What features make the Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee ideal for lacrosse players. How does this shirt enhance performance on the field. Why is moisture-wicking technology important for lacrosse training gear.
The Evolution of Maverik’s DNA Training Tee
Maverik, a leading brand in lacrosse equipment, has taken their popular DNA Training Tee to the next level with the 2.0 version. This updated shirt builds on the success of its predecessor, incorporating advanced fabric technology and design elements to meet the demanding needs of lacrosse players.
Key Improvements in the 2.0 Version
- Enhanced moisture-wicking capabilities
- Improved breathability
- More durable construction
- Refined fit for better range of motion
These upgrades make the DNA 2.0 Training Tee an essential piece of gear for players looking to optimize their performance during practice and games.
Advanced Fabric Technology for Peak Performance
The Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee utilizes cutting-edge fabric technology to provide players with a competitive edge. The shirt’s material is engineered to excel in various aspects crucial for lacrosse performance.
Moisture-Wicking Properties
How does the DNA 2.0 Training Tee keep players dry during intense activity? The fabric actively draws sweat away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly. This moisture-wicking action helps regulate body temperature and prevents the uncomfortable, heavy feeling of a sweat-soaked shirt.
Breathability and Ventilation
To further enhance comfort, the shirt incorporates strategically placed mesh panels. These panels promote air circulation, allowing heat to escape and cool air to flow in. The result is improved thermoregulation, helping players stay cool even during the most demanding drills and games.
Durability Meets Comfort: The Perfect Balance
Lacrosse is a physically demanding sport that puts gear to the test. The Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee is designed to withstand the rigors of the game while maintaining exceptional comfort.
Reinforced Construction
What makes the DNA 2.0 Training Tee so durable? Maverik has reinforced key stress points in the shirt’s construction, such as seams and high-wear areas. This attention to detail ensures the tee can withstand repeated use and washing without losing its shape or performance properties.
Soft, Flexible Fabric
Despite its durable nature, the DNA 2.0 Training Tee remains incredibly comfortable. The fabric blend offers a soft feel against the skin and excellent flexibility, allowing for unrestricted movement during play.
Optimized Fit for Lacrosse Players
The fit of athletic wear can significantly impact performance. Maverik has carefully tailored the DNA 2.0 Training Tee to meet the specific needs of lacrosse players.
Athletic Cut
The shirt features an athletic cut that provides a streamlined fit without being overly tight. This design allows for a full range of motion in the arms and shoulders, crucial for stick handling and shooting.
Length and Coverage
To ensure the shirt stays in place during dynamic movements, Maverik has optimized the length of the DNA 2.0 Training Tee. It offers enough coverage to prevent riding up during play while not being so long as to interfere with movement.
Style Meets Functionality
While performance is paramount, Maverik hasn’t overlooked the importance of style in the DNA 2.0 Training Tee.
Color Options
The shirt is available in a range of colors to suit individual preferences and team colors. From classic black and white to bold team hues, players can choose a look that matches their style.
Subtle Branding
Maverik has incorporated their logo and branding elements in a tasteful, understated manner. This allows the shirt to maintain a clean, professional appearance while still showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality.
Versatility Beyond the Lacrosse Field
While designed primarily for lacrosse, the Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee’s performance features make it an excellent choice for various athletic activities.
Cross-Training Applications
The shirt’s moisture-wicking and breathability properties make it ideal for:
- Weightlifting sessions
- Conditioning drills
- Running and cardio workouts
Everyday Comfort
Many players find the DNA 2.0 Training Tee comfortable enough for casual wear, making it a versatile addition to any athlete’s wardrobe.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and performance of the Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee, proper care is essential.
Washing Instructions
How should you wash the DNA 2.0 Training Tee to maintain its performance properties? Follow these guidelines:
- Machine wash in cold water
- Use a gentle detergent
- Avoid fabric softeners
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry
Storage Tips
To prevent unnecessary wear when not in use, store the shirt in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
The Maverik Difference: Commitment to Quality
Maverik’s dedication to producing top-tier lacrosse equipment is evident in the DNA 2.0 Training Tee. The brand’s focus on innovation and player feedback has resulted in a product that truly meets the needs of lacrosse athletes.
