]_nof ]o h]_nof, h gchn_ h]_j_ m gc m_
creioneze un plan.
O [fn j_l_]b_ ^_ mif^[c ]ifihcnc nl_]_ h òa j_
fha hic. D_ ^[n[ [mn[, f[ p_^_l_[ fil, [g oh
jl_m_hncg_hn ^_ lo [oaol. Sif^[cc nc[, ][ c ]_c
^_ ^ch[chn_, i c[o j_ []__[c [f__ j_ ][l_ [g p_hcn
hic. M [mcaol ] ho g[c pch_ hcg_hc c co_m] j[mof
jlch h_aol[ hijcc. No, ho. No []og.
K[_^_ g olg_[t h^_[jli[j_.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n? g ]b_mncih_[t h i[jn. T_-ai
`]on [f\ ][ varul.
Ag fm[n-i mchaol c pofh_l[\cf h fi]of j_ ][l_,
]h^p[, f ]ihmc^_l[g [ `c oh l_òaco mcaol. Pl[^
fojcfil< c ^[] c m_ hngjf ]_p[ []og, ^ch ][ot[
g_[< O c[o f[ òa.
Cl_^ ] m_ ô] mjl_ mjcn[f, c mnlca foc K[_^_.
Doj Joh_.
VP - 323
23. JUNE
M nl_t_m] \lom] ^ch pcm, gc lc^c] ][jof c gc

rotesc privirea h dol. Scfo_n[ foc M_nc[m m_ _p[jil
][ i h]bcjocl_. Sohn hnl-i ][g_l ^_ mjcn[f, c[l D[s
ho m_ p_^_ j_ hc]coh^_. E gc_tof hijcc. O[l_ [c]c [g
fost noi doi mai devreme? Mi-l amintesc vag pe Day
mnh^ j_ g[lach_[ j[nofoc, [jic c_ch^ j_ \[f]ih ][ m
m[fon_ gofcg_[ ^_ i[g_hc ][l_ f []f[g[. I[l []og ho
mai e aici. Unde s-a dus?
Ag_cn ]og mohn, gc g[c nl_\oc_ i m_]oh^ ][ m
gc ^[o m_[g[ ]_ g-[ nl_tcn. No mohn mchaol h
][g_l. gjl_oh ]o gch_ mohn [m_ mif^[c ]ifihcnc.
O ncj h[fn, ]o jlof lio, lc^c] [lg[ c i
h^l_[jn mjl_ gch_.
E[ _? hnl_[\ ch^cpc^[, ]ihnchoh^ m g ch h
]n[l_[ joncc.
Uh mif^[n g[c h plmn, \l\[n, h]opcch_[t ^ch
cap.
Da. N-[g ncon ] D[s [m]ohê un soldat
l_jo\fc][h. F[n[ [mn[ _ hcg_hc [fn[ ^_]n Joh_ Ij[lcm.
Copilul de aur al Republicii. Cei de la DesCon Corp o
m `c_ `_lc]cc. Plctihc_l[ [mn[ p[fil_[t gofc \[hc.
Tcjof gc tg\_n_ af[]c[f c ]ihncho:
i-acum, draga mea, spune-ne unde s-a dus Day.
Ao nl_]on [cmjl_t_]_ gchon_. Sif^[cc gc-au legat
\l[_f_ f[ mj[n_, ìfimch^ i j_l_]b_ ^_ ]no_
jlipctilcc. h aol [g oh ]fo. Tl_c ^chnl_ _c mn[o
[jli[j_ ^_ o[ ^_m]bcm [ ][g_l_c, c[l ]_cf[fc jt_m]
\[f]ihof. S]in oh a_[gn. D_c ho g[c [g `_\l c hc]c
h]b_c_nolcf_ ho g g[c îl, g mcgn h ]ihncho[l_
[g_cn. (Uh^_ m-a dus Day?)
Uhof ^chnl_ mif^[c ]igohc] jlch chn_lg_^cof ]ncc
din ureche.
VP - 324
D[, tc]_; `[]_ i j[ot c [jic mjoh_: O gong
hnl-i ]_fof. DesCon i m m]i[n i ali[t ^_
infilg[cc cgjiln[hn_ ^_ f[ ea. Doj ]_-l prindem, o
m-f nlcgcn_g c j_ D[s f[ chn_lia[nilco.
Uh [fn mif^[n ch_ o[ ^_m]bcm ]o \i][h]of. gc ^[o
m_[g[ ] [n_[jn mimcl_[ oh_c nlac, ]o ][l_ m g
nl[hmjiln_. Pli\[\cf ] [g g[c joch ^_ îo m[o nl_c
minut_ ][ m m][j.
Mo] ]foof, g ìl_t m ho pigcn c habcn.
Ghôlcf_ c [gchnclcf_ gc m_ [g_mn_] h ]l_c_l.
Cfcj_m], hnl_\hô-g ^[] ho ]ogp[ [g b[fo]ch[cc.
P[nlcicc mohn momchoc ^_ R_jo\fc]. D_ ]_ ho gc-am
^[n m_[g[ ^_ [mn[ g[c ^_pl_g_? El[ h] ^_ f[ h]_jon
[nn ^_ _pc^_hn: gi\cfc_lof l[`ch[n ^ch [j[ln[g_hn,
oolch[ ]o ][l_ Razor ne-a mutat dintr-oh fi] h
[fnof `l m `cg jlchc.
f olgl_m] j_ mif^[nof ][l_ ]ihncho m ]igohc]_
jlch chn_lg_^cof ]ncc ^ch ol_]b_. Cog m-l avertizez
pe Day? Pli\[\cf ] [ c_cn j_ \[f]ih c ^_ []ifi [
jf_][n g[c ^_j[ln_. Ch^ i m m_ hni[l], _o ho i m
g[c `co [c]c, h m]bcg\ pil `c mif^[cc, a[n[ m f c[
f[ hnl_\lc. Cifihcncc jli\[\cf ] pil ]l_^_ ] hic
îc mohn_g mjcihc l_jo\fc][hc. gc nin nl_] ^_a_tul
j_mn_ ch_fof ^ch [al[`_ ^_ blnc_.
Ih_fof ^ch [al[`_ ^_ blnc_.
D_a_nof gc m_ ijl_n_ j_ ch_f. h]_j m f gjcha
h]_ncil, m f m]in ^_ j_ gh, c[l [jic m ^_m`[]
mlg_f_. Uhof ^chnl_ mif^[c m_ ocn f[ gch_, ^[l _o
h]bc^ i]bcc c, jlch ]fo, a_g oil, [ ôl_l_. Ogof
c l_c[ ]ihp_lm[c[. D_a_n_f_ gc [f_[la j_
mjcl[f_f_ g_n[fc]_, h^l_jnhô-le. Firele au fost
lmo]cn_ ^_ [m_ ilc. h^l_jn mlg_f_ c [jic f_ ^[o
ìlg[ fcn_l_c Z, ^[l g[c hnchm. Ti[n_ gc]lcf_
[mn_[ gc jlipi[] ôl_lc h \l[_.
Blom], ohof ^chnl_ mif^[cc ^_ f[ \[f]ih m_ ijl_n_
^ch ^cm]oc_ c c [chn_n_ jlcpcl_[ dim, [mojl[
mnltcc. Rgh_ [[ ]n_p[ ]fcj_, ]_l]_nh^
VP - 325
gjl_dolcgcf_. D[] f-a auzit pe Day, acesta sigur a
^cmjlon ^_d[. Sif^[nof mno^c[t []ij_lcolcf_, [jic
r_hoh c l_pch_ f[ jimnof mo. Uh^_p[ ^_j[ln_, j_
bifof mjcn[fofoc, [o^ hcn_ i[g_hc pil\ch^ c moh_nof
ch]ihòh^[\cf [f ohil lic j_ al_mc_. Vch_ n[la[.
Tl_\oc_ m g al\_m]. Ihnliô] jlcg[ c [jic [ îo[
mlg jfc[n h g_][hcmgof ^_ h]bc^_l_ [f ]noelor.
Bl[_f_ g îl n_lc\cf, ^[l ho [g pl_g_ m gc f_
l_f[r_t. Co alcd, gjcha oh[ ^chnl_ mlg_ h
h]oc_ni[l_, ]_l]_nh^ ]o _[ g_][hcmgof ^_ h]bc^_l_
jh ]h^, h m`lcn, ][jnof [ncha_ ijlcnilof.
Rmo]_m] [al[`[, gjchah^ ijlcnilof.
DesCon vine co hnlclc, golgol ohof ^chnl_
mif^[c.
h m_]oh^[ h ][l_ _f limn_n_ ]opchn_f_, gc] [
îo[ \o][n ^_ mlg c [o^ ]og h]bctnilof m]i[n_ oh
moh_n hòh^[n, oh ^_]fc] [jli[j_ cgj_l]_jnc\cf. Dic
mif^[c c i [mcmn_hn g_^c][f gjcha n[la[ h
][g_l, m_ ijl_m] oh gig_hn h jl[a, [jic h^l_[jn
n[la[ mjl_ gch_. Cno_f_ m_ ^_m`[] ]o oh thahcn
_mnigj[n. Uhof ^chnl_ mif^[c c [chn_n_ [mojl[ g_[
ochii de un albastru-fjnim c, ]o \ot_f_ ali[m_,
m]bc_[t i alcg[m h_ôg_lcn. Ajic i\m_lp mo\ncf[
modifc][l_ [ _rjl_mc_c ^_ j_ ]bcjof g_o c [o^_, f[
lhôf foc, thahcnof ]no_fil. Plcpcl_[ c òa_
mjl_ \l[_f_ g_f_.
D[] _ m h]_l] m _p[^_t, [mn[ _ mchaol[ g_[
[hm.
Blom], g lmo]_m] j_ g[lach_[ j[nofoc c m[l dim.
L[holcf_ ][^ j_ j[n, c[l jc]ci[l_f_ gc [n_lct_[t j_
ji^_[. Ag__[f[ g fip_n_ ][ oh p[f, hm l_o_m] m
g ^_tg_nc]_m]. Sif^[nof ]o [lg[ [chncn mjl_ gch_
olf oh [p_lncmg_hn, ^[l _ jl_[ f_hn. Lip_m] n[la[ ]o
jc]ci[l_f_ ]o ni[n jon_l_[ []_[mn[ m_ lmni[lh,
[hnl_hhô-f h ]^_l_ i pe un soldat. Un altul pune
gh[ j_ gch_, ^[l g f[m h dim c ct\on_m] m m][j.
gc ]ih]_hnl_t jlcpcl_[ [mojl[ \[f]ihofoc.
VP - 326
D[l []ifi mohn h] nl_c gcfcn[lc. A]_nc[ m_ l_j_^
mjl_ gch_. c _pcn j_ îc ^chnl_ _c, hm [f nl_cf_[
g h`[] ^_ og_lc c g jlch^_ ]o \l[of ^_ an. M
[loh] f[ jghn, c[l cgj[]nof gc n[c_ lmo`f[l_[. M
t\[n ^cmj_l[n m g _fc\_l_t.
Sn[c dim= mnlca ohof ^chnl_ gcfcn[lc, h ncgj ]_
oh [fnof ^ m-gc joh i hio j_l_]b_ ^_ ]no_.
S_ nl_t_n_ hm olfh^ ^_ ôl_l_, ]]i m-[g lmo]cn
c gc-[g h`cjn ^chcc h \l[of foc.
D[l `l ìfim. Sohn jlchm, [l_mn[n.
Dintr-i^[n, a_[gof occ ^_ f[ \[f]ih m_ `[]_
h^lc. Sif^[cc m_ hnil], ofocc. Tinof h dolof
g_o m_ hpln_d_n_. h gcdfi]of mnlcan_fil c
j[cfil, p^ îo j_lmi[h_ ][l_ ^[o \oth[ h ][g_l ^_
j_ \[f]ih. O `[n j_ ][l_ i l_]ohim]. K[_^_? No-mi
pch_ m ]l_^.
i Day.
K[_^_ f fip_n_ j_ ohof ^chnl_ mif^[c ]o jc]cilof
h an D[s m_ hjomn_n_ [mojl[ ]_foc ][l_ g
chnoc_n_ f[ jghn c f lmni[lh hnl-o parte.
h[chn_ ][ igof m [c\ pl_i l_[]c_, D[s m-[ c
lc^c][n h jc]ci[l_. M jlch^_ ^_ gchc c g m[fn.
Kaede e deja pe marginea balconului.
No nl[a_c h _c= f [o^ j_ ohof ^chnl_ gcfcn[lc
mnlcah^, h mj[n_f_ himnlo. Sohn \oholc ^_ jl_=
D[s g nl[ae pe balcon, apoi, dintr-i mchaol
gc][l_, m[l_ j_ \[fomnl[^. gjl_oh ]o K[_^_,
h]_[l] m g lc^c]_ h jc]ci[l_ h pl_g_ ]_ îc
^chnl_ mif^[c m_ al\_m] h ^cl_]c[ hi[mnl.
Mc_ hm h]_j m gc m_ hgi[c_ g_g\l_f_. Erjfitc[
asta de energie nu poate h`lha_ ]o ninof mf\c]coh_[
^[n ^_ \i[f, mohn gofn jl_[ mf\cn. D[s ]i\i[l ^_
j_ \[fomnl[^ c ha_hoh]b_[t fha gch_. K[_^_
m]i[n_ oh olf_n c f nlhn_n_ j_ ohof ^chnl_ mif^[c
f[ jghn.
N_ p_^_g []ifi= mnlca ]nl_ hic.
VP - 327
Ajic m_ l_j_^_ h ][g_l oh^_, h b[imof a_h_l[f, c
[nl[a_ ôj _[ j_ ]_cf[fc mif^[c. O p^ ]og f_ m][j
^ch gchc c ^cmj[l_ j_ ]ilcîl.
D[s gc c[ \l[_f_ c gc f_ joh_ j_ ôj og_lcc foc.
S ho-c ^[c ^logof.
Ch^ m_ h^l_[jn ^_ mj[n_, mnlha jc]ci[l_f_
gjl_dolof foc c g jlch^ ^_ mj[n_f_ foc ]o ni[n
jon_l_[. D[s ol] j_ \[fomnl[^[ \[f]ihofoc. Cci\olcf_
a_[gofoc m]lh_m] mo\ \i][h]cc foc. Ajic m[l_ j_
\lof ][l_ h]ihdi[l ]f^cl_[ f[ jlcgofoc _n[d.
Ig_^c[n, h_f_a oh^_ g_la_g. N_ h^l_jng mjl_
[]ij_lc, []ifi oh^_ m_ [`f [pci[h_f_ ^_ phni[l_ ]o
l_[]c_. K[_^_ [ fo[n-i hnl-[]ifi j_ m]lc. Nic, j_ i
lon g[c ^cl_]n.
D[s j_n_ ]o alcd j_ \ilôl[ ^_ f[ _n[dof hnc.
Eo g [a ]o ^cmj_l[l_ ^_ _f. opc_ ^ch jlof foc
gc ghac_ `[[ ]h^ ol]g j_ \lof ^_ la etajul al
îcf_[. c mcgn l_mjcl[c[ jl_]cjcn[n c go]bcc
h]il^[c fcjcc ^_ jc_f_[ g_[. M[c [p_g h] îo
_n[d_. Uhof ^chnl_ mif^[c ^ m h_ olgl_[m], ^[l m_
ltah^_n_ c òa_ h[jic h ][g_l, ][ m-o ia pe
m]lc.
D[s m_ ]bchoc_n_ m am_[m] joh]n_ ^_ mjlcdch ][
m ol]g f[ olgnilof _n[d. Ajli[j_ ] [g [dohm j_
[]ij_lc. Jim, mif^[cc h]_j m chp[^_t_ j_fot[. c
p^ ]og lc^c] [lg_f_ mjl_ hic. D[s mnlha_ ^ch ^chc
c g [[t j_ \lof ^_ mo\ []ij_lc.
To jlcg[, gc ijn_n_ c g gjchae.
M jlch^ ]o gchcf_ ^_ g[lach_, gc [ôh jon_lcf_ c
g m[fn. Ch^, h m`lcn, [g nl_]on j_mn_ \ot[
[]ij_lcofoc, g lmo]_m] c jlch^ gh[ foc D[s.
Plc_n_hof g_o m[l_ c _f j_ []ij_lc. O]bcc gc òa f[
ôha[ ^_ oh lio h]bcm ^_ j_ gh[ foc. Pli\[\cf ] m-
[ lhcn h ncgjof ol]lcc.
M mcgn halitcnil ^_ [g_cn.
Mh[, h]_j m tc], ^[l D[s m]onol ^ch ][j, g c[
^_ gcdfi] c g nl[a_ mjl_ ]_f g[c [jlijc[n [pcih.
VP - 328
Sif^[cc h]_j m [j[l h ai[h j_ o[ ^_ j_
[]ij_lc. Plcp_m] ]o [n_hc_ mcfo_n[ j_lmianei care
[f_[la mjl_ hic. E K[_^_.
VP - 329
24. DAY
K[_^_ ho jc_l^_ hc]ci m_]oh^. N_ `[]_ m_gh ]o gh[

]nl_ ]_f g[c [jlijc[n [pcih ^_ phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_
c mjlchn_[t j_ l[gj, ]nl_ ][lfcha. gjl_dol
lmoh ì]olc ^_ [lg. Tl_\oc_ m momch ni[n
greutatea foc Joh_. Scgn ]og i f[m jon_lcf_, [[ ] i
c[o h \l[_ c i mnlha f[ jc_jn. Ch^ h_f_a ]_ c-
[ jom K[_^_ h ][j, mif^[cc [dohc j_ []ij_lc
[]]_f_l_[t j[mof. hm _[ [l_ oh [p[hm jl_[ g[l_.
Af_la c _o mjl_ l[gj, momchh^-o pe June.
Ch^ [doha_g f[ jlcg[ nl_[jn, ginilof [pcihofoc m_
nl_t_n_ mihil f[ pc[, c[l ^_^_mo\n, aolcf_ [ îo
g[lc l_[]ni[l_ m_ h]fch h dim, mjl_ aif. N_
jl_ancg j_hnlo i ^_]if[l_ p_lnc][f.
H[c^_c h[c\cc g[c l_j_^_= olf K[_^_ ^ch
][lfcha.
c ^cmj[l_ hohnlo, ^h^ ^logof ohoc opic ^_
hdolnolc.
L[m-g dim, gc mjoh_ Joh_.
S[l_ dim ^ch mj[n_f_ g_o, m_ gjc_^c], [jic c
l_][jn _]bcfc\lof c `[]_ îc j[c. M ch h
mj[n_f_ _c, ]o i]bcc f[ mif^[c. Ajli[j_ ] h_-au
[dohm ^ch olg. Joh_ ct\on_n_ m ol]_ j_ l[gj c m
jnloh^ h ][lfcha. Eo l_o_m] m [doha f[ dogn[n_[
l[gj_c ]h^ oh mif^[n g h`[] ^_ oh ]l[] [f
pantalonilil c g nl[a_ h[jic. Ac alcd f[
_]bcfc\lo= Sn[c j_ j[ln_[ [hn_lci[l [ f[\_fil
jc]ci[l_fil. S`[nolcf_ ^ch chmnlo]n[dof ]o Joh_ gc
hpf_m] h gchn_ mcgofn[h. Ch^ mif^[nof ^ m g
fip_[m], g f[m h dim, g ^_jf[m_t hnl-i j[ln_ c
f ji]h_m] ]o ni[n jon_l_[ ]bc[l mo\ ]onc[ nil[]c].
Ogof m_ jl\o_n_ h a_hoh]bc. Lipcnol f[ `c][n.
