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Chapter 3 Second Expedition

Entering the office, Professor Vyazemsky, Deputy Head of Zaslon Joint-Stock Company, the largest scientific and technical center with competencies in the development, production and supply of information and integrated automated control systems, software, instrumentation and microelectronics, turned on the ionizer. Immediately, the scent of pine needles and mountain air spread throughout the room. Sitting in a chair, the man picked up a tablet. As always, nothing new. A little about politics, then advertising, advertising and more advertising. It seemed that everyone thought only about how best to sell their product. The professor shook his head. Now everything was built on a market economy. And the competition in the international market was getting more and more intense, although their company still managed to stay in the top five. Then the silence was broken by the loud rumble of a helicopter flying over the house. Instruments rattled. The professor looked out the window – yes, everything, as always. At the same time, he heard a call. Approaching the table, the professor ran his hand over the touch surface and selected the Skype function. Immediately, a hologram of a young man appeared in front of him.

– Good morning, Valery Stepanovich.

– Hello, Arthur. Are you not at home? Something happened?

– Yes. We urgently need your help…

Professor Vyazemsky frowned.

– Arthur… I told you to be careful. As your guardian, I…

– Valery Stepanovich, we have something that may interest you. However, the information is highly confidential…

– What?!

Professor Vyazemsky raised his eyebrows.

– Arthur, urgently come to the institute!

– Yes, we are already here. But, as you know, without a pass…

Professor Vyazemsky pressed a couple of buttons. A voice over the speakers grumbled:

– I’m listening…

– Andrei, a visitor should be waiting for me at the entrance to the institute…

– So this is for you? I was wondering what these two are rubbing about here about the access code… Well, then let them in. I’ll take it now.

Professor Vyazemsky paced the office nervously. Hearing footsteps in the hallway, he opened the door.

– Come on, Arthur…

The young man who entered nodded, letting the girl go forward.

– Valery Stepanovich, let me introduce you to Anna, our staff journalist and specialist in ancient texts.

– Very glad, – the professor shook the girl’s hand. – So are you a linguist?

– Yes, I have studied rare languages since childhood…

– Well, in that case … – the professor sat in a chair, and turned on the speakerphone. – Martha, bring us some coffee, please.

– Don’t, professor. We won’t be long, – Arthur lowered his voice. – Whatever I say must remain between us.

– Of course. Martha, you don’t need coffee. And don’t let anyone in, I have an important conversation…

The professor turned off the connection and lowered soundproof shields over the windows.

– Lucky for you, I only recently had a soundproofing system installed… But in any case, we cannot be protected from tracking chips…

– Our chips are deactivated.

– That is… Arthur, it’s against the law!

– Professor, let’s get down to business. You promised to help us.

Professor Vyazemsky spread his hands in confusion.

– Arthur, what are you getting me into?

– Well, since we understood each other, there is something else… – he approached the elderly man and handed him a vial with a strange, blue liquid. – Drink this.

– What is it?

– Neutralizer, experimental nano-version, in the form of a syrup. He will block on the chip if you drink the full dose, but half is enough to turn him off for an hour and a half. We don’t need the Magisterium to see everything we’re about to show you through your eyes…

Professor Vyazemsky looked uncertainly at Arthur. He nodded.

– Arthur, you are a scientist. Don’t you know what Chip really is. Our company took part in its development many years ago, so…

– … So do you want to hear my story or not?

Valery Stepanovich caught his breath with difficulty, drops of sweat appeared on his forehead. The chip has been a part of a person’s life since birth. Embedded in the brain, it replaced all the best quantum computers, allowing a person to literally take fate and the world into his own hands. He gave everything, depriving the main thing – freedom. And, among other things, making the world gray. In the truest sense of the word, since the introduction of the chip took away all colors from a person. But in return, opening before him almost inhuman possibilities…

– Good.

Raising the flask to his lips, the professor took a sip of the tart-tasting liquid… And immediately everything swam before his eyes. He curled up in his chair and put his head in his hands. It seemed that his brain was about to explode… He rushed to the door.

– Poor fellow, I was rinsing for about five minutes… – Arthur looked sympathetically after the professor. Finally, the office door swung open. The professor at the door looked around in amazement. Arthur walked over to him and helped him to a chair.

– Well, how do you feel?

– I… This… It’s even hard for me to describe… Anna, you have hair…

– Dark chocolate, yes. It’s such a special color.

Arthur chuckled.

– Will there be more… But now you are ready to listen to our story? There is no way back.