Player-Driven Development
Maverik actively incorporates input from professional players and coaches in their product development process. This ensures that gear like the DNA 2.0 Training Tee addresses real-world performance needs.
Continuous Improvement
The evolution from the original DNA Training Tee to the 2.0 version demonstrates Maverik’s commitment to refining and improving their products. This dedication to advancement benefits players at all levels of the sport.
The Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee represents a significant step forward in lacrosse performance wear. Its advanced fabric technology, durability, and optimized fit make it an excellent choice for players seeking to elevate their game. By combining functionality with style, Maverik has created a versatile piece of gear that excels both on and off the field.
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, the demand for high-quality, sport-specific training gear will only increase. The DNA 2.0 Training Tee sets a new standard for what players can expect from their equipment, pushing the boundaries of performance and comfort.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your lacrosse journey, investing in gear like the Maverik DNA 2.0 Training Tee can make a noticeable difference in your training and gameplay. As you gear up for your next season or practice session, consider how this innovative shirt could help you reach new heights in your lacrosse career.
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Maverik Music Monday: Hosted by John Christmas
Editor’s note: Ready for the second Music Monday post sponsored by Maverik Lacrosse? Over the next few weeks we’ll be checking in with Maverik’s athletes to get their take on good music.
Pre-game, post-game or just a few tracks to relax to, stay tuned for solid music recommendations from some of the world’s best lacrosse players!
But wait… there’s more! You’ll also get another chance to win free Maverik gear!
Keep reading for all the details…
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Get ready music loving laxers – today we’ve got Virginia lacrosse legend John Christmas as the DJ!
A two-time NCAA All-American and All-ACC selection, John Christmas led the 2003 Virginia Cavaliers to an NCAA National Championship. Since then he has been dominating the Pro Lacrosse circuit, competing for the Philadelphia Wings in the NLL and Boston Cannons in the MLL. Most recently, John joined LXM Pro. But John Christmas doesn’t just play lacrosse – he grows the game religiously too! Look no further than our recent Fireside Chat with John to learn more about what he’s doing to grow the game.
Check out John’s favorite tunes and give him your best recommendation in the comments section!
One entry per person!
“Honey” by Moby
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=-9Jx8xBCGaQ” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-9Jx8xBCGaQ/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Moby – Honey”]
“Brooklyn We Go Hard” by Jay-Z
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=VHOgiVfYcvc”]
“Year Of Tha Boomerang” by Rage Against The Machine
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=L5qeL7AghIo” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L5qeL7AghIo/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Rage Against The Machine: Year Of Tha Boomerang”]
“Flashing Lights” by Kanye West
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=N1GjgEaLnYw” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N1GjgEaLnYw/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Kanye West – Flashing Lights (Feat. Dwele) – Graduation”]
“Under My Thumb” by The Rolling Stones
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=nYYTLJ8YHi4″ splash=”https://i.ytimg.
com/vi/nYYTLJ8YHi4/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”rolling stones – under my thumb”]
“Indifference” by Pearl Jam
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=dzlRPoyt2OA” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dzlRPoyt2OA/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Pearl Jam – Indifference”]
“Tha Dolla” by Jay Foss
[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=eXjVPGwCAnc” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eXjVPGwCAnc/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Jay Foss – "Tha Dolla" (Directed by Tari Wariebi)”]
To enter to win a free pair of white Maverik DNA Shorts, drop your recommendation in the comments section below and like Maverik Lacrosse on Facebook!
John will pick his favorite song later this week. Feedback (likes and replies) from other readers can only help you!
Interested in more Maverik Lacrosse gear? Check out their selection at South Swell Sports.
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LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to Nick AKA NWLAX95! He recommended “Beast Mode” by B.
O.B. to Maverik athlete Joe Cinosky and Joe picked it as the best comment! Nick, email us your mailing address!
Men’s Bomber Style Guide
Few pieces have weathered the shifting sands of time in a man’s wardrobe like a military bomber jacket. Once it was the uniform of military pilots. After all, as a child, every man dreamed of becoming a pilot when he grew up, right? But the success of the bomber is more than just style. Its ability to move from the shoulders of 1940s airmen to the wardrobes of today’s most fluent men – from Kanye West and Daniel Craig to Mr. David Beckham – is solid proof of its adaptability.