Afc îc mif^[c [doha f[ gch_ c gc c[o jitcc[ ^_
fojn. hm ohof ^chnl_ _c olf c ][^_ j_ mj[n_ ^_ j_
VP - 330
l[gj. A ìmn gjo][n h ogl. M ocn mjl_ ][lfcha.
June [ fo[n [lg[ foc K[_^_ c c c[ h ]n[l_[ _c j_
mif^[c. M hnil] f[ nl_jn_ c m[l j_ l[gj. Joh_ _
^_d[ chmn[f[n j_ m][ohof ^ch gcdfi], ]bc[l h mj[n_f_
foc K[_^_, ]o ]_hnol[ ^_ mcaol[h jom.
Ul] i^[n= m_ lmn_n_ K[_^_ f[ gch_.
Minilof goa_n_ ^_ ^[n[ [mn[ g[c [m]ocn. h
mj[n_f_ g_o, g[c gofc mif^[c joh jc]cilof j_ jlcg_f_
trepte ale rampei.
S[l j_ \[fomnl[^[ g_n[fc] ^_ f[ g[lach_[ l[gj_c, g
jlch^ ]o gh[ ^_ j[ln_[ f[n_l[f [ ][lfchacc c gjcha
^ch lmjon_lc. R[gj[ m_ h]fch lghh^ h _chilibru
i m_]oh^ [jic h]_j_ m m_ f[m_ hnl-i lh.
Sif^[cc olf [p_lncmg_hn_ c m[l hnl-i j[ln_. Ch^
l[gj[ m_ ct\_n_ ^_ []ij_lc, _o mohn ^_d[ h [pcih
c, [_t[n j_ ofncgof fi] fc\_l, gc jlch^ ]_hnol[ ^_
mcaol[h. K[_^_ h]bc^_ o[ ][lfchacc. Ch^ [pcihof
^_]if_[t p_lnc][f ^_ j_ []ij_lc, j_ ^_[mojl[
]f^clcfil, mcgn ]og mnig[]of gc m_ `[]_ ab_g. P_
a_[g, p^ jcfic [f_lah^ mjl_ [fn_ [pci[h_ ^_ j_
[]ij_lcolcf_ ^ch [jlijc_l_, ]n c mjl_ ]_f ^_-al
îcf_[ [pcih ^_ j_ []ij_lcof mjcn[fofoc.
M[g[ h[c\cc, m]ocj K[_^_ ^ch `[. O m-i omor pe
nic m-[o gjo][n mo\ ]i[mn_.
Scgn ]og aolcf_ ^_ [_lcmcl_ [f_ [pcihofoc c
gi^c`c] jitcc[.
ch_c-p \ch_. O m `c_ oh t\il h_\oh.
N_ ijlcg ^ch [m]_hmcoh_[ p_lnc][f. Zaiginof
motorului e acum un muget asurzitor. Apoi pornim
h[chn_ ][ i ma_[n. Lo]lolcf_ nl_] j_ fha hic h
pcn_t, c[l, j_ gmol ]_ K[_^_ []]_f_l_[t ^ch ]_ h
]_ g[c gofn, mcgn ]og gc ]l_n_ jl_mcoh_[ h ][j.
Plc_n_h[ hi[mnl m]i[n_ oh ]bcin. h ]fcj[ olgni[l_,
i pi]_ m_ [o^_ h ][lfcha.
Pcfin, [c il^ch m [n_lct_tc cg_^c[n.
C_f ][l_ pil\_n_ j[l_ [acn[n. Pli\[\cf ] m_ [`f
hnl-oh [pcih ][l_ h_ olgl_n_.
VP - 331
Vig ^_m]bc^_ ì]of [mojl[ n[. R_j_n: [n_lct_[t
imediat sau vom deschide focul asupra ta.
E oh [pcih ][l_ h_ olgl_n_. S l_g_^c_g
mcno[c[. ch_c-p \ch_=
K[_^_ _r_]on oh pcl[d _rnl_g ^_ \lom]. Dch ][ot[
m]bcg\lcc ^_ jl_mcoh_, [jli[j_ ] f_ch.
Enc \ch_? c mnlca foc Joh_.
E[ gc lmjoh^_ ]_p[, ^[l ho i [o^ ^ch jlc]ch[
sunetului bubuitor al motorului.
Rapid, K[_^_ nl[a_ ^_ oh \onih c gjcha_ i g[h_n
h `[, jh f[ ][jn. M fip_m] ]o ][jof ^_ j_l_n_f_
][lfchacc. N_ lincg f[ i mon ijnt_]c ^_ al[^_ h g[c
joch ^_ i m_]oh^. V^ oh [pcih ][l_ t\i[l ^cl_]n
mjl_ hic ]o pcn_t ì[ln_ g[l_. Ihmnch]ncp, lc^c]
ag\_f_ gchc h mom.
Ph c Joh_ mnlca:
Kaede, avionu f[<
hm _[ ^_m]bc^_ ì]of. Uh d_n ^_ fogch
m]hn_c_ni[l_ h_n_ ^ch [pcihof himnlo hmjl_ h
`[. Mini[l_f_ h_ mgo]_m] h `[ c h mom. h
mj[n_f_ himnlo lmoh i _rjfitc_ jli\[\cf ] [pcinul
]_ff[fn [ ìmn fipcn h l_t_lpil m[o ^cl_]n h
][lfcha.
A]og i m f_ `c_ ][g al_o m m_ ch ôj hic, h_
mnlca K[_^_. Ap_g oh [p[hm gofn jl_[ g[l_ c
]ifihcncc ho pil pl_[ m ^_j_[m] fchc[ `lihnofoc.
O m ìl_t [pcihof f[ g[rcgog; i m [doha_g h
R_jo\fc] h pl_i îo gchon_.
No i hnl_\ ]og [l_ ^_ ah^ m nl_[] j_mn_ fchc[
`lihnofoc `l m `cg î\ilc.
Ch^ g ocn jlch a_[gof ][lfchacc f[ ]f^clcf_
cgjohni[l_ [f_ Cifihccfil, ^[o [`[l nin [_lof ^ch
jc_jn c g f[m gi[f_ h m][oh. Logchc mnlfo]cni[l_
c talc_-nori sclipitori c[n ni[n_ []_f_ fo]lolc
de care mi-[ pil\cn n[n[ h l[l_f_ hijc j_ ][l_ f_-a
putut petrece cu noi.
VP - 332
D_]c, mjoh_ K[_^_. S ho-gc mjoc ] [l^ a[to de
jig[h. D[s nin h D_hp_l g_la_g, ^[?
D[, c lmjoh^.
Care-c jf[hof? m_ [o^_ pi]_[ mf\cn [ foc Joh_.
Tinoc, ^ch]ifi ^_ nihof _c m_ mcgn_ binll_[
h`f]l[n. Ulg_[t m `[]_g fo]lolc _rnl_g ^_
cgjiln[hn_. Plc_n_h[ g_[ c ^ m_[g[ ] h chn_lcilof
meu s-a schimbat ceva
Eo g mcgn ]co^[n ^_ ][fg.
Mergem f[ C[jcnif Tiq_l, c _rjfc] _o. O m [hoh
jijilof R_jo\fc]cc ]-l sprijin pe Anden.
VP - 333
25. JUNE
Dio gchon_ jh m nl_]_g al[hc[ ]o R_jo\fc][.

Amn[ hm_[gh ], f[ pcn_t[ ]o ][l_ h_ ^_jf[mg (]o
g[c gofn ^_ 1280 ^_ ecfig_nlc j_ il; ]o nicc [g
mcgcn i \lom] m]bcg\[l_ ^_ jl_mcoh_ ]h^ [g ^_jcn
\[lc_l[ moh_nofoc, ][ c ]h^ [c `c nl[m [`[l ^chnl-
oh mgl]), mohn_g f[ î[l j[nlot_]c ^_ ecfig_nlc ^_
fchc[ `lihnofoc c f[ ]n_p[ mon_ ^_ ecfig_nlc ^_
D_hp_l. D[s gc jip_mn_n_ nin ]_ [ [`f[n ^_ f[ K[_^_
despl_ P[nlcic, ^_mjl_ [^_pl[n_f_ chn_hcc [f_ foc
Razor, ^_mjl_ E^_h c ^_mjl_ binll_[ Cihal_mofoc ^_
a-l elimina pe Elector. Lucruri pe care le
^_m]ij_lcm_g c _o, ^[l f[ ][l_ m_ [^[oa c [fn_f_.
Ch^ [g òacn ^ch ][g_l c [g ol][n j_ []ij_lcof
spitalofoc, _l[g [g_cn, ][ c ]og [ `c [pon i ]_[
j_ ]l_c_l. A]og, ^[nilcn [_lofoc l_]_ ^_ [`[l c
pcn_t_c ]o ][l_ g[h_pl_[t K[_^_ [pcihof, jin m
analizez detaliile ceva mai limpede.
N_ [jlijc_g ^_ `lihn, h_ [hoh K[_^_.
h m_]oh^[ h ][l_ ]opchn_f_ c c_m ^ch aol, [o^
taiginof ohil _rjfitcc h^_jln[n_. Soh_nof _
hòh^[n, j_hnlo ] jli\[\cf h_ [`fg f[ gcc ^_ g_nlc
h [_l, ^[l ]bc[l c [[, mcgn i]of `c_]l_c
_rjfitcc. Apcihof m_ lc^c] \lom], c[l _o g [òh^ h
m][oh. K[_^_ h]_[l] m lc^c]_ [pcihof jh f[ fcgcn[
g[rcg, ][ m ho `cg fipcc ^_ l[]b_n_f_ nl[m_ ^_ f[
mif. P_ gmol ]_ ol]g, g ìl_t m l_mjcl jliòh^,
][ m g fchcn_m]. Pi]hcnolcf_ ^ch ol_]bc ho g[c
]ihn_h_m]. V^ ]og K[_^_ chnl h ìlg[c_ ]o i
_m][^lcf ^ch Cifihcc.
O m nl_\oc[m] m h_ ^_mjlch^_g ^_ _c ]olh^,
golgol jlc_n_h[ hi[mnl.
h pi]_ c m_ abc]_n_ ôl_l_[ ][ot[n jli\[\cf ^_
afihof ][l_ [ hcg_lcn-o.
VP - 334
ch_c-p \ch_.
D[s? l_o_m] m mnlca.
No pch_ hc]coh lmjohm c, jl_ ^_ i m_]oh^, g
ah^_m] ] D[s [ f_ch[n. Ajic f [o^ j_ jlc_n_hof g_o
tc]h^:
Sohn pco h].
P[l_ ^_n[[n; m_ fojn m lgh ]ihnc_hn.
D_hp_l _ f[ ]n_p[ gchon_ ^cmn[h, h_ [hoh
Kaede.
A_lih[p[ c mn[\cfct_[t nl[c_]nilc[. Ch^ [loh] oh
ochi pe geamul carlingii, la peticele de nori aflate
]o gofn ^_^_mo\nof himnlo, gc m_ n[c_ l_mjcl[c[.
Dclcd[\cf_f_ (j_mn_ i mon ]ch]ct_]c sunt peste tot)
h_[j ]_lof ][ hcn_ jogh[f_ gchc[nol[f_ jfonch^
jlch [_l, hclhô-m_ h fchcc jl_fohac ]_ m_ nij_m]
la orizont. Navele Coloniilor au toate i ôha
^cmnch]ncp [olc_ j_ gcdfi]of h[]_f_fil, pctc\cf
]bc[l c ^_ [c]c, ^_ mom.
h `[[ fil, f[ gc] ^cmn[h, _ oh ]ofi[l [_lc[h
fc\_l, oh^_ m]hn_c ^_ fogch c òci[l_ ^_ òg
jfon_m] h]ifi c-h]i[]_, c[l, ^_ j[ln_[ ]_[f[fn,
mohn clolc ^_ ^clcd[\ile pe care le recunosc: sunt
[j[l[n_ ^_ t\il l_jo\fc][h_, g[l][n_ ]o ]n_ i mn_[
lic_ ][ mha_f_, jc]n[n j_ f[n_l[fof ][\ch_fil. D_
jur-gjl_dol, [pci[h_f_ ^_ phni[l_ mohn [ha[d[n_ h
fojn_. Cl_^ ] mohn_g ][g f[ i mon ]ch]ct_]c ^_ g_nlc
deasupra lor ^[l ho nco ^[], f[ ^cmn[h[ [mn[,
mohn_g h mcaol[h.
Dch j[hiof ^_ ]ig[h^ [f [pcihofoc himnlo h]_j_ m
moh_ i [f[lg. O pi]_ lmoh ^chnl-i^[n h ][lfcha:
Pcfin, ho _nc [onilct[n m t\ilc h tih[ [mn[.
(Vi]_ g[m]ofch, []]_hn ^ch Cifihcc.)
No `[]c j[ln_ ^ch _m][^lcf[ [mn[. Ac il^ch m
aterizezi imediat pe DesCon 9.
N_a[ncp, lmjoh^_ K[_^_, g[h_plh^ [pcihof j_ i
nl[c_]nilc_ [m]_h^_hn.
Pcfin, [c il^ch m [n_lct_tc cg_^c[n j_ DesCon 9.
VP - 335
K[_^_ c h]bc^_ gc]liìhof i m_]oh^ c c
hni[l]_ jlcpcl_[ mjl_ hic. Scno[c[ h ][l_ h_ [`fg
j[l_ m i h]hn_ oh jc] ][g jl_[ gofn.
Vil\l_o mn[ m_ ch_ ôj hic, h_ ]igohc] _[,
j_ oh nih `[fm [onilcn[l. Ap_g îc olglcnilc.
Ajic ^_m]bc^_ ^ch hio gc]liìhof c lmjoh^_ p_m_f:
Negativ, DesCon. O m p `[] jl[`.
P_lmi[h[ ^ch ]_ff[fn [pcih _ i][n c, h []_f[c
ncgj, òlci[m.
S]bcg\ ]olmof c nl_]c<
K[_^_ m]i[n_ oh olf_n m h_ mj[la ncgj[h_f_, ho
alta.
Lo[c-p [^ci, \c_c=
Ajic, ]o i pcn_t [g_cni[l_, [phn [_lih[p[ h
`[ c h mom, ôj ][l_ h]_j_g m h_ hplncg. Dl_
^_ fogch nl_] ][ ma_cf_ j_ fha a_[gof ][lfchacc
jli\[\cf ] [pci[h_f_ ][l_ h_ olgl_m] m-au apropiat
^_mnof ][ m ^_m]bc^ ì]of. Scgn ]og gc m_ mnlha_
mnig[]of ]h^ K[_^_ hni[l]_ [pcihof ]o \inof h dim
c ijl_n_ ginilof. C^_g ]o i pcn_t il\cni[l_. Scgn
] g m`l_m].
O `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^ g[c nltco, g nl_t_m] \lom].
Ag f_ch[n.
Sohn_g h jc][d. N_ h^l_jng ]o pcn_t mjl_ jghn.
Dclcd[\cf_f_ ^_ mo\ hic ]l_m] h ^cg_hmcohc; K[_^_ f
^clcd_[t, j[re-m_, ^cl_]n ]nl_ john_[ oh_c[ ^chnl_
h[p_. No, pcn_t[ _ jl_[ g[l_; i m h_ `[]_g \o]c.
Afn_ ôhac ^_ fogch nl_] h ai[h j_ fha hic.
Apci[h_f_ ][l_ h_ olgl_m] ]i\i[l h jc][d ôj hic.
Ajic, `l hc]coh [p_lncmg_hn, K[_^_ jilh_n_ c[l
motoarele, ][l_ m_ nl_t_m] f[ pc[ taiginim. F[n[
nl[a_ ]o jon_l_ ^_ i g[h_n c hnl_a [pcihof m_
lmo]_n_ f[ 180 ^_ al[^_, [mn`_f h]n \inof _ []og
ilc_hn[n h mom. M [òh^ [jli[j_ ]o ninof h m][oh
^ch jlc]ch[ m]bcg\lcc ^_ nl[c_]nilc_. V_^_l_[ gc m_
hnoh_] ^ch hio c, ^_ ^[n[ [mn[, h-am nici cea mai
VP - 336
p[a c^__ ]n ncgj [ nl_]on. S_]oh^_? Mchon_? mi dau
m_[g[ ] ol]g c[l ]nl_ ]_l.
C_f_f[fn_ [pci[h_ m_ jl\o_m]. h]_[l] m m_
l_^l_m_t_, ^[l _ jl_[ nltco. h mj[n_f_ himnlo, i
_rjfitc_ olc[ h_ taoôc_ t^l[ph jli\[\cf ]
[pci[h_f_ [o fipcn john_[ ^clcd[\cfofoc ]o ìl [
îomjl_t_]_ \ig\_. Lcg\c ^_ ì] jilni][fcc c a[f\_h_
m_ lc^c] h [_l ^chnl-una din navele Coloniilor. Ne
^_jf[mg []og j_ ]ofi[lof [_lc[h fc\_l ^chnl_ ]_f_
îo lc. K[_^_ lmo]_n_ ^ch hio [pcihof ][ m h_
`_l_[m] ^_ oh [fn ncl ^_ jlic_]ncf_ ][l_ h_ pct_[t.
Tl[p_lmg ]ofi[lof ^_ al[hc c jnloh^_g h mj[cof
aerian de deasupra dirijabilelor republicane. Un avion
]ifihcmn mchaol, jc_lôn h gcdfi]of b[imofoc. Plcp_m]
scena cu gura ]m][n. M hnl_\ ]_ il `c ah^ch^
l_jo\fc][hcc pth^ ] ch[gc]cc [n[] oh [pcih ^_-al
lor. Oricum, confuzia asta ne-a oferit timpul necesar
pentru a trece linia frontului.
Poh j[lco ] [mn[ [ ìmn ]_[ g[c \oh hni[l]_l_
f[ i mon ijnt_]c ^_ al[^_ j_ ][l_ [c pton-o
pl_i^[n, l^_ K[_^_.
Rmof c _ hm ][g ìl[n.
No ^_j[ln_ h `[[ hi[mnl m_ lc^c] ^_ []og
nolholcf_ cgjit[hn_ ^ch D_hp_l c [g_hchni[l_[
Filnc`c][c_, ][l_ _ g_l_o hp_ghn[n hnl-o mantie
^_ mgia. h mj[n_f_ himnlo, [o^ jlcg_f_ ì]olc ^_ [lg
nl[m_ ^_ [pci[h_f_ l_jo\fc][h_ h h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ h_
î\il.
Cog i m chnlg h il[? mnlca D[s, h pl_g_ ]_
K[_^_ _r_]on oh pcl[d, nlcgcn_ i l[]b_n i`_hmcp h
olg c [jic []]_f_l_[t.
Ag _o alcd m chnlg, c mnlca _[ h[jic.
N-i m l_ocg ^[] i fog j_ ^_[mojl[
Filnc`c][c_c, chn_lpch _o. P_ `c_][l_ f[nol [
tcôfoc mohn f[hm[ni[l_ ^_ l[]b_n_. O m h_ î\i[l_
h[chn_ m [jo]g m chnlg h il[.
No _rcmn il[ cgj_h_nl[\cf.
VP - 337
K[_^_ ]i\i[l [pcihof, ^_c [pci[h_f_ R_jo\fc]cc
]ihncho m h_ olgl_[m].
tiu ce fac.