The professor nodded. Arthur made a sign to the girl, she took out a stone from a secret pocket of her jacket. Arthur looked at the professor. Looking extremely dazed, he picked up the stone with trembling hands.

– For the first time I have no words… But, although I have seen a lot in my life… This is the greatest find, it has no price… – the professor ran his hand over his eyes. “Now I can say with certainty that I have seen everything. It means that it exists… But it is the greatest value, I don’t know any place in the world where this Stone will be safe…

Arthur leaned his hands on the table and looked at the professor intently.

– That’s why we turned to you. You are a friend of the great scientist – Professor Karpatov believed in you… You must help us get to Elyuya Cherkechekh.

– Valley of Death? Are you seriously? Why else is this? – Professor Vyazemsky looked at the young people with amazement. Just don’t say you…

– Yes, it was not easy, but we managed to decipher a few tablets. And we found a map – the man took out a wooden board from his briefcase, covered with intricate symbols. “According to the data on it, it leads us straight to the Gates of Eternity…

– Stargate? How…?! Oh, yes, yes, yes, I heard about them… But why do you need them?

– Well, it’s clear… Your scientists, who put me in an unflattering light before the Council, need proof of the existence of the Higher Worlds. They will get them. And you will do everything possible on your own to make our expedition successful. Otherwise, I will leave here right now, and you will have to explain to the Council at length and in detail how you got this card…

– Alex, are you… kidding me?”

The man smiled coldly.

– So what? You know perfectly well that leaving this stone in this world and this time is too dangerous… Wouldn’t it be better to hand it over to those who created it?

– Atlantis? No, it seems that my brain will overheat now…

– Well, as I see it, our conversation has reached an impasse. I have the honor to bow out.

The man looked like he was about to leave. Professor Vyazemsky shook his head wearily.

– Well, you took it. I think that many people can still believe your words. For example, my friends – employees of this institute – are the same romantics at heart. Denis Zudin is simply obsessed with the study of extraterrestrial civilizations and (secretly from everyone except those he trusts) created a mini astronomical laboratory at home, Alla Vels from the Chemistry and Biology Department, constantly read Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Stas Shevchenko, like a true design engineer, he sits for many hours in the library and laboratory of the institute, hoping to find a solution to restore the Stargate. By the way, no earlier than yesterday I found him re-reading the works of the famous science fiction writer Ray Bradbury for the third time…

Valery Stepanovich sat down in a chair next to him and plunged into thought. Then he looked sadly at the young man.

– Yes, Arthur, you will go far… I warn you – treat this with all possible caution. Without the chip, you are an excellent target for the Guardsmen and the Watch. Catch you… The casemates of the Magisterium are not the most pleasant place. Therefore, if you still find the Gate… Do not go back.

Arthur nodded. The girl looked at her friend in shock.

– Arthur… you didn’t tell me that we…

– Sorry, Anna, but we have no other choice. Didn’t mean to drag you into this…

– But you pulled it in! – the girl, on the verge of hysteria, retreated to the wall. The professor, looking reproachfully at the indifferent Arthur, approached her, holding out a glass of water.

– Anna… Alas, sometimes we have to accept the challenges of fate against our will.

– But my family, my friends… How can I leave them here? They’ll go crazy if I disappear!

– Believe me, I understand your despair, but think… Your alibi – going missing while carrying out a dangerous mission of the institute – is much safer for those around you than your arrest. For everyone else, you will go on a reconnaissance expedition, the purpose of which will be to protect the ecology of this region. The fact is that quite recently the Council decided to build an atomic energy plant in the upper reaches of the Vilyui River…

Arthur nodded.

– Thank you, professor. I knew you could be trusted…

Chapter 4 Death Valley

The news had the effect of an exploding bomb. The members of the future expedition were completely delighted. It’s necessary – to go hiking along the taiga paths and see in reality the confirmation of ancient Yakut legends. And the meeting with the mysterious Atlantes and, perhaps, passing through the famous Stargate (everyone remembered how many adventures had to share SG1 – the team from the famous television series of the same name!), spurred on no worse than red-hot iron. True, some were embarrassed by the need to lose the Chips, but the craving for adventure overcame. In addition, outside of Chip’s control and without the use of an antidote, the world around began to sparkle with hitherto unseen colors… So many unknown emotions, such a range of colors and sensations, many of which still needed to be understood! And Stas, as the best engineer of the team, immediately got into the system and projected portable computers,