As with most wardrobe classics that have been around, the dizzying array of options on the market can make finding the right bomber jacket akin to navigating without a radar. So helpful enough, we’ve put together a detailed guide that will make choosing a flight jacket for your wardrobe a bit easier.
Warm sheepskin bomber jacket
Jacket worn by Mr.
Tom Cruise, aka Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, in Top Gun 1986. This is a classic G-1 jacket with a short collar, introduced by the US Navy and Marine Corps at the end of 1930s as an A-2 upgrade for cold weather operation. This is a lighter version of the chunkier shearling B3 originally worn by RAF crews in the 1940s.
Like its predecessors, the practical qualities of the G-1 make it a constant hit on Civvy Street, as evidenced by many design homage brands including Yves Salomon, Dunhill, TOM FORD and AMI PARIS. A shearling bomber jacket is one of the biggest wardrobe investments you will make, and the quality of the materials is all you need for a lifetime. Feel the quality of the jacket – it should have a good pile density, as well as luxurious fittings.
“Good quality sheep’s wool should be very soft and warm without feeling too heavy,” explains Yves Salomon, owner of the luxury outerwear brand of the same name. “You don’t want her to pressure you when you’re on the road.
Also check how the stitching was done on short wool – it should be seamless. If reversible, it should be stitched and look neat.”
How to wear a shearling bomber jacket
When you put on a jacket, you don’t want to swell too much because of the bottom layer, so it’s better not to consider bulk knit sweaters. But, as an independent subject, it has a transformative quality. “The shearling bomber can turn a simple combination of olive cargo pants, a white t-shirt and sneakers into an eye-catching look,” says Salomon. And, as the handsome guy in the picture above proves, a casually draped light scarf will instantly add to the charisma of the pilot.
Leather bomber jacket
The choice of leather as the material for the first jackets was driven by necessity. The bomber had to withstand the rigors of military life, and in a time before artificial fabrics, leather was the only material that stood the test. The skin of sheep, goats and horses at that time was often used in production.
Today’s leading leather manufacturers, including Loro Piana, Tod’s, TOM FORD and Valstar, use buttery soft leather to create designs that enhance comfort. But how to separate the skin of class A from lesser quality?
“Good leather should feel soft, almost oily and have a naturally uneven texture,” says Valstar’s Luigi Fila. “If the leather seems too smooth or plastic, it is most likely mended leather that has been buffed and chemically treated to hide imperfections. For suede, you want a velvety finish that won’t get too dry. Cheap suede will look rough and look rough.”
Also worth noting is the design of the jacket. “Beware of unnecessary incisions and stitches,” adds Mr. Fila. “This indicates that less durable leather scraps were collected to create the jacket, as imperfections had to be cut into the hide.”
Leather Bomber Outfits
For a new age, rockabilly look, take the gentleman replica in the photo above and pair it with a chic western style shirt with a stand-up collar and belt.
But you can also go into formal territory and pair it with a shirt and tie. Balancing the clash of conventions is key here, so opt for softer, less starchy companions like a linen-blend oxford and knitted tie.
Varsity jacket
Although the varsity jacket is not strictly a bomber jacket, much of its DNA is taken from the flight jacket. It first appeared on campus in the 1930s and quickly became a rite of passage for every budding college student. The jacket was a continuation of the Letterman sweater, a pullover worn by Harvard athletes in the 1880s, with a large chenille patch with the university’s initials on the chest. This Ivy League style foundation has many variations today, and while it may no longer signify your high school ancestry, it does have its own seal.
“There’s something really cool about the old tradition of earning a varsity jacket,” says Mr. Gary Williams, owner of the Golden Bear showroom in New York, referring to the custom of rewarding a college athlete with a jacket after they prove their worth.
sportswear. Its appearance is characteristic: a wool felt bodysuit – the original colors of the house – leather sleeves, striped knit cuffs and a chest patch with letters.
“A well-tailored varsity jacket – handmade so the wool should feel soft yet durable – the ideal weight is 24 ounces,” says Mr. Williams, who makes his varsity jackets entirely by hand in San Francisco. “You also need to make sure that the leather on the sleeves is strong and not too light. It may require some initial seasoning, but it will age significantly over time.”
Mr. Williams adds that a well-tailored varsity jacket is immediately recognizable by its decorative elements. “The stitching and embroidery of the patches should be clear – there should be no spreading of colors or loose threads. Also, the size and number of patches as a whole should look balanced.”