N_ [jlijc_g l[jc^ ^_ D_hp_l. V^ ]og h `[[ hi[mnl
m_ lc^c] tcôlcf_ ]_hocc c h`lc]ini[l_ [f_
Filnc`c][c_c c ]ifi[h_f_ g[mcp_, nin ]_hocc
(jitccih[n_ f[ nl_ct_]c ^_ g_nlc oh[ ^_ ]_[f[fn),
care se alini[t j_ jlcf_ f[n_l[f_ [f_ ]ihmnlo]c_c.
h]bc^ i]bcc. E cgjimc\cf imposibil! ca prietena
hi[mnl m l_o_[m] m ô] [pcihof j_ ^_[mojl[
tcôfoc. Pi[n_ i _m][^lcf hnl_[a ^_ [pci[h_ ^_
phni[l_ ]o l_[]c_ m ct\on_[m], ^_c hc]c [noh]c
ho [ `c mcaol. gc cg[ach_t i l[]b_n fipchô-ne;
hic [g `c ][n[jofn[c, t\olh^ ^_[mojl[ il[ofoc, h
pl_g_ ]_ mif^[cc [l nl[a_ h j[l[on_f_ hi[mnl_,
j_hnlo ][ [jic nlojolcf_ m hc m_ jl\o_[m] f[
jghn. Filnc`c][c[ _ []og [jli[j_. Pli\[\cf ] h_-au
pton de ceva vreme cum ne apropiem, iar armele sunt
^_d[ h^l_jn[n_ mjl_ hic. Poh j[lco ] h-[o g[c pton
hc]ci^[n oh [pcih-dezertor din Colonii.
Ajic K[_^_ chnl h jc][d [ hnilm \inof [pcihofoc
h dim, f[ [jli[j_ hiot_]c ^_ al[^_, ][ c ]og [l
pl_[ m h_ t^li\cg ^_ mif. h mj[n_f_ g_o, D[s ho g[c
l_mjcl. Cf^clcf_ ^_ ^_^_mo\n m_ [jlijc_ h g[l_
pcn_t ^_ hic. A jc_lôn ]ihnlifof [pcihofoc. Sohn
mcaol. Ag ìmn fipcc.
h ofncg[ m_]oh^, K[_^_ lc^c] [j[l[nof ^_ t\il.
Tl_]_g j_ ^_[mojl[ ]f^clcfil h[chnnd cu viteza
moh_nofoc. Sohn_g [nn ^_ [jli[j_ ^_ []ij_lcolc h]n
gc m_ j[l_ ] \oln[ [pcihofoc p[ `c m`c[n ^ch ][ot[
cgj[]nofoc ]o _f_. Ig_^c[n, K[_^_ h]_j_ m
h]_nch_[m], jh ]h^ [doha_g m h[chng ]o i
pcn_t [\c[ mo`c]c_hn m gjc_^c]_ jl\ocl_[
hi[mnl. Dchnl-i^[n, h_f_a ]_ pl_[ m `[] K[_^_. O
jlimnc_ gihog_hn[f. No pl_[ m nl_[] j_mn_
Filnc`c][c_ i m h]_l]_ m mnl_]i[l_ [pcihof
printr-ohof ^ch noh_folcf_ ìfimcn_ ^_ nl_holc ][ m
VP - 338
chnl_ c m c[m ^ch D_hp_l. A]_f_[c noh_folc pe care
le-[g pton ]h^ [g ]fnilcn gjl_oh ]o Ef_]nilof.
Sigur. Sistemul de rachete sol-[_l ][l_ _ gihn[n h
fohaof Filnc`c][c_c ho [ ìmn ah^cn m î\i[l_ oh
[j[l[n t\olh^ [nn ^_ dim. L[hmlcf_ ho m_ jin `[]_
dintr-oh ohabc [nn ^_ gc]. I[l gcnl[fierele de pe
tcôlc ho mohn mo`c]c_hn ^_ jon_lhc]_ ][ m h_
ijl_[m]. D[] hm jcfinof ho g[h_pl_[t [pcihof ]o
jl_]ctc_ [\mifon, i m h_ fipcg ^_ j_l_n_f_
]ihmnlo]c_c. A_lih[p[ i m _rjfi^_t_ c i m c[ ì].
Sohn_g [nn ^_ [jli[j_ ^_ Filnc`c][c_, h]n jin m
c p^ j_ mif^[cc ][l_ [f_[la h ni[n_ ^cl_]ccf_ j_
j[m[l_f[ moj_lci[l [ tcôfoc. Pli\[\cf ] mohn
gcnl[fc[c ^_ g_m[d_f_ nl[hmgcm_.
L[ pcn_t[ [mn[, hcgc] ho g[c ]ihn_[t. A]og
Filnc`c][c[ _ f[ ]cp[ t_]c ^_ g_nlc h `[, c[l h
secunda urmni[l_ h_ h^l_jng mjl_ chnl[l_[
hnoh_][n [ ohoc[ ^chnl_ noh_folcf_ ^_ nl_h.
ch_c-p \ch_= h_ mnlca K[_^_.
Ci\ilg c g[c gofn. No nc[g ] _ jimc\cf. Gol[
noh_fofoc m_ ][m] mjl_ hic.
No i m l_ocg. Toh_fof _ gofn jl_[ haomn.
c \lom] mohn_g hohnlo. Pl_ ^_ i `l[]coh_ ^_
m_]oh^, h noh_f _ hnoh_lc] \_th. Doj ][l_ d_l\_
^_ m]hn_c ct\o]h_m] ^ch ][j_n_f_ [lcjcfil, ][l_ go]
^ch f[n_l[f_f_ chnllcc. D_ ^_[mojl[, m_ [o^_ oh
bolocn. gc ^[o m_[g[ ] mif^[cc h]_[l] m h]bc^
intrarea, dar e ^_d[ jl_[ nltco.
h] i m_]oh^. I_cg ^ch noh_f c mohn_g h D_hp_l.
K[_^_ gjcha_ \lom] g[h_n[ h ^cl_]c_ ijom, h
h]_l][l_[ ^_ [ l_ô]_ c g[c gofn pcn_t[.
Som, mom= olf D[s.
Cf^clcf_ nl_] h pcn_t j_ fha hic. Sohn_g jl_[
[jli[j_ ^_ mif c h_ h^l_jng ^cl_]n ]nl_ f[n_l[fof
oh_c ][tlgc gcfcn[l_ h[fn_.
K[_^_ pcl_[t \lom]. O]ifcg gcfcg_nlc] ]f^cl_[.
Ajic mohn_g dim, ì[ln_ dim. Apcihof m_ fip_n_ ^_ mif
VP - 339
c ^_l[j_[t, [loh]hô-h_ h `[, ìlh^ ]_hnolcf_
^_ mcaol[h. M mcgn ^_ j[l] ]cneva mi-ar smulge
g_g\l_f_. Ccpcfc c mif^[c, f[ alg[^, [f_[la j_
mnl[^, òach^ ^ch ][f_[ hi[mnl. h ][lfcha
ct\o]h_m] ]n_p[ m]hn_c; m_ nl[a_ f[ hngjf[l_. gc
^[o m_[g[ ] ì]of [ ìmn ^_m]bcm ^_ mif^[cc i][c.
Mofcgc ^_ i[g_hc m-[o hab_mocn j_ mnltcf_ ^cgjl_dol
ni[n fog_[ m_ bif\_[t f[ [pcihof ][l_ [foh_] j_
pavaj.
h m`lcn, ]h^ oh[ ^chnl_ [lcjc m_ jlijn_n_ hnl-
i ]f^cl_, [pcihof m_ h]fch hnl-i lh j_ i [f__
m_]oh^[l c m_ ijl_n_. Sohn [loh][n pcif_hn h[jic
h m][oh. h[chn_ m-gc nl[a lmo`f[l_[, nl[j[ ^_
^_[mojl[ m_ ^_m]bc^_. R_o_m] m-mi desfac centura de
mcaol[h c m m[l, [g_cn, j_ g[lach_[ ][lfchacc.
Kaede.
Fac eforturi s-i l_j_l_t j_ jlc_n_h[ hi[mnl c j_
Day prin fumul din aer.
Tl_\oc_ m<
Copchn_f_ gc hab_[ j_ \ot_. K[_^_ _ jl\ocn h
m][oh, ]o ]_hnol[ h] jlchm. O]b_f[lcc ^_ jcfin c
mohn lc^c][c j_ ][j jli\[\cf ] hc]c ho m-a mai
^_l[hd[n m c-c joh. O]bcc c jlcp_m] aic f[
\oni[h_f_ ^_ j_ j[hiof ^_ ]ig[h^. O j[n gc] ^_
mnge i-[ h`filcn j_ ]g[, ho ^_j[ln_ ^_ l[h[ ]o
care s-[ [f_m ]h^ [g ol][n h [pcih. Uhof ^chnl_
afi[h_f_ ln]cn_ [ nl_]on ^cl_]n jlch a_[gof
][lfchacc c m-a h`cjn h nlojof _c ]h^ h_-am
jl\ocn. K[_^_, ][l_, ]o î[l ]n_p[ gchon_ h olg,
jl_[ chpch]c\cf<
Rgh gjc_nlcn jl_ ^_ i ]fcj. Soh_n_f_ b[imofoc
^ch dolof g_o m_ _mnigj_[t. Fogof []ij_l ninof, g[c
joch j_ gch_ c ]iljof foc K[_^_, lg[m ][jncp h
m][ohof jcfinofoc. O pi]_ `cl[p ct\on_n_ m [doha
f[ gch_, h`lhah^ []_[mn ]_[ h [f\ c h_alo ][l_
g hpfoc_ c g j[l[fct_[t. O pi]_ ][ i fogch
chn_lgcn_hn, ]ohim]on, ][l_ g l_[ô]_ f[ l_[fcn[n_.
VP - 340
Mc]-n_= gc mjoh_. A]og=
gc c[o i]bcc ^_ f[ K[_^_ c h]_j m f ][on
^cmj_l[n j_ D[s. No g[c _ j_ m][ohof foc ^ch [pcih.
M nlm] jh j_ g[lach_[ [lcjcc c g f[m m [foh_]
h il\, jlch òg c jlchnl_ l_mnolcf_ [_lih[p_c, jh
]h^ [ncha jghnof ]o gchcf_ c a_hoh]bcc. No p^
absolut nimic.
Ajic, jlch h_aol, f p^ j_ D[s ]og [f_[la mjl_
gch_. M lc^c] h jc]ci[l_. Dcntr-i^[n, gc [gchn_m]
]h^ f-[g pton jlcg[ i[l, [jlh^ ^ch m_hch, ]o
i]bcc foc [f\[nlc c `[[ gol^[l ^_ jl[`,
hnchthô-gc gh[. P_ ]bcj c m_ ]cn_n_ mo`_lch[
[aihc]. A pton-i c _f j_ K[_^_.
Aici erai. Am crezut c-[c c_cn h[chn_[ g_[, gc
ijn_n_, h ncgj ]_ h_ gjf_nc]cg jlchnl_ l_mnolcf_
avionului. Ia-i ]nl_ gofcg_[ [c[.
M îl jc]ci[l_f_. Cl_^ ], h olg[ [n_lctlcc
ìl[n_, mohn jfch ^_ phnc.
Ne oprim sub una dintre aripile distruse ale
[_lih[p_c, ]h^ jlcgcc mif^[c [j[l h òa
h^l_jnhô-m_ ]nl_ _j[p. Jogn[n_ ^chnl_ _c
ìlg_[t oh ]ilîh og[h ][ m c ch f[ ^cmn[h j_
]cpcfc. A]_nc[ mn[o ]o mj[n_f_ ]nl_ hic. C_cf[fc
fogch_[t ]o f[hn_lh_f_ jlch òg c jlchnl_ \o]cf_
^_ g_n[f, h ]on[l_ ^_ mojl[pc_ocnilc. Uhof ^chnre
_c jli\[\cf ] [ pton-i j_ K[_^_, `cch^] h]_j_ m
mnlca_ ]_p[ ]nl_ ]_cf[fc c `[]_ nin `_fof ^_ m_gh_
jlch ][l_ c ^cl_]cih_[t.
E oh [pcih ^ch Cifihcc, f_ mnlca, j[l]
nevenindu-c m ]l_[^. Uh [pcih [ l_ocn m nl_[] ^_
Filnc`c][c_ c m chnl_ h D_hp_l.
A[ ]og mng mo\ [lcj, mohn_g ^_i][g^[n [m]ohc
p_^_lcc, hm, h ilc]_ m_]oh^, mif^[cc pil ^[ ]o
i]bcc ^_ hic. L[hof og[h cgjlipct[n h_ ^_mj[ln_ ^_
gofcg_[ ^_ ]cpcfc.
De jur-gjl_dolof himnlo, ^ch nin il[of, m_ [o^
zgomote de geamuri sparte, trosnetele provocate de
VP - 341
ch]_h^cc, olf_n_ c m][h^lc [f_ gofcgcc. Di[l ]_c
[`f[c h [jlijc_l_[ _j[p_c j[l m c ^_[ m_[g[ ]_ m-
[ hngjf[n: oh [pcih ^ch Cifihcc m-[ jl\ocn h
R_jo\fc]. hnil] jlcpcl_[ mjl_ fi]of oh^_ m_ h[f
Capitol Tower. Vi]_[ foc Ah^_h lmoh j_ ni[n_
mnltcf_, ^ch ni[n_ g_a[ì[h_f_ jli\[\cf ] cg[ach_[
foc, nl[hmgcm h ^cl_]n, _ ^còt[n j_ ni[n
JumboTron-olcf_ ^ch il[ c ^ch [l. Ccp[
jlin_mn[n[lc òlcic [loh] hmjl_ mif^[c ]o
cocktailuri Molotov. Oamenii habar n-[o ] g_g\lcc
Cihal_mofoc [n_[jn ][ òlc[ fil m ]l_[m] mo`c]c_hn
]n m f_ j_lgcn m-f joh j_ Razor h fi]of foc
Ah^_h. Ef_]nilofoc c p[ `c cgjimc\cf m fchcn_[m]
gofcgcf_. gc cg[ach_t ] [mn`_f ^_ jlin_mn_ [o
ct\o]hcn j_ nin hnchmof lcc, j_ `c_][l_ mnl[^ c
h `c_][l_ il[. D[] P[nlcicc [l `c l_ocn m
nl[hmgcn h ^cl_]n gi[ln_[ Ef_]nilofoc, folosindu-se
de sistemul de transmisiuni de la Capitol Tower,
[noh]c h [l [l `c ìmn ^_d[ l_pifoc_.
A]og, gc mjoh_ D[s.
Foacg ^_ mo\ [lcj, fohô-i prin surprindere pe
mif^[cc ][l_ [o ìlg[n f[hof og[h. h[chn_ ][
ilc][l_ ^chnl_ _c m [jo]_ m joh gh[ j_ hic m[o m
nl[a, ^_jcg ]ilîhof, chnlg h gofcg_[ ^_ ]cpcfc
c, ]i]i[c, h_ jc_l^_g jlchnl_ i[g_hc. Ihmn[hn[h_o,
D[s f[m ][jof h jc_jn c g nl[a_ ôj _f, jlch
jôl_[ ^_ \l[_ c jc]ci[l_. Mh[ foc i mnlha_ ]o
putere pe a mea. Respil blcn c ]o ^c`c]ofn[n_, ^[l
ho ]ih]_j m h]_nch_m] j[mof. Af_la. O[g_hcc cj
moljlchc ]h^ c gjcha_g ][ m nl_]_g jlchnl_ _c.
h mj[n_f_ himnlo, gcfcn[lcc ^[o [f[lg[.
A]ifi= mnlca ohof.
Rmoh ]n_p[ ì]olc ^_ [lg. Sohn j_ olg_f_
noastre.
Contchog m h_ ]licg ^log jlch gofcg_. Dch ]h^ h
]h^, [o^ i[g_hc _r]f[gh^:
f[ _ D[s?
VP - 342
Day s-[ hnilm ]o oh [pcih ^ch Cifihcc?
Ch^ hnil] ][jof h mj[n_, gc ^[o m_[g[ ]
dogn[n_ ^chnl_ mif^[c [o fo[n-i hnl-i ^cl_]c_
al_cn, ]]c ho [o jonon m h_ ^_n_lgch_ jitcc[.
Afc ]cp[ hm mohn j_ olg_f_ hi[mnl_. N_ [`fg []og
f[ î[l ]n_p[ mnltc ^cmn[h ^_ C[jcnif Tiq_l, ^[l
gc_ gc m_ j[l_ ] jh []ifi g[c mohn ecfig_nlc. Dch
ncgj h ncgj, tl_m] mcfo_n[ ]f^clcc jlchnl_ i[g_hcc
][l_ m_ g\lh]_m] c m gjcha gjl_dolof g_o.
JumboTron-olcf_ f [l[n j_ Ah^_h j_ oh \[f]ih o
mcfo_n gc] c mnchab_l, g\l][n h h_alo c lio.
Mchcf_ c mohn lc^c][n_ hnl-un gest conciliant.
Are nevoie de ajutorul lui Day.
h mj[n_, j[nlo mif^[c m_ [jlijc_ ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c
n[l_. Ulglcl_[ [mn[ gc ]ihmog c ofncg_f_ olg_ ^_
_h_lac_. h]_j m a`c, ]bchochô-g m l_mjcl. D[s [
h]_nchcn ^_d[, ][ m [f_la_ h lcngof g_o. gc ^[o
m_[g[ ], h `_fof mn[, ho i m l_ocg m [doha_g f[
C[jcnif Tiq_l. f mnlha ^_ gh c ^[o ^ch ][j.
Trebuie s-i c_c h[chn_, c mjoh jlc_n_hofoc g_o
cu fermitate.
Enc h_\oh=
D[s mnlha_ ^ch \ot_ c g nl[a_ g[c l_j_^_ ôj _f.
Aproape c-am ajuns.
Nu.
M [jlijcc g[c gofn ^_ _f, h ncgj ]_ ]ihnchog m
ne croim drum printre oameni.
Amn[ _ mchaol[ hi[mnl [hm, [fn`_f, hc]cohof
dintre noi n-i m [doha []ifi h ncgj oncf j_hnlo ]
_o g gc] h]_n.
D[s _tcn, m`c[n ^_ alcd. Ag g[c ìmn ^_mjlcc
i ^[n. S_ ah^_n_ ^[], fmhô-g h olg, g p[
g[c p_^_[ pl_i^[n. No [p_g hm pl_g_ ][ _f m-c
jc[l^ ncgjof ]o [[ ]_p[.
No jin m [f_la l_j_^_, ^[l jin m g [m]oh^ h
gofcg_. Cl_^_-g=
VP - 343
Fl hc]coh [p_lncmg_hn, D[s g jlch^_ ^_ n[fc_, g
nl[a_ hnl-i g\lc[l_ mnlhm c g mlon ]o
j[mcoh_ j_ aol. Bot_f_ c [l^. f mlon c _o f[ `_f
^_ j[mcih[f, ghachô-l pe spate.
gc j[l_ lo ] ho n_-[g ]l_ton, gc ijn_n_.
Ascunde-n_, m `cc h mcaol[h= N_ p_^_g ]olh^=
Ajic g mnlha_ ^_ gh c ^cmj[l_. Eo nl[a h jc_jn
i aol ^_ [_l ì[ln_ l_]_. Mc]-te, June! N-ai timp
^_ jc_lôn=
M ijl_m] h fi], g lmo]_m] c g f[m j_ pch_,
]bc[l h m_]oh^[ h ][l_ mif^[cc [doha h ^l_jnof
g_o. Plcgof hc]c g][l ho g p_^_. A]og [f_[la c, h
m_]oh^[ olgni[l_, c-[g jom jc_^c] c [ [n_lct[n j_
mj[n_. No h^lth_m] m g ijl_m] c m g ocn f[ _f
h fi] ^_ [mn[, g nl[a gjf_nc]chô-g h[jic, h
gofcg_[ òlci[m c, ]o ][jof h jghn, gc ^_m]bc^,
^log jlchnl_ i[g_hc jh ]h^ mif^[cc lgh gofn h
olg. No gc pch_ m ]l_^ ]_ g\oft_[f _ j_ mnltc.