As promised, the professor spoke with his acquaintances and a week later Alex had the opportunity to introduce the well-known scientist to everyone – Dmitry Ushakov, professor at the Archaeological Institute of the Russian Federation, who replaced Professor Karpatov. Together they began to prepare for a grand journey. Since the institute could not sponsor their trip (it was impossible to make public the true reason for the campaign), and the funds allocated by Valery Stepanovich were clearly not enough, they had to rely only on their own strength. But, fortunately, the collected funds were enough not only to stock up on provisions and uniforms, but even a small amount remained for extreme expenses. The team consisted of six people: Denis Zudin, a specialist in nuclear energy, Alla Wels, Doctor of Biochemical Sciences, Stas Shevchenko, researcher and technician, scientist, Well, respectively, Anna and Arthur himself. The meeting was scheduled for seven o’clock in the morning on September 1. So that no one at the institute would find out about the impending enterprise, all the participants pretended that nothing was happening. But still, many the day before could not hide their excitement. Even Denis absent-mindedly examined the structure of basalt instead of pumice through a laser microscope for three hours, not understanding why the rock had changed so much…

Finally, the long-awaited day has come. Getting up early in the morning, the expedition members, having loaded heavy equipment, equipment and all the necessary things, including food into cars, stopped by Arthur, who was planned to have breakfast, and only then set off.

– So, Arthur, – Stas put a glass of coffee on the table and looked at him. – What are our plans?

– Yesterday I reviewed our itinerary again. Airplanes and a light train do not suit us in any way, since, having appeared in society, our group can raise many unnecessary questions. And we have absolutely no need to attract the attention of the Watch and the Guard. So, the plan is as follows: we leave Moscow, then we will pass cities such as Novgorod, Kazan, Ufa, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, then through Ust-Kut, Tynda and Aldan we will get to Yakutsk. From Yakutsk we will go to Vilyuisk, and from there we will move along the mouth of the river to the Valley of the Boilers. If you’re lucky, we’ll get helicopters.

Stas interrupted him.

– Helicopters? Who in their right mind would agree to give us a helicopter? If the owners find out exactly where we are going to fly, you know what will happen…

– Come on… For the money they will take you wherever you want.

– Not really. Remember what the professor was talking about – this area is little studied, and during the flight, the navigation system often starts to fail and the engines fail. What sane person would do such a thing?

“Well, then, we should only hope for the power of our machines and the strength of our legs. I must warn you – the road has long been abandoned, which means we will have to move through difficult terrain – this is the taiga, and it means swamps, mari and swamps…

– But it’s wonderful. Just imagine how many new things we learn! – Alla Wels exchanged glances with Anna. True, the girl did not tell her the true reason for their trip, but nevertheless over the past week they found a lot in common and managed to make friends.

– Then let’s go! By cars!

It seemed that nature itself favored their undertakings. The weather was wonderful, the sun was shining brightly. Having got out of the city, we drove onto a superhighway, and without incident, reached Yakutsk for three and a half weeks. But there we had to make a short stop due to heavy rains, and then we could easily get to Vilyuysk. However, upon arrival there unexpectedly new difficulties arose. None of the locals agreed to show the way or be hired as a guide. And it was worth mentioning the mysterious valley, as if their interlocutor was blown away by the wind. As it turned out later, the reason for this was not swamps or impenetrable forests of the taiga, but… legends. Most often, it was about the mysterious forces guarding the path to the valley.

Arthur lost heart. Having traveled such a long distance, they will be forced to turn back! And how he would look the professor in the eyes… And then it dawned on him! How could he forget, because Valery Stepanovich told him before leaving: “You have a difficult path ahead, but I foresaw this. When you arrive in Vilyuisk, try to find an old Evenk. His name is Loko and he was Karpatov’s guide. With his help, their group then safely reached the quarry and, by the way, it was he who showed them the way to the clearing, where the laws of gravity collapse. By the way, from his words it was clear that he knew many such places, and could easily show them to us if the team had the time and the necessary equipment… So, in parting, the professor gave him a satellite navigator with a built-in radio beacon and taught to use it. So that,

Immediately, Arthur took out his GPS and adjusted the ultra-sensitive satellite navigator to the coordinates given by the professor. A small red dot flashed on the screen.

– That’s where he is! But it’s very close!

Wasting no time, Arthur threw on his jacket and, without answering the questions of his comrades, quickly left the room. Going downstairs, he went out into the street and, crossing the road, entered the old diner. He saw shabby tables, covered in spots in places, and the bartender standing behind the counter looked so bored that it became clear that very few people looked here. Walking up to the bar, Arthur ordered kvass for himself.

