NEONOO, or PARADISE IN THE NOOSPHERE

From an excess of irony, I «twist» the absent person

«Let’s just say: from a related office. Does it scare or surprise you?»

Vis-a-vis already – is «in the face»: I returned it to its place.

«Scared at first… and then surprised.»

«Why?!»

Ignoring the complex approach of the alchemist, I only wonder at his to surprise.

«There are no such people here. And since there are no such people here, this means that you have dealt with other matters.»

Now it is my turn to be «embarrassed», which I do, having cleared my throat accordingly.

«Well… well… you are not far from the truth. Indeed, I have devoted the last time to „serving the Muse“. I wrote, in general…»

«What exactly?» the vis-a-vis unexpectedly «lights up». «I believe that not love lyrics: here it is no good?»

«No, not the lyrics.»

I begin to move from bewilderment to comprehension. The criteria of the unknown «collector of souls» are alarming, but at the same time, they are impressive.

«There was different material. I have a philosophy, ethics, esoterics, and thoughts about Good and Evil as philosophical and religious categories…»

It is embarrassing for me now: the «inquisitor» – and such frivolous things! But, to my extra surprise, this recognition evokes a completely opposite reaction in the alchemist: a benevolent one. His «face» is literally blooming with affection.

«Well, it is another matter entirely! That is, I wanted to say, that the people here are not only welcome guests, but also the only inhabitants. And though everyone had different things, they were all creative. And the theme of your work is «in color».

I «turn on» not immediately – and for this reason I am not even surprised, that the fifteenth-century slang is so close to the twentieth century.

«You want to say, that „not everyone got into our close circle“?!»

Vis «blooms extra smile.»

«That is what I wanted to say, but I could never make it as beautiful as you just did, senor!»

Just in case, I don’t specify, that I don’t have to return for this beauty to me, but to another comrade.

«Okay, we’ll come back to this. And now I’m interested in something else.»

«I am at your service, sir.»

I «come close.» Well, on Earth, it would be called so.

«Here you say: «here», «there.» Where is this «here» and where is it «there»?

The enthusiasm of the alchemist evaporates instantly. He even has to take a break to restore working conditions. But I do not urge comrade: the question is too serious for me to change the setting «Do not hurry!» And I turn out to be right: after the termination of the earthly minute, comrade is «restored.»

«Here is a question of questions, sir!.. I don’t know directly how to answer…»

«You cannot „directly“ – answer „crookedly“!» I’m not too original.

«Do not succeed, sir…»

Vis a visitor honestly droop head his head.

«Why? You cannot articulate or do not know the answer?

«I do not know the answer…»

But, as stated in the famous children’s the poem, «the nutlet of knowledge is solid, but still we are not accustomed to retreat…". And I start to «crack» my friend.

«But how do you understand this? Somehow you must understand?»

«Damn it knows!»

In a different setting and in other circumstances, such an answer would surely make me laugh. But now I’m giving up a smile. And then: from the fifteenth century from the birth of Christ, but the devil commemorate he is not afraid! True, that with him to take: an alchemist, although, perhaps, there is another reason?

«Did you meet the devil here?» I can easily guess, not so much asking, as stating.

The guy «smiles».

«No, senor.»

«And what about God?!»

«No, senor.»

«Due to this reason you are not afraid of either one or the other?»

«That’s right, senor.»

I’m already going to be stunned by another conjecture, but I change my mind: there will be time and occasion.

«That is, it is neither heaven nor hell…»

«It seems, that’s so,» the alchemist» spreads his arms». That’s because it does not look like not only on heaven or hell – no matter what. There is a complete absence in stock.»

What a pleasant people these are alchemists! How many healthy outlook on life! How much optimism even in the face of the dominance of pessimism! No, two materialists – even from different centuries – will always understand each other. In this case, the second one – me, that is – it is not at all necessary to refer on the «testimony» of the Hubble telescope.

«What could it be?»

I have already told myself in the manner of Ostap Bender: «Oh, well, put aside the fun!»

«If it is not heaven or hell, if it is „our close circle“, into which „not everyone got“… And by the way: where, in that case, did everyone else go? Well, those who are not honored?»

Vis-a-vis, without hesitation, again «works off his shoulders».