P_mn_ nin p^ ct\o]hch^ \nc hnl_ ]cpcfc c
jifccnc. D_[mojl[ nonolil, JumboTron-olcf_ ]ihncho
m nl[hmgcn h ^cl_]n cg[achc ]o ]bcjof foc Ah^_h,
[ph^ i _rjl_mc_ al[p. Thlof Ef_]nil c momch_
jf_î[lc[ ^ch mj[n_f_ ohoc a_[g [hncafih.
Tl_] [m_ gchon_. Sohn f[ doar unsprezece metri de
\[t[ nolhofoc C[jcnif Tiq_l ]h^ i\m_lp ], h]_nof ]o
h]_nof, i[g_hcc ^cgjl_dolof g_o h]_j m [go_[m].
Nc]cohof ho m_ g[c ocn f[ Ah^_h.
A]ifi, mom= mnlca i j_lmi[h.
Co nicc [l[n mjl_ oh \c[n ]o jlof ^_ oh \fih^
[nn ^_ ^_m]bcm, ] j[l_ [f\, mnh^ f[ ohof ^chnl_
\[f]i[h_f_ nolhofoc, j_ []_f[c _n[d, ^[l h j[ln_[
ijom foc Ah^_h. G_[gof ^_ jlin_]c_ l_`f_]n i j[ln_
^ch fogch[ ^_ j_ mnl[^, [mn`_f ], pton ^_ [c]c,
\c[nof j[l_ m mnlfo]_[m]. gc nl[a mo`f_nof c g
ijl_m]. Bc[nof _ D[s.
VP - 344
26. DAY
Ch^ [doha f[ Capitol Tiq_l, mohn o^ f_i[l] ^_

nl[hmjcl[c_. Tin ]iljof g î[l_ ]lh]_h. M [jlijcc
^_ ]f^cl_ ^ch f[n_l[f, ho ^chmjl_ jc[[ jlch]cj[f c
h]_j m mno^c_t gofcg_[ h ncgj ]_ i[g_hcc nl_] j_
fha gch_, g\lh]chô-se. De jur-gjl_dolof himnlo
sunt JumboTron-olc il\cni[l_, `c_][l_ [`ch^ []__[c
cg[ach_: nhlof Ef_]nil jf_^h^ t[^[lhc] h `[[
oamenilor pentru a-c ]ihpcha_ m m_ hni[l] f[ ][m_f_
fil, m m_ jt_[m], m jf_]_ ^ch jc[ h[chn_ ][
mcno[c[ m m][j_ ^_ mo\ ]ihnlif. h]_[l] m-i
g\oh_t_ _hohhô-c jf[holcf_ j_hnlo l_ìlg[l_[
R_jo\fc]cc: l_hoh[l_[ f[ Er[g_h_ c m]bcg\[l_[
gi^[fcncc ^_ l_j[lnct[l_ jli`_mcih[f. gc ^[o m_[g[
] []_mn h_hili]cn ^_ ^cm]olm jifcnc] ho p[ m[ncm`[]_
poporul. D_c Ah^_h _ g[c h plmn c g[c h_f_jn
^_]n gch_ c Joh_, ho [l_ [noof h_]_m[l: i[g_hcc ho
f ]l_^ c ho pil ]l_^_ h _f.
Poh j[lco ] g_g\lcc Cihal_mofoc olgl_m] hnl_[a[
m]_h ]o h]hn[l_. L[ `_f c Razor. O[l_ Ah^_h nc_
] Razor a fost cel din spatele tentativei de
asasinat? gc gcd_m] i]bcc, [jic `[] oh m[fn c g
jlch^ ^_ g[lach_[ jlcgofoc _n[d [f ]f^clcc gjhtcn_
]o ][\folc. h]_l] m gc cg[ach_t ] Joh_ _ ]bc[l h
mj[n_f_ g_o c g h^_[gh m ]ihnchoc.
hnl-[^_pl, ^còti[l_f_ ^_ j_ ]f^cl_ j[l m `c_
l_][\f[n_ _r[]n [[ ]og gc-[ mjom K[_^_, ]h^ _l[g h
L[g[l. M [jf_] cg_^c[n mo\ \ot[ []ij_lcofoc ][ m
studiez cablurile. Da. Sunt conectate aproape la fel
cum le-[g ]ih_]n[n c _o h hi[jn_[ h ][l_ [g
hnfhcn-i j_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n j_ Joh_, ]h^ [g
hnl_\[n-i ^_ [hncîn jlch mcmn_gof ^_ g_a[ì[h_. Ann
î[l ], ^_ ^[n[ [mn[, pi]_[ g_[ ho p[ g[c `c [otcn
VP - 345
î[l j_ i [f__, ]c h ni[n ][jcn[f[ R_jo\fc]cc. h
ni[n [l[.
Vhnof gc h_[j i\l[dcc c gc oc_l j_ fha
urechi, ìlhô-g m-gc m]bcg\ h gi^ ]ihmn[hn
jitcc[. A jon_[ m gil ]bc[l h ]fcj[ [mn[. No [g ^_
oh^_ m nco ^[] mif^[cc ^_ j_ []ij_lcolc ho pil
nl[a_ h gch_ h[chn_ m [doha h mj[cof l_f[ncp
mcaol ^ch mj[n_f_ a_[gofoc ^_ jlin_]c_ [f ohoc
balcon, undeva, la zeci d_ g_nlc ^_[mojl[ gofcgcc ^_
i[g_hc. S[o ji[n_ ] g pil l_]ohi[n_ c ho pil [jm[
j_ nla[]c.
Em][f[^_t ]f^cl_[ jh [doha f[ _n[dof [f t_]_f_[,
[]_f[c oh^_ m_ [`f c \[f]ihof Ef_]nilofoc. P_hnlo i
m_]oh^, g f[m j_ pch_ c g ocn h dim. Sohn
suficient de sus h ]fcj[ h ][l_ pic c_c ^_ ôj
]ifof ]f^clcc, ni[n fog_[ g p[ p_^_[. Mofcg_[ _
g[c ^_hm h j[ln_[ [mn[ ]o nicc mn[o ]o i]bcc f[
Ef_]nil c ]o joghcc lc^c][c h [_l, òlcic. Cbc[l
c ^_ [c]c p^ ]n ^_ gofc c-[o pijmcn h lio ]n_
i opc ^_ jl. A[^[l, m_ j[l_ ] h]_l]lcf_
R_jo\fc]cc ^_ [ m]i[n_ []_mn hm_gh h [`[l[ f_acc ho
[o g[c [pon milc ^_ ct\h^ ]h^ ni[n fog_[ f-a
adoptat.
L[ g[lach_[ jc__c, jifccncc c mif^[cc fip_m]
`l gcf ]o \[mni[h_f_, gjchahô-i pe i[g_hc h
spate cu scuturile lor transparente dispuse ca un zid.
Sohn moljlchm ] [lg[n[ ho nl[a_. Mchcf_ h]_j m gc
nl_gol_ ^_ òlc_. Poch_ fo]lolc ^_ j_ fog_[ [mn[ mohn
g[c chncgc^[hn_ ^_]n mif^[cc l_jo\fc][hc jl_t_hc ]o
mon_f_, g\l][c h ]imnomele lor speciale pentru
chn_lp_hcc, ohcìlg_ ][l_ ho f_ f[m f[ p_^_l_
]bcjolcf_. Mcfcn[lcc mn[o h]ifih[c h lhôlc h_al_,
h`lc]ini[l_, ijohhô-se unor mase de protestatari
h_h[lg[c. M fcj_m] ^_ j_l_n_ c nl[a ^_ g[c gofn_
ilc [_l l_]_ h jc_jn, mnlôchô-g m gc g_hch
][fgof, m g ah^_m] f[ Joh_, f[ `l[n_f_ _c, f[
Ef_]nil c f[ `[jnof ], h mj[n_f_ ohil[ ^chnl_ []_f_
VP - 346
gnc ^_ jlin_]c_ [hihcg_, ][l[]n_lcmnc]_ nloj_fil
l_jo\fc][h_ m_ [`f i[g_hc ]ogm_][^_, ][l_ [o jlchc,
lo^_ c ]ijcc. Sj_l ] Ah^_h _ gincpof j_hnlo ][l_
hcg_hc ho [ nl[m hc]coh afih, mj_l ] _f f_-a spus
mif^[cfil m ho nl[a h gofcg_. Tl_\oc_ m ]l_^
[mn[. Afn`_f ho i m ct\on_m] m-i conving pe oameni
cu ceea ce la voi spune.
Nu-c `c_ `lc], gc ijn_m] mchaol, cu ochii
mnlhc. N-[c pic_ m n_ f[c jl[^ `lc]cc.
Ajic c_m ^ch og\l c, ]o j[c al\cc, j[l]ola
g[lach_[ ]f^clcc c ^_j_m] ]ifof, ôj ][l_ m[l h
]_f g[c [jlijc[n \[f]ih j_ ][l_ f am_m]. Sohn ]o
`[[ ]nl_ jc[[ ]_hnl[f. G_[gof [hncafih [f
baf]ihofoc m_ ijl_n_ ][g f[ nl_ct_]c ^_ ]_hncg_nlc
g[c mom ^_ ][jof g_o, ^[l nin mcgn phnof \nh^ j_
^_[mojl[ foc. gc m]in [j][ c i [loh] j_mn_ j_l_n_f_
^_ mnc]f. O p^ ]og jfon_n_ mjl_ mif, joln[n jc_tc
^_ phn. Plof gc ][^_ j_ og_lc, ^_ dol-gjrejurul
][jofoc. M [jf_], lmo]_m] ohof ^chnl_ ][\folcf_
megafoanelor, apoi ridic megafonul ca pe o portavoce.
Doj ][l_ [n_jn.
L[ h]_jon, hcg_hc ho g i\m_lp. Colh^ hm, i
`[ m_ hni[l]_ h ^cl_]c[ g_[, [nl[m jli\[\cf ^_
]ofi[l_[ ^_m]bcm [ jlofoc. Ajic h] oh[. c h]
una. Sunt privit de un mic grup de oameni, care se
gl_n_, jh [doha_ m ]ojlch^ ]n_p[ t_]c ^_
j_lmi[h_. Co nicc `[] m_gh_ mjl_ gch_. Hocôc_fcf_ c
m][h^lcf_ òlci[m_ h]_j m m_ mncha. M hnl_\ ^[]
Joh_ g p_^_ c _[. Sif^[cc hcl[c j_ ]_f_f[fn_
[]ij_lcolc c-[o h^l_jn[n [lg_f_ ]nl_ gch_ dar nu
nl[a. No nco ]og m l_[]cih_t_ h mcno[c[ [mn[
mnl[hc_ c n_hmcih[n. Vl_[o m òa. S `[] ]_ `[]
hnin^_[oh[, ]_ [g `]on hnin^_[oh[, h ofncgcc ]ch]c
[hc ^ch pc[. S òa, m g [m]oh^ hnl-un ungher
hnoh_][n.
D_ ^[n[ [mn[ hm, lgh j_ fi]. Ag i\imcn m nin
fug.
VP - 347
P_ gmol ]_ ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c gofn_ `__ m_ hnil]
mjl_ gch_, gofcg_[ m_ fchcn_n_. L[ h]_jon, [o^
l_jfc]c ^ch ][l_ m_ ji[n_ abc]c ] i[g_hcfil ho f_
pch_ m ]l_[^ ]_ p^. B[ ]bc[l c ]n_p[ lm_n_. f[
ho ji[n_ m `c_ D[s, gc-c h]bcjoc ijnchô-c ohcc
[fnil[. Tl_\oc_ m `c_ oh cgjimnil. hm, pth^ ]
ho g ]fchn_m] ^ch fi], jlin_mn[n[lcc ^_pch ^ch ]_ h
]_ g[c pi][fc. Ti[n fog_[ c-[ hnilm []og `[[ mjl_
gch_. hnil] i]bcc mjl_ \[f]ihof oh^_ m_ [`f Ah^_h:
jh c _f m_ ocn f[ gch_ []og. gc ch l_mjcl[c[,
mj_lh^ ] Ef_]nilof ho p[ ilîh[ m `co gjo][n.
O[l_ ]bc[l mohn_g ^_ []__[c j[ln_?
Ajic gofcg_[ h]_j_ m-gc m][h^_t_ hog_f_. D[s!
D[s= D[s= No-gc pch_ m ]l_^. O[g_hcc g []f[g, c[l
pi]cf_ fil lmoh j_ `c_][l_ mnl[^ ^ch il[. Rgh
h_gc][n, ]o gh[ h]f_n[n j_ jiln[pi]_[
cgjlipct[n, ch][j[\cf m-mi desprind ochii de la
gofcg_. O lc^c] mjl_ aol.
C_n_hc [c R_jo\fc]cc= mnlca. M [otcc?
Cuvintele mele vuiesc din toate megafoanele din
jc[ c, jli\[\cf, ^ch ni[n [l[. Ihn_hmcn[n_[
moh_nofoc g `[]_ m nl_m[l. O[g_hcc ^_ ^_^_mo\n
ct\o]h_m] h ol[f_ ]_ `[] jghnof m m_ ]onl_gol_.
Pli\[\cf ] mif^[cc [o jlcgcn l_j_^_ ilîn de la
]ch_p[ ^ch Cihal_m, ]]c p^ ]og ohcc ^chnl_ _c lc^c]
[lg_f_. Uh mchaol afih m_ [phn jlch [_l c fip_n_
a_[gof ^_ jlin_]c_, cm]h^ m]hn_c f[ ]ihn[]n. Eo ho
g ]fchn_m].
Ef_]nilof `[]_ oh a_mn m]oln ]nl_ mif^[cc ][l_ f
jt_m], c[l []_nc[ c ô] ]o nicc gchcf_ f[
ol_]bc, mjohh^ ]_p[ h gc]liì[h_. Pi[n_ ] Ah^_h f_-
[ ]_lon m ho `co lhcn. Tl_\oc_ m ]l_^ [mn[.
Eu n-[ `[]_ [mn[, mnlca h ^cl_]c[ ^ch ][l_ [
p_hcn []_f ohc] afih.
Rgc ][fg= Ul[f_f_ i[g_hcfil m_ nl[hmìlg h
strian_ òlci[m_.
VP - 348
No pl_c m p [f_a_c ]o i l_pifn, ho-c [[,
domnilor congresmeni?
Day! Day! Day!
Atc, pio, nonolil g_g\lcfil Cihal_mofoc, _o p
dau un ultimatum.
Plcpcl_[ gc m_ gon la JumboTron-uri.
Ac [l_mn[n ]cp[ P[nlcic j_hnlo i ch`l[]coh_
^_ ][l_ pic mohn_c l_mjihm[\cfc. Efc\_l[c-i! Pe
nic= D[] ho p_c `[]_ [mn[, pic ]b_g[ i[g_hcc c p
p_c nl_tc ]o i l_pifoc_ j_ ][j. hm jli\[\cf ho ]o
a_hof ^_ l_pifoc_ f[ ][l_ [c mj_l[n.
Pijof[c[ ]cpcf mnlca f[ ohcmih. S][h^lcf_
cihncho ^ch ]_ h ]_ g[c chn_hm.
C_n_hc [c R_jo\fc]cc=
O[g_hcc g []f[g.
Am]ofn[c-g= Atc, p ^[o pio, nonolil, oh
ultimatum.
S][h^lcf_ m_ ijl_m] [\c[ ]h^ jlin_mn[n[lcc
l_[fct_[t ] [g n]on. Anoh]c n[] c _c. Ajlijcc
jiln[pi]_[ c g[c gofn ^_ aol.
Numele meu e Day.
Vocea mea umple aerul.
M-[g fojn[n ]o []_f_[c h_^l_jnc gjinlcp[
]lil[ jlin_mn[c c pic h ]fcj[ [mn[. Ag mo`_lcn f[
fel ca voi. La fel ca voi, mi-[g pton `[gcfc[ c
jlc_n_hcc o]cc ^_ mif^[cc R_jo\fc]cc.
Cfcj_m] ][ m h^_jln_t [gchnclcf_ ][l_ [g_hch m
g ]ijf__[m]. No n_ ijlc=
M-[o hìg_n[n, g-[o \non, g-au umilit. Am fost
nilnol[n, hdimcn, l_ôm f[ n]_l_. Ag nlcn h
g[b[f[f_, [fnolc ^_ pic. Mc-[g lcm][n pc[[ j_hnlo
voi, iar voi v-[c lcm][n pc_cf_ j_hnru mine. Cu
nicc h_-[g lcm][n pc_cf_ j_hnlo [l nu pentru
[]__[ h ][l_ nlcg []og, ]c j_hnlo []__[ j_ ][l_
mj_lg ] i pig [p_[. Co nicc, `c_][l_ ^chnl_ pic,
mohn_c hcn_ _lic.
VP - 349
Mc m_ lmjoh^_ ]o ol[f_ p_m_f_, ]bc[l ^[] gcfcn[lcc
h]_[l] h p[h m c jlch^ c m c [l_mn_t_ j_
jlin_mn[n[lcc [`f[c f[ g[lach_[ gofcgcc, h pl_g_ ]_
[fc mif^[c m_ ]bchoc_m], `l mo]]_m, m m]i[n ^ch
òh]coh_ mcmn_gof ^_ g_a[ì[h_ l_][\f[n. gc ^[o
m_[g[ ] g_g\lcfil Cihal_mofoc fc m-[ `]on n_[g. L_
_ `lc] ^_ gch_, [[ ]og g_l_o f_-[ ìmn. A[ ] gc
continui discursul le spun oamenilor ce s-a
hngjf[n ]o g[g[ c ]o `l[cc g_c, ]o Joh_. L_
jip_mn_m] nin ]_ nco ^_mjl_ P[nlcic c ^_mjl_
h]_l][l_[ S_h[nofoc ^_ [-f [m[mch[ j_ Ah^_h. Sj_l ]
Razor [m]ofn ninof c `c_l\_ h mo] jlijlco. h nin
[]_mn ncgj, [n_hc[ gofcgcc lgh_ ]ih]_hnl[n [mojl[
mea.
Ap_c h]l_^_l_ h gch_? mnlca.
O[g_hcc gc lmjoh^ hnl-un singur glas. Marea de
nlojolc c olf_n_f_ fil [moltcni[l_ mohn ]ijf_cni[l_.
D[] g[g[, n[n[ c Jibh [l `c ^_ `[, i[l_ gc-ar
tg\c h]ol[d[nil? Conl_gol[n, nl[a [^h] [_l h
jc_jn. Do f[ m`lcn fo]lof j_ ][l_ [c p_hcn m-l
`[]c= M ]ih]_hnl_t [mojl[ i[g_hcfil c [ nhlofoc
Ef_]nil. gc [ôh jon_lcf_, ôj ][l_ rostesc
cuvintele pe care nu am crezun ] f[ pic limnc
pl_i^[n.
C_n_hc [c R_jo\fc]cc, nl_\oc_ m h_f_a_c ]ch_
p mohn ôg[hcc. Sohn ncjof ^_ pc[ cgjom ^_
R_jo\fc], f_acf_ c nl[^cccf_ ][l_ h_ ch
h]no[c, aop_lhof ][l_ h_-[ [ôm [c]c. Rjim[nof
Elector. Congresul.
Rc^c] gh[ c [ln mjl_ Ah^_h.
hm hiof Ef_]nil< No e ôg[hof vostru!
O[g_hcc [go_m]. O]bcc f_ mohn [chncc [mojl[ g_[.
Cl_^_c ] g_g\lcc Cihal_mofoc pil m joh ][jn
Er[g_h_fil m[o m p [don_ `[gcfccf_? Mch]cohc.
Ch^ limn_m] pil\_f_ [mn_[, [ln ]o gh[ mjl_ Ah^_h,
mjohhô-gc, j_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n h pc[, ] nl_\oc_ m
[g h]l_^_l_ h _f.