– Looks like you don’t have a lot visitors today.

– Yes, but to be honest, I’m not surprised. Although in winter there are more people here.

The young man looked at the bartender in surprise.

– Really?

– Oh yeah. The fact is that in winter there is an important event for all residents – reindeer sleigh races. Then a lot of people come here, including nomads. They are excellent riders…

– It’s right.

Arthur turned to the speaker. The words belonged to an old Evenk sitting in the corner of the bar. A smile played on his face.

– Have you been to competitions? – the young man approached him. – May I sit down?

– Yes, I have been to competitions many times, and my team always win prizes.

– Really? And you, probably, are perfectly oriented in these places? Arthur looked at the Evenk with interest. The elderly man was wearing a leather jacket with fur and warm quilted trousers. The weather-beaten face of an Evenk and a serious look, said that this man had seen a lot, but was not used to sharing his thoughts with anyone.

– Well, yes. Recently, I even helped one of your scientists get to the valley where you mine ore. He was a good man.

– Do you remember his name?

– And then, how! His name is Alexander Karpatov.

– And your name?

Evenk gave Arthur a suspicious look.

– Why do

– Excuse me, please. My name is Arthur Dalivin, I am a professor’s student.

– Well, yes?! True, right? I am glad! What brought you to us?

– That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. But, if possible, as they say, face to face.

Loko nodded and they paid and went out into the street. Arthur looked around and, making sure that no one was interfering with them, said:

– It concerns your journey with him. The professor was very grateful to you for the help rendered to him then and told a lot about the places where you visited with him. And especially about that mysterious clearing.

Evenk nodded.

– So, the professor, unfortunately, did not have time to tell anyone about what he saw, except for close friends, before the epidemic claimed his life.

Loco interrupted him.

– Did professor die?”

Arthur nodded. Loko lowered his head and sighed heavily.

– Very sorry. He was a good man, not like some of yours. The mind was open, understood a lot… But why did you come here?

Arthur lowered his voice.

– There is a reason. Now everyone is only interested in money and, in addition, everything has been swallowed up by the global market economy. And in what ways to sell a product and how to produce it – it does not matter to anyone. And so, recently, the board of directors decided to build a huge nuclear power plant on your river. Previously, people thought about environmental protection and anomalous zones, sent expeditions to these places, but everything has changed. Now for such stories, unless, of course, you can provide evidence, it is quite possible to lose your job. Therefore, the professor informed me of this under the strictest confidence. In secret from everyone, we gathered an expedition and decided to go in search of these places. If our enterprise succeeds, then it will be possible to declare your land reserved and inviolable for such encroachments. And if you help us…

Loko thought for a moment, and for a moment there was silence, broken only by the rustle of the beginning of rain. Then he looked at the young man again and nodded.

– Okay, I’ll be happy to help you. But remember, these places are for those who know them and whom they know. Therefore, we must be very careful…

– Thanks, Loco. We will try.

***

The next morning, having collected the necessary provisions, the detachment set off. It was decided to move along the river, as going straight ahead would have taken too much time. Trees dressed in gold and scarlet outfits and untouched by man, nature, beautiful in its originality, and clean air fascinated. It seemed as if you were transported to another planet, and the smog and stuffiness of the cities was just a forgotten dream. During the campaign nothing unusual happened, except that several times small herds of deer were shown in the distance, still living in the local forests. Finally, on the fifth day of the journey, the travelers, accompanied by Loko, approached the foot of the hill, all overgrown with young birches and pines, where an amazing phenomenon awaited them – the trees were dancing. Their trunks bent into sometimes simply incredible shapes – from helical to intricately curved,

– Incredible! – Stas approached one of the trees. – How is this possible?

– It’s impossible to explain this logically, – Arthur examined the tree from all sides. – Although I saw something similar on the Curonian Spit on the Internet…

– Of course, while sitting at the institute, there is little you can see with your own eyes, – Ushakov grinned and turned to the conductor. So, it looks like we’re almost there?

– No, for a long time. From this hill, do you see the trail going up? We’re just there. Then everything is straight and straight. Go to the valley a day and another day.

When the group climbed to the top of the hill, they saw a stunning view of the river and the hills overgrown with forest. And behind them was an open space with the tops of rocks of bizarre shapes rising to the sky.

It was decided to arrange a halt in a small clearing. The sun went down, the temperature dropped sharply, and a fire had to be lit. The rising flame dispersed the cold, and everyone felt quite comfortable. After supper with stew warmed over a fire, the expedition members went back to their tents.