VP - 350
Ef_]nilof _ nhl c [g\ccim c ho m_[gh ]o
n[nf foc. Vl_[ m fojn_ j_hnlo pic, [[ ]og _o fojn
j_hnlo pic, ^[l, g[c hnc, [l_ h_pic_ m-c []il^[c
[]_[mn [hm. D[] p [ôh[c h dolof foc c-l
momch_c, c _f h_ p[ momch_. V[ m]bcg\[ fo]lolcf_
j_hnlo hic nic, j[m ]o j[m. Ef_]nilof ji[n_ m
]ihmnloc[m] []_[ [l j_ ][l_ nic mj_lg m i [p_g.
Eo [g p_hcn [c]c, h m_[l[ [mn[, j_hnlo pic nic c
pentru ef. Ap_c h]l_^_l_ h gch_?
Ridic tonul:
C_n_hc [c R_jo\fc]cc, [p_c h]l_^_l_ h gch_?
T]_l_. Ajic, ]n_p[ ol[f_. c g[c gofn_ ol[f_.
O[g_hcc lc^c] i]bcc c joghcc h ^cl_]c[ g_[.
Snlcan_f_ ho m_ g[c ijl_m]: []_mn[ _ phnof
m]bcg\lcc.
Atunci, f[ `_f ][ gch_, mjlcdchcc-l pe Electorul
himnlo, c[l _f p p[ mjlcdchc j_ pic=
S][h^lcf_ mohn [moltcni[l_, h\och^ [\mifon ilc]_
[fn]_p[. Thlof Ef_]nil ho-c c[ i]bcc ^_ f[ gch_ c
h ]fcj[ [mn[ h_f_a, h m`lcn, ] Joh_ [ [pon
dreptate. Nu vreau m p^ R_jo\fc][ jl\ochô-se.
Vl_[o m i p^ m]bcg\hô-se.
VP - 351
27. JUNE
Ao nl_]on îo tcf_. S[o, g[c _r[]n, ]ch]ct_]c c

îo ^_ il_ c ijn gchon_ ^_ ]h^ D[s [ ol][n h
plòf C[jcnif Tiq_l c [ [hoh[n ] f mjlcdch j_
Ef_]nil. D_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ h]bc^ i]bcc, f p^
[]ifi, mom, c[l jlof c mnlfo]_n_ ][ oh hcg\ h
hi[jn_. c [o^ ]opchn_f_ lmohh^ ]o ]f[lcn[n_ c
jfch_ ^_ ìl h nin il[of, h ni[n [l[. D_
`c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ pcm_t, mcgn j_ \ot_ [lmol[ ofncgofoc
mo mlon, l_g_gil_t ì]of c `rica din ochii lui.
Tic i[g_hcc ^ch R_jo\fc] f-[o [otcn h hi[jn_[ [c[.
Day i-[ l_^[n foc Ah^_h jon_l_[, c[l []_mn[ ^ch olg [
]nca[n ^_ j[ln_[ foc hnl_[a[ [l. c [mn[ m-a
petrecut dintr-i^[n.
E [ îo[ tc j_ ][l_ i j_nl_] hnl-i ][g_l ^_ mjcn[f
de f[ j_lc`_lc[ D_hp_lofoc. A îo[ ôj-[gc[t h ][l_
D[s ho _ ]o gch_. hnl-[fn m[fih, ]n_p[ oc g[c
h]ifi, D[s _ mojom []_fil[c n_mn_, g_hcn_ m-i
p_lc`c]_ mn[l_[ ^_ mhn[n_, ^[l c m p_lc`c]_ ^[]
inamicii din Colonii nu i-[o cgjf[hn[n ]ogp[ h ][j
pl_oh ^cmjitcncp ^_ gihcnilct[l_. h ì[ln_ m]oln ncgj
f p[ l_hnfhc j_ `l[n_f_ foc. Di]nilof g_o [ mimcn
][ m p[^ ]og g l_]oj_l_t ^[l p_lc`c]lcf_ ho pil
`c `]on_ h chncgcn[n_. D_ `[jn, [h[fcth^ jf[ìhof
h]j_lcc, p^ ] h `c_][l_ ]if _mn_ jf[m[n ]n_ i
][g_l ^_ mojl[p_ab_l_, ][l_ nl[hmgcn_ cg[ach_[ g_[ h
^cl_]n [mn`_f h]n jin `c pton ^_ nin jijilof.
R_jo\fc][ m_ n_g_ ][ i[g_hcc m ho ]l_[^ ] _o c D[s
ho mohn_g halcdcc.
P_ oh _]l[h [`f[n j_ j_l_n_ p^ ][g_l[ foc D[s. mn[
e unicul gincp j_hnlo ][l_ [g []]_jn[n m `co
^_mjlcn ^_ _f [nn ^_ gofn ncgj. A pl_[ m jon_g
mn[ ^_ pil\. Ig_^c[n ]_ j_lmih[fof g_^c][f p[ n_lgch[
VP - 352
]o l[^cial[`ccf_ c ]o gihcnilct[l_[ òh]ccfil
pcn[f_, gc c c[o gc]liìhof.
Boh ^cgch_[[, îghci[l Ij[lcm, gc mjoh_
î]nilof, h pl_g_ ]_ [mcmn_hn_f_ gc `cr_[t j_ jc_f_
[m_ _f_]nlitc.
Bif\ilim_m] c _o oh lmjohm, ^[l [n_hc[ gc lgh_
]ih]_hnl[n [mojl[ cg[achcf_ h ^cl_]n. f p^ j_ D[s
^cm]onh^ ]o jlijlcof foc g_^c]. Plc_n_hof g_o mn ]o
\l[_f_ h]lo]c[n_, hnl-i [ncno^ch_ m`c^ni[l_, c[l
_rjl_mc[ c _ m]_jnc]. Dch ]h^ h ]h^, jlcp_n_
mjl_ oh joh]n ^_ j_ j_l_n_ j_ ][l_ ho jin m-f p^. M
hnl_\ ^[] c _f g ji[n_ olglc j_ oh _]l[h
[m_ghnil.
Di]nilof g_o i\m_lp ][l_ _ i\c_]nof [n_hc_c gele
c, jfc]ncmcn, gc lmjoh^_ f[ hnl_\[l_ h[chn_ m i
formulez.
O m-f p_tc ]olh^, îghci[l Ij[lcm. Oe? Pligcn.
A[, ]ohinc jli]_ôl[< h]bc^_ i]bcc c chmjcl
profund.
gc l_jlcg mn[l_[ ^_ `lomnl[l_ c `[] [[ ]og gc
]_l_. h mj[n_f_ jf_i[j_fil, p^ m]hn_ch^ fogchc_,
[jic mcgn hcn_ òlhc]nolc l_]c ][l_ gc ]i\i[l ^ch
]l_c_l h fohaof cl_c mjchlcc. P_mn_ aol c h[m gc
m_ joh_ i g[m] ^chnl-oh mic ^_ a_f. D_ `c_][l_ ^[n,
]h^ nl_] jlch ]b_mnc[ [mn[ gc l_j_n m ho g
j[hc]b_t, m fojn gjinlcp[ ]f[omnliì\c_c c [
m_ht[c_c ^_ h_]. Di]nilof î[l g n_mn_[t, gc
mjoh. F[] [mn[ ][ m ^_jcmn_t_ ilc]_ jin_hc[f_
m_]b_f_ ]_ jin lgh_ h olg[ jli]_ôlcfil ^_ mjf[l_
j_ ]l_c_l [jfc][n_ h Cifihcc c [fn_ fo]lolc ][l_ ch
de echilibrul psihic. Amn[ ][ m `c_ ]f[l ^[]
Ef_]nilof (c [onilcncf_ R_jo\fc]cc) jin m [c\
h]l_^_l_ h gch_. Amn[ _ nin.
Tl_] g[c gofn_ il_. h m`lcn, jli]_ôl[ c[ m`lcn
c g_^c]of g [hoh ] jin m ^_m]bc^ ^ch hio i]bcc.
Bl[pi, Ij[lcm, gc mjoh_ _f, h ncgj ]e introduce
hcn_ ^[n_ j_ n[\f_n. To_[ m-[l jon_[ m-c g[c
VP - 353
j_lmcmn_, ^[l ]l_^ ] al_of \ifcc [ nl_]on. D[]
îl_nc, jic m g[c lgc h mjcn[f tg\_n_ ]h^
p_^_ ]og g h]lohn, _r[mj_l[n hm, ^[] jl_`_lc
m n_ goc h hiof no [j[ln[g_hn, jon_m face
[l[hd[g_hn_f_ h_]_m[l_ ]bc[l [tc. h ilc]_ ][t,
afilcimof Ef_]nil _mn_ h_l\^nil m mn_[ ^_ pil\ ]o
nch_ h[chn_ m n_ _rn_lh_tc.
C_ `[]_ D[s? f hnl_\.
gc _ al_o m gc ^cmcgof_t h_l\^[l_[ ][l_ m_ mcgn_
h pi]_.
Ch^ jin m-f p^?
Doctorul m_ h]lohn.
Abia ce am vorbit despre asta, nu? Day va fi
_rn_lh[n cg_^c[n ôj nch_. M[c hnc, p[ nl_\oc m-c
p[^ `l[n_f_.
c ]_l]_n_t ]bcjof ]o [n_hc_. Ercmn oh gincp
j_hnlo ][l_ g_^c]of [ _tcn[n []og i m_]oh^. Tl_\oc_
m `c_ ]_p[ f_a[n ^_ l_]oj_l[l_[ foc D[s. V^ ]og
go]bcc `[]c[fc c m_ ]ihnl[]n [jli[j_ cgj_l]_jnc\cf.
Ogof mn[ nc_ ]_p[ ]_ _o ho nco.
Vi]_[ î]nilofoc g mgofa_ ^ch ahôlcf_ g_f_. c
f[m n[\f_n[ ^_ij[ln_, m_ h^l_[jn ^_ mj[n_ c
tg\_n_ ìl[n.
Ei, asta e tot pe ziua de [tc. Mch_ p[ h]_j_
jli]_mof i`c]c[f ^_ l_chn_al[l_ h mi]c_n[n_[
l_jo\fc][h jlch hio[ l_j[lncc_ jli`_mcih[f.
Ef_]nilof p[ mimc h ]n_p[ gchon_. V_c [p_[ mo`c]c_hn
ncgj h[chn_, ][ m n_ ^_tg_nc]_nc.
c, ]o [mn[, g_^c]of c [mcmn_hn_f_ c c[o c
ap[l[n_f_ c g f[m mchaol.
M [_t j_ j[n, ]o i]bcc chn f[ o. h dolof
og_lcfil [g i j_f_lch ^_ oh lio h]bcm c ninoc gc
_ `lca. Ch^ Ah^_h chnl h ][g_l, _o nl_gol ^_-a
binelea.
Ef_]nilof j_n_ hohnlo ]o _f_a[h[ foc
][l[]n_lcmnc]. E g\l][n h ohcìlg c [l_ i _[l`
h_[al c \i][h]c h_alc, mcf_hcic. Bo]f_f_ c mohn
VP - 354
halcdcn nohm_, c[l i]b_f[lcc ]o l[g_ mo\clc c m_
[[t j_l`_]n j_ h[m. Ch^ g p_^_, tg\_n_ c g
m[fon. G_mnof []_mn[ gc [gchn_n_ ôl_lim ^_ M_nc[m.
Sohn h_picn ][, jl_ ^_ ]n_p[ m_]oh^_, m jlcp_m] h
dim m gc l_pch. Dch `_lc]cl_, Ah^_h ]l_^_ ] c-am
lmjohm f[ m[fon ]o []_[mn h]fch[l_ [ ][jofoc.
Dighof_ Ef_]nil, c mjoh.
Ah^_h tg\_n_; g jlcp_n_ m]oln ]o i]bcc foc
verzi.
Cog n_ mcgc, Joh_?
c tg\_m] c _o.
Destul de bine.
Ah^_h l^_ joch c c f[m \l\c[ h jc_jn. S_
[jlijc_ ^_ gch_, ^[l ho h]_[l] m m_ [_t_ j_ j[n,
[fnolc. V^ h i]bcc foc ] _ h] [nl[m ^_ gch_,
l_g[l] [n_hc[ j_ ][l_ i []il^ `c_]loc ]ophn j_
][l_ f limn_m] c `c_]loc a_mn j_ ][l_ f `[]. Co
mcaol[h ] nl_\oc_ m `c [otcn tpiholc jlcpch^
l_f[c[ g_[ ]o D[s, ho? hm, ]bc[l ^[] nc_ ]og mn[o
fo]lolcf_, ho f[m m m_ p[^ [mn[.
R_jo\fc][, ]ihncho _f, d_h[n ] c-am surprins
jlcpcl_[ [chncn [mojl[ g_[, [^c] aop_lhof [ ^_]cm
] _nc [jn m l_chnlc h lhôlcf_ [lg[n_c ]o al[ôf
j_ ][l_ f ^_ch_[c [hn_lcil. C[ [a_hn [[^[l, [c]c,
h D_hp_l.
D_]c ho g hnil] h Lim Aha_f_m. Dch ]n_ [g [otcn
^_ ]olh^, ][l[hnch[ ^ch Lim Aha_f_m [ ìmn lc^c][n
ôj ]_ Ah^_h [ h]_jon m c chp_mncab_t_ j_
nl^nilcc ^ch S_h[n. h jfom, [nn Razor, ]n c
î[gh[ ]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih [o ìmn [l_mn[c j_hnlo
nl^[l_. No jin ^_]n m-gc h]bcjoc ]n ^_ gofn h_
oln_ J[g_mih []og j_ gch_ c j_ D[s< I[l ahôf f[
_rjl_mc[ òlci[m ^_ j_ ]bcjof _c gc ^ `cilc j_ cl[
mjchlcc.
Mofog_m], mjoh ôj i pl_g_. V mohn ì[ln_
l_]ohim]ni[l_.
Ah^_h `fonol i gh jlch [_l.
VP - 355
No [c ^_ ]_. To c D[s gc-[c `]on oh g[l_
serviciu.
h]fch ][jof m]oln, ]o i [ncno^ch_ l_f[r[n.
R_tofn[nof []cohcc foc D[s _ pctc\cf ^_d[. Doj
^cm]olmof h_jf[hc`c][n, Cihal_mof c [lg[n[ m-au supus
^_]ctc_c foc Ah^_h: [o fm[n jlin_mn[n[lcc m m_
hni[l] f[ ][m_f_ fil h_j_^_jmcc c c-au eliberat pe
P[nlcicc ][l_ òm_m_l [l_mn[c h ncgjof n_hn[ncp_c
de asasih[n (h ]ih^ccc ^_ mojl[p_ab_l_ j_lg[h_hn).
D[] g_g\lcc S_h[nofoc ho m_ n_g_[o ^_ D[s h[chn_,
[]og mcaol f_ _ `lc] ^_ _f. P_hnlo gig_hn, jlc_n_hof
g_o [l_ jon_l_[ ^_ [ cm][ i l_pifoc_ h ni[n l_aof[
î[l jlch chn_lg_^cof ]nilp[ ]opchn_ \ch_ [f_m_.
D[l<, mjoh_ Ah^_h j_ oh nih ]_p[ g[c m]ton.
S]i[n_ gchcf_ ^ch \otoh[l_ c f_ h]lo]c_[t j_
piept.
Eo [g i [fn jlijoh_l_ j_hnlo nch_. Cl_^ ] g_lcc
i jitcc_ g[c cgjiln[hn ^_]n []__[ ^_ [a_hn.
h gchn_ gc lm[l_ [gchncl_[ ]fnilc_c ]o nl_hof
p_ ][l_ [g `]on-i gjl_oh, [ []_f_c i`_ln_
h_limncn_, ^[l jl_t_hn_ j_ \ot_f_ nhlofoc Ef_]nil.
C_ jitcc_?
P_hnlo jlcg[ ^[n, Ah^_h m_ ^_]c^_ m m_ [_t_ j_
g[lach_[ j[nofoc, fha gch_. E [nn ^_ [jli[j_ []og
h]n c mcgn lmo`f[l_[ oi[l j_ jc_f_ c p^ j_lcc
][l_ c og\l_m] \l\c[.
Joh_, hc]ci^[n R_jo\fc][ ho [ nl_]on jlchnl-o
]ihdoh]nol g[c chmn[\cf ^_]n []og. D[s [ gjc_^c][n
jl\ocl_[ _c h [\cm, hm j_lc]ifof ho [ nl_]on.
Uhcc ^chnl_ m_h[nilc m_ fojn hnl_ _c j_hnlo jon_l_
c gofc i[g_hc ^ch hnl_[a[ [l [\c[ [n_[jn m `[]
i gc][l_ al_cn.
Ah^_h n[]_ i m_]oh^.
O mchaol ]fcj ho gc p[ [mcaol[ mjlcdchof
jijilofoc j_hnlo p_hc]c_, c[l _o ho jin m jmnl_t
[l[ ohcn ^_ ohof mchaol.
VP - 356
nco ] ho g gchn_. V^ i\im_[f[ _rnl_g ^_ j_
]bcjof foc, ]cn_m] h [ncno^ch_[ foc m_hncg_hnof ^_
`lomnl[l_ a_h_l[n ^_ l_mjihm[\cfcn[n_[ `[ ^_ [l[
lui.
Ch^ n[n[ _l[ oh nhl ]ihô]nil, _f c g[g[ [o
aop_lh[n [l[ gjl_oh. Ef_]nilof c Plch]_jmof. c
hc]ci^[n n[n[ h-[ ìmn g[c jon_lhc] ][ h acea
j_lci[^. c _o [ pl_[ m [g oh [fc[n, i j_lmi[h
chn_fca_hn c jon_lhc], ]l_c[ m-c jin h]l_^ch[
g[c gofn jon_l_ ^_]n ilc]loc [fn g_g\lo [f
Congresului.
h_f_ah^ i`_ln[ h dolof ]l_c[ m_ nin hpln_n_
Ah^_h, l_mjcl[c[ gc m_ jl_]cjcn.
Vl_[o i j[ln_h_l ][l_ m ]ohi[m] jofmof
h[cohcc, i j_lmi[h n[f_hn[n, ][l_ nc_ ]_ `[]_,
]ch_p[ ][l_ m-gc gjln_[m] pctcoh_[ ]o jlcpcl_ f[
]l_[l_[ oh_c h[cohc. Fcl_n_, ho [c jon_[ m nl_]c ^_
f[ jitcc[ ^_ [a_hn f[ ]_[ ^_ Plch]_jm j_mn_ hi[jn_.
Al nl_\oc m olg_tc ]olmolc chn_hmcp_, m `cc
chmnlocn c jl_ancn mj_]c[f j_hnlo []_mn lif. Al `c
ijilnohcn[n_[ ^_ [ n_ ^_tpifn[, h p_^_l_[ i]ojlcc
jitcc_c ^_ Plch]_jm, ^[l c-[l nl_\oc ^_^c][c [hc,
ji[n_ ]bc[l ^_]_hcc, j[l]olah^ ^logof ^_ f[ m_h[nor
f[ fc^_l [f S_h[nofoc. A]_[mn jl_ancl_ nl_\oc_ fo[n
ì[ln_ h m_lcim, g[c [f_m ^_ ]ch_p[ ][l_ ho [l_
_rj_lc_h ^_ fo]lo h S_h[n. D_mcaol, pil g[c _rcmn[
c [fn_ j_lmi[h_ ][l_ g pil m_]ih^[ h ][fcn[n_ ^_
Princeps-Ef_]c.
A]og Ah^_h `[]_ i hio j[ot c nihof pi]cc c m_
m]bcg\.
C_ jl_l_ [c?
S]onol ^ch ][j, ]]c h] ho h_f_a ì[ln_ \ch_ ]_
gc i`_l ]o _r[]ncn[n_ Ah^_h. Al `c [[^[l [hm[ ^_ [
deveni Princeps [f îcf_[ ig h Sn[n ôj Ef_]nil.
Mi-[ j_nl_]_ [jli[j_ `c_][l_ ]fcj [ pc_cc h
]igj[hc[ foc, m_]ih^hô-l la fiecare pas vreme de cel
joch t_]_ [hc. No f-[ g[c p_^_[ j_ D[s hc]ci^[n.
VP - 357
O`_ln[ [mn[ `[]_ ][ cg[ach_[ pc_cc, [[ ]og gc-am
h]bcjocn-i, m m_ nof\ol_. O[l_ Ah^_h gc i`_l
[]_[mn jligip[l_ \[thô-se exclusiv pe impresia pe
][l_ i [l_ h f_anol ]o ][j[]cncf_ g_f_ sau se
f[m ch`fo_h[n ^_ m_hncg_hn_ c îl_n_ m g
jligip_t_ h mj_l[h[ ], h `_fof mn[, p[ [p_[
i][tc[ m j_nl_]_g g[c gofn ncgj gjl_oh? c ]og [
jon_[ _o pl_i^[n m g gmil ]o ]_cf[fc Plch]_jm-
Ef_]c, ]h^ ohcc ^chnl_ _c jli\[\cf ] [l `c ]o t_]c
^_ [hc g[c h plmn ^_]n gch_ c [l [p_[ mn[nonof ^_
senatori?
Tl[a [^h] [_l h jc_jn, [jic h]_l] i [\il^[l_
^cjfig[nc].
Dighof_ Ef_]nil, h]_j m mjoh, ho ]l_^ ]<
No pl_[o m n_ jl_m_t, g hnl_loj_ _f, ôj ][l_
habcn_ h m_] c mol^_ _tcn[hn. Enc [\mifon fc\_l
m-gc l_òtc i`_ln[. c jic m `cc Plch]_jm `l<
Ah^_h lich^?
No nl_\oc_ m< Eo c R_jo\fc][ c-am fi
l_]ohim]nilc ^[] [c []]_jn[.
No nco ^[] [g []_[mn ht_mnl[l_, c lmjoh^.
Ap_c h_pic_ ^_ ]ch_p[ gofn g[c \oh ^_]n [ jon_[ _o
m ^_pch pl_i^[n.
Ah^_h gc c[ [g\_f_ gchc hnl-ale lui.
D_mnchof no _mn_ m tafc mcmn_gof c m
m]bcg\c []_mn mn[n. Joh_, ho _rcmn hcg_hc g[c
priceput ca tine.
VP - 358
28. DAY
L[ h]_jon, doctorilor nu le-[ jf]on ^_ gch_.

Desigur, sentimentul a fost reciproc _rj_lc_h[ g_[
]o mjcn[f_f_ ho _ ni]g[c ^chnl_ ]_f_ g[c jf]on_.
A]og îo tcf_, ]h^, h m`lcn, [o l_ocn m g
m]i[n ^ch \[f]ihof ^_ f[ C[jcnif Tiq_l, c m
fchcn_[m] g[m_f_ olc[_ ^_ i[g_hc ][l_ g []f[g[o,
m-[o f_a[n j_ i n[la, g-[o ol][n hnl-i [g\of[h c
m-[o ôm ^cl_]n f[ mjcn[f. A]ifi, ]h^ [o h]_l][n m
g ]ihmofn_, m p[^ ^[] ho mohn lhcn, c-am spart
i]b_f[lcc ohoc î]nil c [g ^[n ]o jc]ci[l_f_ h ni[n_
npcf_ g_n[fc]_ ^ch ][g_l.
D[] g [ncha_c, g-[g lmncn f[ _c, p loj anof.
P_lmih[fof g_^c][f [ ìmn h_picn m g cgi\cfct_t_.
Ag olf[n jh [g laocn ôj E^_h, [g ]_lon m f p^
c [g [g_hch[n ], ^[] ho gc-l aduc, dau foc
mjcn[fofoc. Ag mnlca[n c ôj Joh_. Vic[g m gc m_
îp_^_[m] ]f[l ] P[nlcicc [o ìmn _fc\_l[c. Ag
]_lon m p^ ][^[plof foc K[_^_ c c-[g cgjfil[n m i
hgilghn_t_ ]og nl_\oc_.
R_[]ccf_ g_f_ [o ìmn nl[hmgcm_ h ^cl_]n j_hnlo ][
jijof[c[ m f_ p[^, ]]c gofcgcf_ ^_ i[g_hc mnlhm_
h `[[ mjcn[fofoc [o ]_lon îp[^[ ] mohn nl[n[n h
gi^ ]il_]n. h]_nof ]o h]_nof, g-[g fchcncn c, ôj
]_ [o pton ] nlc_m], jlin_mn[n[lcc ^ch D_hp_l [o
h]_jon c _c m m_ fchcn_[m].
Amn[ ho hm_[gh ] ho p_c `c mojl[p_ab_[n
h^_[jli[j_, gc mjoh_ î]nilof, h ncgj ]_ h ][g_l
gc mohn [ôm_ oh m_n ^_ ]gc l_jo\fc][h_ ]o aof_l
lc^c][n c j[hn[fihc ^_ i`c_l.
Cuvintele astea le-[ \if\ilimcn h]_n [mn`_f h]n
moh_nof m ho ji[n `c jl_fo[n. A\c[ ^[] c p^
i]bcc, [[ _ ^_ h]lohn[n h spatele ochelarilor mici,
cu lentile rotunde.
VP - 359
D[l [c ìmn [ghcmnc[n ^_ Ef_]nil, c[l `l[n_f_ no,
E^_h, nl_\oc_ m mim_[m] f[ mjcn[f ^ch gchon h
minut.
T[]. Doj nin ]_ m-[ hngjf[n ^_ ]h^ E^_h m-a
g\ifhpcn, [jli[j_ ] ho gc pch_ m ]l_^ ]
Republica mi-f [ô]_ h[jic. Tin ]_ jin m `[] _mn_
m-c mol^ î]nilofoc, mnlhah^ ^ch ^chc. Ef gc
hni[l]_ tg\_nof, ]o i _rjl_mc_ ][l_ gc [l[n ]n c
^cmjf[], c ]ihncho m gc pil\_[m] ^_mjl_
l_tofn[n_f_ [h[fct_fil c ^_mjl_ oh^_ pic fi]oc ]h^
se va t_lgch[ ]o ni[n n_p[nol[ [mn[. nco ] ho pl_[
m `c_ [c]c, ^_c ho mjoh_ [mn[ ]o pi]_ n[l_. Di[l _
olglcn ^_ [nn_[ ][g_l_ ^_ mojl[p_ab_l_. Tl[a ]o
i]bcof f[ ohc]of _]l[h ^_ j_ j_l_n_, oh^_ p^ nin ]_
m_ j_nl_]_ ]o Joh_. Tinof j[l_ h l_aof, ]l_^ ] c
_c c m_ `[] []_f_[c n_mn_. hm hiôf ^ch an, ][ot[n
^_ `lc], m_ h]jh_[t m j_lmcmn_.
M[c _ oh mchaol fo]lo j_ ][l_ [ pl_[ m c-l
]igohc] h j[lnc]of[l, mjoh_ î]nilof.
f [m]ofn j_ dogn[n_ [n_hn.
E foarte important. E ceva ce am descoperit pe
l[^cial[`cc, oh fo]lo j_ ][l_ [l nl_\oc m-f ncc.
M [jf_] h[chn_ ][ m f [o^ g[c \ch_. hm, h
[]__[c m_]oh^, chn_lìhof ^ch ][g_l m_ nl_t_n_
taiginim f[ pc[.
Dighof_ î]nil. E^_h B[n[[l Wcha _ [c]c. V lia
m-f chìlg[c j_ D[s.
Eden. Eden e aici.
c ho gc g[c j[m hc]c ]n h_alo mo\ ohabc_ ^_
l[^cial[`ccf_ [f_[ h_hili]cn_. E^_h _ [`[l, ]bc[l
^ch]ifi ^_ o[ ][g_l_c g_f_.
Di]nilof h]_[l] m gc mjoh ]_p[, ^[l _o nl_] j_
fha _f, ^[o o[ ^_ j_l_n_ c c_m gjf_nc]chô-g j_
coridor.
La h]_jon, ho f p^. Sohn jl_[ gofn_ [mcmn_hn_ j_
bif. Ajic m_mct_t i mcfo_n gc]o, [_t[n j_ i
\h]o, ][l_ c \fhah_n_ jc]ci[l_f_ h aif.
VP - 360
Cofi[l_[ n_hofoc j[l_ hilg[f. Cl_n_nof ][jofoc c _
[]ij_lcn ]o i ]f[c_ ^_ \o]f_ ^_ oh \fih^ [nn ^_
deschcm, h]n tc]c ] _ [f\. Poncof _ g\l][n hnl-
i ohcìlg ^_ ]i[f jl_[ g[l_ c _ h]f[n ]o
\i][h]c gc]c, ^_ ]ijcf. Mc m_ j[l_ g[c h[fn, ^[l
ji[n_ ] [mn[ _ ^ch ][ot ] []og ji[n_ m mn_[ ^l_jn.
Ch^ m_ hni[l]_ ]o `[[ mjl_ gch_, l_[fct_t ] ji[ln
i]b_f[lc ]o l[g_ h_al_ c f_hncf_ ali[m_. O]bcc foc ^_
oh joljolco fjnim m_[gh ]o ]_c [c \c__fofoc j_
care l-[g amcn h p[aihof ^_ nl_h, h hi[jn_[ [c[
l_]_ c ]o \olhc.
E^_h, f mnlca ]o i pi]_ laocn.
O]bcc c lgh ^_ì][fct[c, ^[l j_ `[ c
h`fil_n_ oh tg\_n _rnl[il^ch[l. Flcilof g_o m_
lc^c] c h]_[l] m m_ ^_jf[m_t_ mjl_ gch_, ^[l,
j_hnlo ] ho c ^ m_[g[ oh^_ mohn ]o _r[]ncn[n_, m_
ijl_n_.
To _nc, D[hc_f? hnl_[\ _tcnh^.
Af_la f[ _f, f lc^c] h \l[_ c f mnlha f[
piept.
D[, c ijn_m]. Eo mohn. D[hc_f.
E^_h h]_j_ m jfha. Tlojof c _ ]onl_gol[n ^_
bibin_ h_m`lcn_ ^_ jfhm. c mnlha_ \l[_f_ h
dolof anofoc g_o ]o ^cmj_l[l_, ][ c ]h^ ho [l g[c
pl_[ m-gc ^_[ ^logof hc]ci^[n. Tl[a [_l h jc_jn ][
m gc h\o f[]lcgcf_. Bi[f[ f-[ fm[n [jli[j_ il\,
^[l _ [c]c. E^_h _ [c]c, nlc_n_ c _ \ch_. E
mo`c]c_hn ^_ jon_lhc] ][ m g_[la c m pil\_[m].
Pentru mine, asta e de-ajuns.
C_ g \o]ol m n_ p^, joncof_, c mjoh ]o
lmo`f[l_[ hnl_nc[n, ]coòfchô-c ]o i gh jlof
de pe cap. Mi-a fost dor de tine.
No nco ]n lgh_g [[. Mchon_? Ol_? No ]ihn_[t.
Tcgjof m_ m]ola_ h]_n, l_mcgch^ `c_][l_ m_]oh^ ]og
m_ m]ola_. M [a ^_ gig_hn_f_ [mn_[, pl_[o ][ _f_ m
ôl_t_ ]n g[c gofn. E ][ c ]og gc-[ g\lc[
VP - 361
hnl_[a[ `[gcfc_. E^_h hm_[gh ninof j_hnlo gch_.
M][l f [g j_ _f.
Ao^ j_ ]ch_p[ noch^ h mj[n_f_ g_o.
Day, spune medicul.
Sn mjlcdchcn ^_ o[ ^_m]bcm [ m[fihofoc g_o. Cbc[l
^[] _ mo\ fogch[ `foil_m]_hn, ]bcjof foc ][jn i
gch al[p, og\lcn. f f[m dim ]o alcd, ^[l gc ch
h ]ihncho[l_ i gh j_ oglof foc.
Vino cu mine. N-i m ôl_t_ gofn, c jligcn. Eo<
<
L[ p_^_l_[ `lcilofoc g_o, `[]_ i j[ot.
c l_]ig[h^ m-f f[c j_ `l[n_f_ no [c]c. Di[l
j_hnlo gig_hn. T_ [mcaol ] n_ p_c hni[l]_ f[ _f h
]n_p[ gchon_, ôj ][l_ [ghîc p_c `c ]ihôc ]o
g[ch[ f[ hiof no [j[ln[g_hn.
No [g h]l_^_l_ h _f, [[ ] ho g ]fchn_m] ^ch
loc.
c jligcn, l_j_n î]nilof. D[] gchn, _c \ch_,
[c ^_mnof jon_l_ ][ m-i ceri Electorului m g
aresteze.
M lia< h _m_h, [l_ ^l_jn[n_. M[c hnltcc joch,
go]hô-gc j[ln_[ chn_lci[l [ i\l[tofoc, ôj ][l_
f ghac j_ E^_h j_ ][j.
M hnil] cg_^c[n, \ch_? To mn[c j_ \[h]. S ho
jf_]c hc]c_lc= D[] pch_ ]ch_p[ c h]_[l] m n_ c[
de-[c]c, m cjc= Ac h_f_m?
E^_h m_ n_la_ ]o i gh f[ h[m c h]opcch_[t ^ch
cap.
f ô] h[jic f[ \h]o, [jic f olg_t j_ g_^c] h
m[fih. U[ m_ h]bc^_ ]o oh ^_]fc] oil.
Ce s-[ hngjf[n? f hnl_\ h_l\^nil.
Tin hnil] i]bcc mjl_ o, ][ c ]hd, m-[ [n_jn[
m ^cmj[l hnl-i ]fcj ^_ h_[n_hc_ ^ch j[ln_[ g_[.
h ]if, _]l[hof gc-i [l[n j_ Joh_ mnh^ mchaol h
salonul ei.
D_ ^[n[ [mn[, î]nilof ho g[c j[l_ clcn[n. Aj[m j_
oh \onih ^_ j_ j_l_n_ c f [o^ golgolh^ ]_p[ h
VP - 362
f_anol ]o h]bc^_lea microfonului camerelor de
supraveghere.
A[ ôj ]og c mjoh_[g h[chn_ m jf_]c< n
ncgjof p_lc`c]lcfil, c-[g `]on i l[^cial[`c_
]_l_\l[f ][ m p_^_g ^[] ho [o _rcmn[n chn_lp_hcc
]bclolac][f_ h j_lci[^[ ]n [c mn[n h Cifihcc. N-am
amcn hcgc] halcdilnil h []_mn m_hm< Ag ^_m]ij_lcn
hm [fn]_p[.
Di]nilof m_ lmo]_n_, jilh_n_ oh ^cmjitcncp gc]o
c gc ch^c] oh _]l[h fogch[n ^_ j_ j_l_n_. Aj[l_
l[^cial[`c[ ]l_c_lofoc g_o. M h]lohn, ]]c ho
h_f_a ]_ p^. M_^c]of gc [l[n i j[n hnoh_][n h
tih[ ch`_lci[l [ cg[achcc.
Ag pton [mn[, fha bcji][gjof mnha. Cl_^ ] _
p_]b_, jli\[\cf ^_ [hc ^_ tcf_ c, h ncgj, h]_nof ]o
h]_nof, m-a agravat.
Sno^c_t j[n[ ]n_p[ gig_hn_, [jic g hnil] mjl_
î]nil. Mc_ ]ihncho m gc m_ j[l i ]b_mnce
chmcahc`c[hn, g[c [f_m []og, ]h^ E^_h g [n_[jn j_
bif. M[c [f_m []og, ]h^ i m jin m i l_p^ j_ Joh_.
i? Altceva?
Ai avut cumva dureri de cap foarte mari? n ultima
pl_g_ m[o h ofncgcc [hc?
D[. Nilg[f ] [g ôl_lc ^_ ][j. L_ [g ^ch hi[jn_[
ch^ [g ìmn ôm f[ Sjcn[fof C_hnl[f ^ch Lim Aha_f_m
c m-[o `]on n_mn_ j_ gch_, ^ch hi[jn_[ ]h^ [l `c
nl_\ocn m gil, ^[l [g m]j[n. Ajli\ ^ch ][j.
M_^c]of c h]lo]c_[t \l[_f_.
Dch _pc^_h_f_ hi[mnl_ g_^c][f_ l_tofn ]< ôj
ce ai picat Examenul, s-[o `]on _rj_lcg_hn_ j_ nch_.
Ncn_ n_mn_ j_ ]l_c_l. To< < igof no_n_,
mnlôchô-m_ m-c am_[m] pil\_f_ jinlcpcn_
nl_\oc[ m gilc ì[ln_ l_j_^_, ^[l [c mojl[pc_ocn. S_
j[l_ hm ] _`_]n_f_ []_fil n_mn_ [o h]_jon m m_
`[] mcgcn_.
Doctolof ]ihncho h i[jn:
VP - 363
Ncg_hc ho nc_ hcgc] ^_mjl_ [mn[, hc]c g][l
Ef_]nilof. No pl_g m [loh]g [l[ f[ fi] h ì]of
h_fchcncfil l_pifocih[l_. Ihcc[f, [g ]l_ton ]
jon_g m n_ pch^_]g jlchnl-i ]ig\ch[c_ ^_ ij_l[cc
]bclolac][f_ c g_^c][c_, ^[l ]h^ [g mno^c[n g[c ]o
[n_hc_ tih[ jli\f_g[nc], h_-[g ^[n m_[g[ ] nogi[l_[
m_ [g_mn_] ì[ln_ gofn ]o _monof mhnim ^ch
bcji][gj, [[ h]n h_-[l `c cgjimc\cf m mn[\cfctg
mcno[c[ `l m-c [`_]ng, h gi^ m_p_l, ][j[]cn[n_[
]iahcncp.
c ]_ hm_[gh [mn[? f hnl_\ habcch^ h m_].
O`nh^, î]nilof c m]i[n_ i]b_f[lcc.
D[s, [mn[ hm_[gh ] _nc j_ gi[ln_.
VP - 364
29. JUNE
ORA 20:07.
LA DOU ZILE DUP ELIBERAREA MEA.
TURNUL OXFORD, SECTORUL LODO, DENVER.
22C LA INTERIOR.
D[s [ ìmn _fc\_l[n c_lc, f[ il[ [jn_ ^cgch_[[. De

atunci, l-am moh[n ^_ nl_c ilc c ho [ lmjohm
hc]ci^[n. A\c[ []og îo il_ c-[g [otcn, h m`lcn,
pi]_[ h ][m].
Enc fc\_l [tc, Joh_?
Bfh^__[ pi]cc foc gc-a dat fiori.
T_ ^_l[hd_[t ^[] nl_] j_ f[ nch_? Vl_[o m
vorbim.
H[c h]i[]_, c-[g lmjohm.
Asta a fost tot ce ne-am spus.
D[s i m [doha ]olh^. R_]ohim] d_h[n ], ^_c, h
ofncg[ il, [g h]_l][n m-gc `[] ^_ fo]lo ilîhh^
fo]lolcf_ jlch [j[ln[g_hn c j_lcch^ \f[h[ foc Offc_,
nu pot s g ah^_m] f[ hcgc] [fn]_p[ ^_]n f[ ]_ pl_[
D[s m ^cm]on_ ]o gch_.
E ]co^[n m [g ^ch hio oh [j[ln[g_hn [f g_o,
^c]bcmcn, ]o i gofcg_ ^_ fo]lolc hic c h_`[gcfc[l_.
C[h[j_f_ c], ][h^_f[\l_ l[`ch[n_, g_m_ ^_ mnc]f,
j[lîm_[f ^ch f_gh ^_ _m_h n[l_. Obiecte de lux
][l_ ho g `[] m g mcgn \ch_ jim_^hô-le. Dincolo
^_ `_l_[mnl [ h]_jon m ][^ i tj[^ ^_fc][n, ]og
m_ g[c hngjf jlcgp[l[. Offc_ î[lg_ fha gch_, j_
oh[ ^chnl_ ][h[j_f_. Doj ]_ [g ìmn _rn_lh[n ^ch
mjcn[f, mif^[cc g-au adus ]o oh d__j jh [c]c, f[
Turnul Oxford c-atunci primul pe care l-[g pton
]h^ [g jcn hohnlo [ ìmn Offc_, ][l_ ^^_[
`l_h_nc] ^ch ]i[^ c-c gjcha_[ \inof h gh[ g_[.
Mi s-[ mjom ] Ef_]nilof ]_lom_ ^_d[ ^_ gofn pl_g_ ][
VP - 365
Offc_ m `c_ nlcgcm f[ D_hp_l c halcdcn. Ig_^c[n
ôj ]_ [g ìmn [l_mn[n ^_ Tbig[m. A]og gc f-a dat
h[jic, i lgc [ pc_cc g_f_ nlcn_ fha M_nc[m.
M hnl_\ ]_ jl_l_ [l_ Tbig[m ^_mjl_ ni[n_ [mn_[. V[
olg[ jlini]ifof, ][ ^_ i\c]_c, c, olgni[l_[ ^[n
]h^ g p[ p_^_[, m_ p[ h]fch[ h `[[ g_[ c-mi va
dol[ fic[fcn[n_ jh f[ gi[ln_? Pi[n_ ] Ah^_h [
ilîh[n ][ c _f m `c_ [l_mn[n gjl_oh ]o î[gh[
]ig[h^[hn J[g_mih c Razor. Nu-gc ^[o m_[g[ ]_ [
jon_[ mcgc hnl-i [mn`_f ^_ mcno[c_.
I_lc [o hgilghn[n-o pe Kaede. Aonilcncf_ [l `c
dus-i f[ ]l_g[nilco c c-[l `c [fi][n i jf]o
]ig_gil[ncp mcgjf, j_ oh j_l_n_ ^chnl-un bloc
òh_l[l, ^[l _o [g chmcmn[n m [c\ j[ln_ ^_ ]_p[ g[c
^lao. Uh fi] ^_ p_]c [^_pl[n. Tl_ct_]c ^_
]_hncg_nlc jnl[c hog[c j_hnlo _[. Fcl_n_ ] Ah^_h
mi-[ `]on j_ jf[]. D[] _[, K[_^_, [l g[c nlc []og,
oh^_ [l `c? O[l_, jh f[ olg, R_jo\fc][ [l `c
h]iljil[n-i h ìl_f_ [_lc_h_? O[l_ D[s c-a vizitat
^_d[ gilghnof? O[l_ m_ ]ihmc^_l pchip[n ^_ gi[ln_[
_c, [[ ]og _o g mcgn? mn[ _ i[l_ motivul pentru
][l_ [ [n_jn[n [nn ^_ gofn ôj _rn_lh[l_ ][ m g
contacteze?
c ]_ m_ hngjf []og? C_ pig `[]_ hic îc ^_ [c]c
h[chn_?
Ol[ 20:12. D[s [ hnltc[n. Sn[o ]o jlcpcl_[
[chncn [mojl[ occ, ch][j[\cf ^_ ilc]_ [fn]_p[,
n_ghô-g ] i m f l[n_t ^[] ]fcj_m].
Ol[ 20:15. lcnof \fh^ [f oh_c mih_lcc lmoh h
hnl_a [j[ln[g_hnof. Offc_ m_ nl_t_n_, lc^c]
ol_]bcf_ c m]b_[oh. A [dohm. Lcn_l[fg_hn_, m[l h
mom ^_ j_ ][h[j_[. P[mof foc D[s j_ ]ilcîl _ [nn ^_
oil h]n hc]c g][l ]ch_f_ ho f [o^_ p_hch^.
D_m]bc^ o[ c h]l_g_h_m]. S[fonof j_ ][l_ f [p_[g
jl_ancn gc m_ ijl_n_ h an. D[s _ h `[[ g_[, ]o
gchcf_ h \otoh[l_ c [l[n [\mifon mjf_h^c^. E
g\l][n hnl-i ohcìlg l_jo\fc][h h_[al, hio-
VP - 366
hio, ]o ôhac alc-h]bcm h fohaof j[hn[fihcfil c
h dolof jlcc ch`_lci[l_ [ gh_]cfil. Gof_lof f[n [f
b[ch_c gcfcn[l_, nc[n h ^c[aih[f, _ c^_hnc] ]o ]_f
[f nloj_fil ^ch D_hp_l. Pi[ln ghoc [f\_ c _f_a[hn_
^ch h_ijl_h, j_ ][l_ f_ p^ cpchô-se din buzunarele
pantalonilor, fi_][l_ ^_]il[n ]o ]n_ oh fhcil
[olco mo\cl_. Plof c m_ l_p[lm j_ og_lc, ][ oh pi[f
fo]cim, jl_ml[n ]o tj[^[ acha[ ^_ [`[l. O]bcc foc
gchoh[c mohn ^_ oh [f\[mnlo ocgcnil ^_ fogchim;
]cp[ òfac m]fcj_m] [hch[c ^_ a_h_. E ^_-o
`logom__ ljcni[l_. A\c[ []og gc ^[o m_[g[ ] ho f-
[g g[c pton hc]ci^[n g\l][n hnl-i chon ìlg[f,
^[lgcn_ h chon[ i`c]c[f ^_ gcfcn[l. No _l[g
jl_ancn j_hnlo [mn[, j_hnlo cgj[]nof j_ ][l_
`logom__[ foc \ch_ jom h p[fi[l_ f ji[n_ [p_[
asupra mea.
D[s gc m_mct_[t _rjl_mc[ c tg\_n_ [got[n.
M-[g g\l][n [[ j_hnlo jit, gc mjoh_, [lnh^
]nl_ b[ch_f_ ^_ j_ _f. Eo ^h^ gh[ ]o Ef_]nilof. N-a
ìmn [f_a_l_[ g_[. Epc^_hn. Sj_l m ho l_al_n `[jnof
] [g ^_]f[l[n ]-l sprijin.
c [c l_ocn m nl_]c jlch gofcg_[ [ôh[n h
`[[ ]f^clcc h ][l_ fi]oc_nc? tc] _o ôj ]_ g-am
^_tg_nc]cn mo`c]c_hn ]n m jin m]bc[ oh molm. S_
tpih_n_ ] jijof[c[ ]_l_ ][ no m `cc hiof Ef_]nil.
D[s m_ mnlg\ c m]i[n_ oh gilgcn [ _r[mj_l[l_.
Eu Elector? Da, sigur. Eo ^_i][g^[n ho jin hc]c
g][l m mjoh ] gc-_ ^l[a R_jo\fc][. gc g[c nl_\oc_
]_p[ ncgj m g i\choc_m]. Cn ^_mjl_ j[ln_[ ]o
evitarea oamenilor _c \ch_, f[ [mn[ ]bc[l ] g
jlc]_j. Pl_`_l m ho ^[o i]bcc ]o _c j_hnlo gig_hn.
Scgn i hin ^_ nlcmn__ h pi]_[ foc, ]_p[ ][l_ gc
mjoh_ ] D[s [ ìmn ^_d[ f[ gilghnof foc K[_^_. Ch^
c ^ m_[g[ ] f jlcp_m] ]_l]_nnil, c ^l_a_
af[mof c gc hnch^_ i ]onco ^ch ][nc`_[. E oh mic
^_ ^_`_l_h h a_mnof foc ][l_ g h_ôg_l_n_.
L-[g ]ogjl[n j_ ^log. E pentru tine, iubito.
VP - 367
gc m][j oh golgol ^_ moljlct.
Mersi.
I[o ]onco[ ]o alcd, i [^gcl ]n_p[ ]fcj_, [jic
h]fch ][jof mjl_ D[s.
Cu ce ocazie?
Ef c ^ jlof ôj ol_]b_ c h]_[l] m j[l
degajat.
Mi s-[ jlon ] _ ^lao.
D_m]bc^ ]onco[ ]o \a[l_ ^_ m_[g, [jic, ]h^ p^
]_ _ hohnlo, gc m_ ijl_n_ l_mjcl[c[ oh fhcil
^_ [lachn ]o oh j[h^[hncp gc]o, ^chnl-oh lo\ch h
ìlg ^_ f[]lcg, h]ihdol[n ]o ^c[g[hn_ gcncn_f_. h
jurul pietrei centrale propriu-tcm m_ h]if]_m] nl_c
`clci[le de argint.
E< moj_l\=
Scgn ] i\l[dcc gc [l^.
Tl_\oc_ m `c ]imn[n i [p_l_.
D_ ]h^ [g h]_jon m ìfim_m] [mn`_f ^_ ìlgof_
politicoase cu Day?
Plc_n_hof g_o m]onol ^ch ][j.
Aonilcncf_ l_jo\fc][h_ g jfn_m] ì[ln_ \ch_ h
c^__[ ] _o m `co ]n g[c gofogcn. Ro\chof _ jc[nl[
n[ hili]i[m, ho? Ec, g-[g ah^cn ] [l nl_\oc m [c
^_ f[ gch_ i [gchncl_ g[c `logi[m ^_]n oh h_hili]cn
^_ ch_f `]on ^ch [al[`_ ^_ blnc_.
f ghac_ j_ Offc_ j_ ][j, [jic m_ jl_`[]_ ] gc
[^gcl [j[ln[g_hnof.
E frugim. S_[gh gofn ]o [f g_o.
Day a primit un apartament similar, la fel de bine
jtcn, ]n_p[ \fi]olc g[c h]ifi, j_ []__[c mnl[^ ]o
mine.
Mofog_m], c mjoh.
P_hnlo gig_hn, [_t ]onco[ ]o alcd j_ g[m[ ^ch
\o]nlc_. Ajic c `[] ]o i]bcof.
S ncc ] ninoc ch_fof g_o ^_ [al[`_ gc jf]_[
mai mult.
VP - 368
P_hnlo i `l[]coh_ ^_ m_]oh^, ]bcjof c _ choh^[n
^_ `_lc]cl_. gc pch_ m-f ]ojlch^ h \l[_ c m gc
fcj_m] \ot_f_ ^_ [f_ foc, ^[l _ ]_p[ h [ncno^ch_[ foc
][l_ gc mjoh_ ] [l nl_\oc m g [\ch.
M b[t[l^_t m `[] i l_`_lcl_ _tcn[hn f[ gincpof
h_fchcncfil foc.
Ce face Eden?
E destul de bine.
D[s g[c jlcp_n_ i ^[n ^_ dol-gjl_dolof ][g_l_c,
[jic m_ ocn ^ch hio f[ gch_.
D_mcaol, l[jiln[n f[ ]cl]ogmn[h_f_ ^[n_.
Eo gc jf_] ][jof.
gc< j[l_ lo. Ag [`f[n ^_ jli\f_g[ ]o p_^_l_[. E<
E h pc[, g hnl_loj_ D[s ]o \fh^__. Amn[ gc-
e de-ajuns.
h]opcch_t ^ch ][j mnhd_hcn, [jic [ghîc n]_g i
\oh \o][n ^_ ncgj.
Doj ][l_ tc]:
Vic[c m ^cm]ong.
Da.
D[s f[m i]bcc h dim, c `lghn joch j[fg_f_
hgho[n_, [jic c f_ h^_[m h \otoh[l_.
Ag [`f[n ^_ [p[hm[l_[ j_ ][l_ c-a propus-o Anden.
M hnil] c g [_t j_ ][h[j_[. No [o nl_]on hc]c
j[nlot_]c c ijn ^_ il_ c ^_d[ [g pton ^_ îo ilc
ncl_[ [mn[ [hoh[n j_ JumboTron-urile ^ch il[:
JUNE IPARIS PROPUS PENTRU STAGIUL DE PREGTIRE

N VEDEREA OCUPRII POSTULUI DE PRINCEPS.
Al nl_\oc m `co `_lc]cn ] mo\c_]nof [ ìmn

deschis de Day m-[g nin ]bchocn m am_m] i ][f_ ^_
a o face, iar el m-[ m]oncn ^_ [mn[. c ninoc, jofmol
gc ]l_n_ c g nl_t_m] ] mohn _gicih[n, _r[]n [[
cum m-[g n_gon. Pi[n_ ] D[s _ mojl[n ] ho c-am spus
de asta imediat?
VP - 369
C_ ncc g[c _r[]n? f hnl_\ ]h^ pch_ c m_ [[t
fha gch_.
G_hoh]bcof foc gc [ncha_ oil ]i[jm[. Cbc[l c i
astfel de atcha_l_ ^_fc][n g `[]_ m mcgn `fonolc h
mnig[]. M ocn f[ `[[ foc ][ m p^ ^[] a_mnof [
ìmn `]on h gi^ ^_fc\_l[n, hm \ot_f_ foc D[s m-au
mnlhm hnl-i alcg[m, ^_ j[l] [l nc _r[]n mjl_ ]_
m_ h^l_[jn ^cm]oc[ hi[mnl c ho [l pl_[ m m_
ajung []ifi.
Zpihcmnc][ tc]_ ] [l nl_\oc m `cc [fnolc ^_
Ah^_h j_lg[h_hn. Cil_]n? C n_-[c jl_anc m ^_pcc
Plch]_jm. E [^_pl[n?
O`n_t. Ug_lcc gc m_ jl\o_m]. gc halij `[[ h
palme. Auzindu-f j_ D[s limnch^ ]opchn_f_ [mn_[, gc
dau seama de greutatea pe care acest angajament o
[[t j_ og_lcc g_c. Fcl_n_, h_f_a gincp_f_
practice pentru care Anden m-a propus pentru acest
post. Nu-gc g[c lgh_ ^_]n m mj_l ] jin [don[ f[
nl[hmìlg[l_[ R_jo\fc]cc. Ti[n jl_ancl_[ g_[
gcfcn[l, nin ]_ g-[ hp[n M_nc[m< Cogp[ nco ]
mohn jinlcpcn j_hnlo aop_lhof l_jo\fc][h. D[l<
D[, _ [^_pl[n, lmjoh^ c cg_^c[n [^[oa: No _ i
]_l_l_ h ]mnilc_, h-[l_ f_anol ]o [mn[. E i
]b_mnc_ ][l_ ch_ ^_ ][lc_l, c[l _o [ `c î[l oh[
^chnl_ ]_c ][l_ chnl h ]igj_ncc_ pentru acest post.
I[l [mn[ hm_[gh mjnghc< g lia< fohc hnl_ac, h
][l_ [ `c jf_][n. h ][l_ [ `c ^_j[ln_ ^_<
D_j[ln_ ^_ nch_, pl_[o m mjoh. D[l gc m_ j[l_ ]
moh jl_[ g_fi^l[g[nc], [[ ] [f_a m ho g[c h]b_c
jlijitcc[. h m]bcg\, c i`_l lui Day toate
detaliile, la care eu m-[g nin ah^cn. c pil\_m]
^_mjl_ jlial[gof h`cilnil [f ohoc Plch]_jm-Ef_]n; c
mjoh ], ^[] [ []]_jn[ jlipi][l_[, pic pl_[ m [g c
gig_hn_ ^_ l_mjcli c ], ^_ `[jn, ho mohn mcaol ]n
^ch ncgjof g_o [ jon_[ m-l ^_^c] R_jo\fc]cc. Doj i
pl_g_, gc ^[o m_[g[ ] [g h]_jon m \[n ]gjcc, ^[l
gc `[]_ \ch_ m g ^_m][l], m pil\_m] ^_mjl_
VP - 370
jli\f_g_f_ g_f_ ]o \c[nof f[ ][l_ ch. gc `[]_ \ch_
] ho nl_\oc_ m g [\ch. D[] _rcmn h pc[[ g_[
]ch_p[ ][l_ m g_lcn_ m [`f_ ninof, [noh]c j_lmi[h[
aceea e Day.
No nco ]_ m-c mjoh foc Ah^_h, h]b_c. No g-a
jl_m[n h hc]coh `_f, hm nl_\oc_ m-c ^[o h ]olh^
oh lmjohm.
D[s ho tc]_ hcgc]. Vil\_f_ g_f_ lgh ]ogp[
momj_h^[n_ ^_[mojl[ n]_lcc ^chnl_ hic. No jin ^_m]lc_
expresia de pe chipul lui jlcpcl_[ foc _ ai[f, ][
c ]og D[s [l `c jc_lôn ]_p[, ][ c ]og oh fo]lo
_m_hc[f m-[l `c lcmcjcn. E i nlcmn__ jliòh^, `l
]opchn_, ][l_ g m`c_. L[ ]_ m_ ah^_n_? O[l_ ]l_^_
ce-c mjoh? O[l_ ]ihmc^_l, [[ ]og [g `]on-i c _o
chcc[f, ] jlijoh_l_[ foc Ah^_h _ gincp[n ^_
chn_l_mof foc j_hnlo gch_? E nlcmn j_hnlo ] [mn[ [l
hm_gh[ t_]_ [hc h ][l_ [jli[j_ ] ho h_-am mai
vedea? f jlcp_m] c [n_jn, h]_l]h^ m [hnc]cj_t ]_
p[ mjoh_. Scaol ] c^__[ [mn[ ho f `[]_ `_lc]cn,
mcaol ] m_ p[ ijoh_. Nc]c _o ho mohn `_lc]cn f[
ahôf ]<
Day rupe dintr-i^[n n]_l_[:
A]]_jn-c i`_ln[, gc ijn_n_.
M [jf_] mjl_ _f, `cch^] ho ]l_^ ] [g [otcn \ch_
ce a zis.
Poftim?
D[s g mno^c[t ]o fo[l_ [gchn_. Mh[ c nl_m[l_, ][
c ]h^ [l pl_[ m i lc^c]_ c m gc [ncha i\l[tof.
D[l ho m_ gc].
Ag p_hcn m-c mjoh m-c []]_jc i`_ln[, gc
l_j_n _f j_ oh nih m]ton.
Clipesc. Gnof g î[l_; i fogch fjni[m gc
choh^ p_^_l_[. No m_ ji[n_ ] mn[ m `c_ lmjohmof
corect g [n_jn[g f[ h_hogl[n_ [fn_ p[lc[hn_ ^ch
j[ln_[ foc, hog[c f[ [mn[ ho. S[o ji[n_ ] ho
lmjohmof foc _ ]__[ ]_ g i]b_[t [nn ^_ n[l_, ]c
`_fof h ][l_ l-[ limncn. C[ c ]og [l l_hoh[ f[
VP - 371
gch_. M bif\_t f[ _f i ]fcj, hnl_\hô-g ^[] ho
]ogp[ ]opchn_f_ []_f_[ [o ìmn liôf cg[ach[c_c g_f_.
hm _rjl_mc[ foc nlcmn, ^cmn[hn lgh_
h_m]bcg\[n. hnil] ][jof c g gon j_ g[lach_[
canapelei. Din cauz[ gchcc g_f_ [gilcn_ ho-mi mai
[gchn_m] ^_]n m ijn_m]:
De ce?
De ce nu?
Vi]_[ foc j[l_ ] pch_ ^ch [fn fog_; _ fcjmcn ^_
pc[ ][ i `fi[l_ i`cfcn.
No h_f_a. Pi[n_ ] _ m[l][mnc]. S[o ji[n_ ] i m
gc mjoh ] ninoc pl_[ m amcg i ][f_ m ìm
gjl_oh. hm D[s ho g[c [^[oa hcgc]. D_ ]_ m-mi
]_[l m []]_jn i`_ln[ foc Ah^_h? Eo [g ]l_ton ] p[
`c [nn ^_ `_lc]cn ] ni[n jip_mn_[ [mn[ jlch ][l_ [g
trecut s-[ h]b_c[n, h m`lcn; [g ]l_ton ] pig
h]_l][ m ô]_g, gjl_oh, i pc[ ]n ^_ ]n
hilg[f, ch^c`_l_hn ]_ [l hm_gh[ [mn[, ^_ `[jn. Mc_,
una, mi-[l `c ì[ln_ oil m am_m] i ìlg ^_
]igjligcm h jlcpch[ i`_ln_c foc Ah^_h m[o ]bc[l m i
l_òt h nin[fcn[n_. D_ ]_ D[s ho gc-a propus asta?
Cl_^_[g ], hnl_ hic îc, _f _ ]_f m_hncg_htal.
Ch^ p_^_ ] ho c lmjoh^ cg_^c[n, D[s mol^_ [g[l.
Sng [ghîc, ]o gchcf_ ^_mjlcn_, ^_ j[l] hnl_
noi s-[l ]ih]_hnl[ al_on[n_[ hnl_acc fogc. Mmolg
m_]oh^_f_ ][l_ nl_] `l m h_ tc]_g hcgc]. Doj
]n_p[ gchon_, D[s nl[a_ [^h] [_l h jc_jn i zice:
Eo, < g[c [g m-c mjoh ]_p[.
h]fch ][jof h n]_l_, [n_jnhô-f m ]ihncho_.
T_ghô-g ^_ ]_ p[ mjoh_. T_ghô-g ] gc p[
explica motivul.
Etcn, c[l gig_hn_f_ [mn_[ j[l [nn ^_ fohac, hm,
[noh]c ]h^, h m`lcn, pil\_n_, i `[]_ ]fnchh^
^ch ][j c lth^ m]oln, ]o i _rjl_mc_ nl[ac]. gc
^[o m_[g[ ] m-[ ltah^cn, ] [ [m]ohm c h]oc[n
m_]l_nof h chcg[ foc, f[ fi].
VP - 372
ncc, oh_ilc g hnl_\ ]og [l `c ìmn ^[]< n_-[
`c hnfhcn, jol c mcgjfo, hnl-i tc i[l_][l_. A[
]og fc m_ hngjf i[g_hcfil hilg[fc. D[], hnl-o
^cgch_[ hmilcn, n_-[ `c pton j_ mnl[^, gc-[ `c
tcm ] _nc ^lao, g-[ `c ijlcn, c-[ `c mnlhm
gh[ c c-[ `c mjom: Boh, _o mohn D[hc_f.
L[ ahôf mn[, [nn ^_ ôf]_, h]bc^ i]bcc. C_
eliberatoare ar `c i [mn`_f ^_ hnfhcl_. C_ mcgjf.
Ce bine-[l `c ìmn, c ijn_m].
D[s m_ [jo] m tah^l_ fhcilof [olco ^_ f[
gho.
Ah^_h _ Ef_]nilof Plcgi [f hnl_acc R_jo\fc]c. O
ocazie ca asta s-[l jon_[ m ho g[c [j[l.
nco ]_ pl_[ m gc mjoh.
Nu-c `[]_ alcdc. No _ ][ c ]og ho [ jon_[ m
g[c ch`fo_h_t ]olmof fo]lolcfil [c]c, h R_jo\fc],
^[] l_òt i`_ln[ [mn[. Pin m am_m] i ìlgof ^_
]igjligcm. Amn[ ho _ mchaol[ ][f_<
Joh_, [m]ofn-g, g hnl_loj_ _f ]o \fh^__,
lc^c]h^ [g\_f_ gchc ][ m g ijl_[m]. No nco ^[]
i m g[c [g ]ol[dof m-c g[c mjoh ni[n_ [mn_[ [fn
^[n.
M nl_]_ oh `lcmih ^ch ][ot[ `_fofoc h ][l_ gc
jlihoh hog_f_. Ajic D[s gc tg\_n_. E oh molm
][l_ `[]_ ][, h chn_lcilof g_o, ]_p[ m m_ mj[la h
milioane de bucc. No nco ^_ ]_, ^[l [l_ oh [_l ^_
j[l] [mn[ [l `c ofncg[ ^[n ]h^ h_ g[c hnfhcg.
H[c, [ghîc ncg ]_ nl_\oc_ m m_ hngjf_. No h_
]ohi[n_g ^_]n ^_ îo fohc. hm _o gc-am petrecut
ni[n pc[[ fojnh^ ]o mcmn_gof j_ ][l_ Ef_]nilof pl_[
acum s-f m]bcg\_. I[l no< g lia, `[gcfc[ n[ [
mo`_lcn f[ `_f ^_ gofn ][ c [ g_[.
D[s `[]_ i j[ot, c[l i]bcc c ][jn i jlcpcl_
h^_jln[n.
Oc `c _o \oh f[ chon ^cm]olmolc j_ []ij_lcolcf_
]f^clcfil c f[ g[h_pl[n g[m_f_, ^[l ^_mjl_ jifcnc]
ho nco [\mifon hcgc]. Eo ho jin m `co î[l i
VP - 373
g[m]in. h m]bcg\, no< ntotdeauna ai fost exact
j_lmi[h[ ^_ ][l_ i[g_hcc [o h_pic_. c []og [c i][tc[
m m]bcg\c fo]lolcf_.
D[s gc c[ gh[ [nchah^ fi]of oh^_ mnn_[ ch_fof j_
care mi-f `]om_. c mcgn \nnolcf_ ^ch j[fg c
\fh^__[ ôl_li[m [ a_mnofoc mo.
Scaol, ^_]ctc[ c [j[lch_, ^[l no ncc ]_ _
h_]_m[l m [f_ac. c ho nl_\oc_ m c_c i binll_
`cch^] n_ mcgc pchip[n m[o ]_p[ ^_ a_hof mn[. No-
c `[]_ alcdc ^ch ][ot[ g_[. nco ] ^_ [mn[ _tcc
p^ h i]bcc nc ] f[ [mn[ n_ ah^_nc.
Cihnchoc m n[]. L[ ]_ m_ l_`_l? C_ [hog_ p_^_ h
i]bcc g_c? Cog [ln _o []og?
T]_l_[ g_[ f `[]_ m i`n_t_. No-i pot descifra
_rjl_mc[ `__c.
Joh_<, mjoh_ _f ]o h]_nch_[f.
Dch]ifi ^_ ]opchn_, af[mof foc j[l_ ] m-ar putea
`lha_.
hnl_ hic îc, fo]lolcf_ ho pil g_la_ hc]ci^[n.
I[n [^_pl[nof gincp. S]onol ^ch ][j, j_hnlo ] ho
pl_[o m [o^ c l_mnof. No [mn[. T_ lia, D[s, ho
mjoh_ [mn[, n_ lia, ho mjoh_ [mn[.
O m amcg i ][f_, h]_j m tc].
Ajic h]_j m ^_naliez cu repeziciune.
P_hnlo i pl_g_, jin m fo]l_t h j[nlof_f_ ^ch
][jcn[f. Olc]og, [mn[ [l `c i p[lc[hn ][l_ m
òh]cih_t_ i j_lci[^. Ep_hno[f, ^[] pl_[o h_[jl[n
m chnlo h jifcnc], jin m `co [^doh]n[ ohoc
senator. Doisprezece dintre senatori<
D[s hc]c ho ji[n_ m g jlcp_[m].
No mohn_g `]oc m `cg gjl_oh. Pol c mcgjfo,
mohn< S-[o hngjf[n jl_[ gofn_ fo]lolc.
Ajic, ]o pi]_ g[c m]ton:
Prea multe lucruri.
Gl_on[n_[ ]opchn_fil foc g nl_t_n_ f[ l_[fcn[n_.
Ceea ce mi-a spus nu are leanol ]o jitcc[ ^_
Princeps, ci cu altceva. Day mi-[l `c mjom []_f[c
VP - 374
fo]lo c ^[] Ah^_h ho gc-ar fi oferit avansarea.
C_[ln[ hi[mnl ^ch mo\n_l[h< Vl_[o m c mjoh ]n ^_
gofn m_ h[f, ^[l ho jin m f ]ihnl[tc]. P_hnlo ],
de fapt, are dreptate. Cug [g jonon m ]l_^ ] ho pig
mo`_lc [ghîc ]ihm_]ch_f_ fo]lolcfil j_ ][l_ c f_-am
`]on? Cog [g jonon m `co [nn ^_ [lia[hn c m
jl_mojoh ], jh f[ olg, ninof m_ p[ l_tifp[ j_hnlo
hic, ] îo-nl_c `[jn_ \oh_ pil jon_[ ]igj_hm[ ni[n
durerea pe care i-am provocat-i? A^_plof p[ lgh_
g_l_o []_f[c. Ih^c`_l_hn ]n ^_ gofn [l h]_l][ _f,
^_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ g p[ jlcpc, p[ p_^_[ ]_ m-a
hngjf[n ]o `[gcfc[ foc. C_ c-[g `]on. I[l [mn[ f
p[ olglc ni[n pc[[. N_ p[ ^_mjlc p_hc].
No nl_\oc_ m g g[c [a ^_ _f.
M[c [g joch c ct\o]h_m] h jfhm; ^[l ho
h^lth_m] m ^[o `lo fc\_l f[]lcgcfil.
D_]c, ijn_m].
Vi]_[ gc nl_gol ^ch ][ot[ _ìlnofoc.
S-[ n_lgch[n? Doj nin ]_ [ ìmn?
Cbc[l h ncgj ]_ limn_m] ]opchn_f_, gc ^[o m_[g[ ]
ele nu-c g[c [o limnof. Rof [ ìmn ^_d[ `]on. No
g[c _rcmn ][f_ ^_ hni[l]_l_.
Aôm ^_ mj[n_, D[s c []ij_l i]bcc ]o gchcf_.
gc j[l_ [[ ^_ lo, golgol ]nl_ gch_.
Secunde lungi trec.
C[ ôj i _n_lhcn[n_, habcn ]o hiôlc. No pic
jfha_. Dl[aimn_[ _ cfiac], ^l[aimn_[ [l_ ]ihm_]ch_
_ pch[ g_[ c nl_\oc_ m `co h mn[l_ m gc-o asum.
D_]c, [mog-c-i, Joh_= Eo mohn ]_[ ]l_c[ [l nl_\oc
m-c j[l lo. hnl-oh `ch[f, h fi] m tc] ]_ [ pl_[
m tc], l_o_m] m gc mnjh_m] nl_golof ^ch pi]_ c
m ^[o oh lmjohm g[c jinlcpcn mcno[c_c. R_o_m] m
mjoh ]_ [l nl_\oc m mjoh.
O m-f [hoh j_ Ah^_h.
D[s c nl_]_ i gh jlch jl, ^_m]bc^_ aol[ m
mjoh ]_p[, ^[l l_hoh. gc _ ]f[l ], h ni[n
[]_[mn jip_mn_ _rcmn c fo]lolc j_ ][l_ ho gc f_
VP - 375
spune, dar ho f jl_m_t. Olc]og, hcgc] ho m-ar
schimba. Sunt deja destule motive pentru care noi nu
jon_g m `cg gjl_oh. O]bcc foc D[s l_`f_]n fogch[
fohcc ][l_ m_ l_p[lm j_ `_l_[mnl. M[c nl_] hcn_
m_]oh^_. Di[l lmo`flcf_ hi[mnl_ m_ [o^.
Boh, _o<
Vocea i se `lha_; D[s mnlha_ joghcc. Rgh_
fi]ofoc jl_ ^_ i m_]oh^, h]_l]h^ m m_ [ôh_.
Al nl_\oc m n_ f[m m îlgc. Pli\[\cf ] _nc
i\imcn.
S_ lc^c] c c h_n_t_n_ b[ch[. N_ m[fong ^ch ][j
j_hnlo ofncg[ i[l.
Ajic D[s m_ h]fch jifcnc]im, m_ lmo]_n_ j_
]f]c_ c jilh_n_ mjl_ o.
Ni[jn_ \oh, Joh_.
Ihcg[ g_[ _ m`c[n, `]on h^lc, mha_lh^. No
jin m f f[m m jf_]_ [[. Ag nl_]on gjl_oh jlch
jl_[ gofn_ ][ m l_^_p_hcg \lom] îc mnlchc.
D_mjlcl_[ hi[mnl [l nl_\oc m `c_ g[c gofn ^_]n i
jf_]]coh_ jifcnc]i[m. Blom], gc l_am_m] _h_lac[ c
[f_la ôj _f, ]bc[l ]h^ D[s [ [dohm f[ o.
D[s, mn[c<
S_ hni[l]_. h[chn_ m [jo] m g[c mjoh ]_p[, `[]_
oh j[m mjl_ gch_ c gc ]ojlch^_ `[[ h gchc. Ajic
g mlon. O `[]_ j_hnlo ofncg[ ^[n, ]ijf_chô-g ]o
]fôl[ foc, choh^hô-g ]o pc[, ]o ^l[aimn_, ]o
gbhcl_. gc h]if]_m] \l[_f_ j_ ôj anof foc, c[l
_f g jlch^_ ^_ n[fc_. gc ^_m]bc^ aol[, c[l _f gc
go] \ot_f_, ^_pilhô-g, nchô-gc l_mjcl[c[. No
jf_][, f cgjfil `l pil\_. D[l mcgn ]ophnof ^_
^_mjlcl_ j_ \ot_f_ foc, c[l []og ho gc g[c jin
l_ch_ f[]lcgcf_. D[s nl_gol. F[[ c _ o^. Rgh
[a[n ^_ _f j_hnlo ], ^[] c-[ ^[ ^logof, [l
^cmjl_[ c [ lgh_ mchaol h ][g_l[ [mn[
hnoh_][n, h [ngim`_ra asta pustie. Day, vagabondul
`l [fn [aihcm_[f ^_]n b[ch_f_ ^_ j_ _f c
mch]_lcn[n_[ ^ch jlcpclc, _ mnjhof chcgcc g_f_.
VP - 376
Suflet frumos, trup frumos.
Snlfo]cl_[ hnl-i fog_ ]ojlchm ^_ hnoh_lc].
Lumina mea.
VP - 377
MULUMIRI
S m]lco Geniul a fost o exp_lc_h ]igjf_n ^c`_lcn

de aceea pe care mi-a oferit-o Legenda. Am trecut prin
gofn_ [n[]olc ^_ j[hc] c jlch gofn_ gig_hn_ ^_
disperare, care s-[o nl[ôm h f[]lcgc plm[n_ h `[[
f[jnijofoc. A ìmn i _rj_lc_h ][l_ g-[ i\fca[n m
explorez lumea interci[l [ j_lmih[d_fil, ][ m m]in
f[ fogch ]_f_ g[c i\m]ol_ ahôlc c [gchnclc [f_
fil. Dch `_lc]cl_ j_hnlo gch_, mohn mjlcdchcn ^_ oh
extraordinar grup de oameni care m-[o [don[n m ô] f[
`ch[f []_[mn ][ln_:
c gofog_m] [a_hn_c g_f_ fcn_l[l_, Klcmncn Nelson,
j_hnlo ] [ ìmn jlcg[ ][l_ [ pton []_mn g[hom]lcm.
Fl m`[nof c ]ig_hn[lccf_ n[f_, [ `c j_ hcmcjolc
gc]ni[l_. c gofog_m] hnl_acc _]bcj_ ^_ f[ NLA,
j_hnlo ] hnin^_[oh[ [l_ alcd ^_ gch_. c
gchoh[nofoc f_]nil Eff_h Ob, j_hnlo ] [ j[l]urs o
p[lc[hn ^_ h]_jon [ ]lcc c g-[ [don[n m g
fogch_t h jlcpch[ ohil m]_h_ ]lo]c[f_. c foc JJ,
j_hnlo ], j_ gmol ]_ pifogof [ jlchm ìlg, [ ìmn
oh ]lcnc] c oh f_]nil _rnl_g ^_ [n_hn.
L_ gofog_m] _^cni[l_fil g_f_, ch]l_^c\cf_f_ J_h
Besser c Alc L_qch, j_hnlo ] [o fo[n jlcg[ p[lc[hn
a Geniului c [o nl[hmìlg[n-i h ]_p[ gofn g[c \oh
^_]n [ `c jonon _o ^_ oh[ mchaol. V mohn
l_]ohim]ni[l_ j_hnlo ] g-[c cgjofmcih[n m f_ ^[o
g[c gofn mo\mn[h j_lmih[d_fil, ohcp_lmofoc ]lcc
c chnlcacc. Tic ]_c ][l_ ]l_^ ] lig[h_f_ ho g[c
nl_] jlch l_^[]n[l_, h gi^ ]f[l, h-[ fo]l[n hc]ci^[n
]o pic îo. Sohn_c `[hn[mnc]_= (Mofogclc mj_]c[f_
lui Little Primo!)
Sohn l_]ohim]ni[l_ hnl_acc _]bcj_ ^_ f[ Ponh[g
Cbcf^l_hm c Penguin Young Readers pentru sprijinul
fil h_]ih^ccih[n: Dih W_cm\_la, Sb[oh[ F[s, Ahh[
Jarzab, Jessica Schoffel, Elyse Marshall, Scottie
Bowditch, Lori Thorn, Linda McCarthy, Erin Dempsey,
VP - 378
Shanta Newlin, Emily Romero, Erin Gallagher, Mia
Garcia, Lisa Kelly, Courtney Wood, M[lc_ K_hn c
nonolil ]_filf[fc ][l_ [o [don[n [nn Legenda, ]n c
Geniul m jlch^ pc[. Nc]coh m]lccnil ho c-ar putea
imagina un grup de lucru mai bun.
L_ gofog_m] _rnl[il^ch[l_fil _]bcj_ ^_ f[ CBS
Fcfgm, T_gjf_ Hcff c UTA j_hnlo ]ihncho[ fil ^locle
h ìfimof Legendei: Wolfgang Hammer, Grey Munford,
Matt Gilhooley, Ally Mielnicki, Christine Batista,
Isaac Klausner, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Gina
M[lnch_t, K[mmc_ Ep[mb_pmec c W[sh_ Af_r[h^_l. No-mi
pch_ m ]l_^ ]_ hili] [g [pon.
L_ gofog_m] nonolor bloggeri-fil, ]lcnc]cfil c
dolh[fcncfil ][l_ [o m]lcm ^_mjl_ Legenda c Geniul
c nonolil fc\l[lcfil ^ch [l ][l_ [o jom [g\_f_
]lc h gchcf_ ]cncnilcfil. V gofog_m] ì[ln_ gofn
p mohn ch]l_^c\cf ^_ l_]ohim]ni[l_ j_hnlo nin ]_
`[]_c j_hnlo [ ]l_[ []_[ f_anol hnl_ ]lc c
]cncnilcc jinlcpcc.
L_ gofog_m] `[hn[mnc]cfil g_c ]cncnilc c `[hc,
j_hnlo m]lcmilcf_ fil _hnotc[mn_ c j_hnlo a_h_li[m_f_
h]ol[dlc. D_ `c_][l_ ^[n ]h^ p p_^_[g g_m[d_f_
legate de Legenda, ^_p_h_[g c g[c gincp[n m `[] ^ch
Geniul i ][ln_ ]n g[c \oh ]o jonch. V gofog_m]
] p-[c `]on ncgj m gc ]cncc ]lcf_.
h `ch[f, f_ gofog_m] g_g\lcfil `[gcfc_c g_f_,
g[g_c, foc Ah^l_ c nonolil jlc_n_hcfil g_c j_hnlo nin
mjlcdchof fil. Sohn_c ^_ h_hfi]ocn.
VP - 379
virtual-project.eu
VP - 380

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