How to wear the varsity jacket
The varsity jacket was designed to be worn at any time of the day, and color is everything to get the most out of you.
“The black design will work for all occasions, whether you wear it with a t-shirt and sneakers during the day or go out to dinner with a shirt and tailored trousers,” Mr. Williams says.
For year-round use, leave some room to wear it with thicker items such as a smart red knitted turtleneck, as the gentleman pictured above amply demonstrated.
Modern Bomber Jacket
While the old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is very strong in menswear, there’s always room for adjustment. The first upgrade of the bomber jacket can be attributed to the souvenir jacket – so named because it was made from exotic printed fabrics brought by veterans who had been demobilized to remember their campaigns. Crafted from silky fabrics in bright colors and embellished with decorative embroidery, this unique design has been back in the spotlight in recent seasons, with leading brands from Gucci to SAINT LAURENT delivering fresh, modern looks.
Plus, if purple is your thing, brands like AMIRI, CELINE HOMME, Etro and Billionaire Boys Club offer exuberant jacquard and plush embellished designs that have a contemporary influence.
Combining utilitarian style with technical advantages, jackets ensure you get the most bang for your buck. A quilted bomber jacket, for example, is a great off-season option to tackle fickle weather, while a cashmere and nylon reversible style is practical.
How to Wear a Modern Bomber Jacket
A quilted style like the one we see here has a more subtle note, so it’s easier to pair with bolder pieces like a neon orange t-shirt and chunky trainers. But if you’ve gone all out with a souvenir chinoiserie-style jacket or a kaleidoscopic Gucci-inspired number, then clean, minimal pieces like poplin shirts and tech-sporty pieces will help keep your bomber jacket focused.
Military style bomber jacket
The aviation jacket as we know it originated in 1927 as the A-1 flight jacket. Issued by the US Air Force, it was designed to protect pilots from harsh environments with an open cockpit. The specifications of the A-1 were purely utilitarian, with a durable leather outer shell with flaps on external storage pockets, and a knitted waistband and cuffs to keep out drafts.
It was eventually replaced by the A-2, which swapped the buttons for a zipper, allowing pilots to don more quickly when the horn blares.
With the advent of the jet era and the geographic shift in the theater of operations, pilots’ jackets have also changed, taking on the shape of the legendary MA-1. This light modification of its predecessors was made from parachute silk, often in sage or khaki, to help men on the ground in Korea, and later in Vietnam, blend in with the tropical foliage. Manufactured by the iconic label Alpha Industries since 1963, it featured a distinctive neon orange lining that, when spotted, served as a homing beacon for rescue teams searching for abandoned pilots.
Thankfully, today you don’t have to go into battle to own this jacket, as brands from APC to Visvim make similar versions. Since the bomber jacket is usually unpretentious in design, Mr. Luiga Fila, creative director of Valstar, advises focusing on the small details when you’re looking: “The quality of the finish is a reliable indicator of a jacket’s construction.
The cuffs should be wool or cotton, not synthetic, so they won’t wear out as quickly,” he explains. “Check the zipper – a 2-way zipper should feel heavy, strong and smooth when zipped up.”
It’s also worth thinking about the occasion: “It’s a good idea to have a decent waterproof fabric so you can wear it in a drizzle,” adds the manufacturer.
How to Wear a Military Bomber Jacket
No matter how tempting military style may seem, we recommend that you maintain a balance. “A great bomber jacket should speak for itself, so everything else should be held back,” says Mr. Fila. “Neutral denim and a plain white t-shirt or charcoal cashmere collar for cool weather.” Alternatively, if you’re a fan of experimentation, try wearing it over a deconstructed blazer in a muted hue, as this street guy in the picture above cleverly demonstrates.
Source: mrporter.com.
savior of mankind ending » Online magazine AliceFoxy
– Here is the culture of a new virus that I myself brought out within these four walls.
I won’t bore you with scientific details, because you are my “techie” and you are far from genetics, like heaven is from earth. Let me just tell you how it works. Once in the body of the first “carrier”, the virus “matures” and becomes highly contagious, almost the same as the common flu, and is subsequently transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets, when coughing, sneezing, or just talking. And since, unlike the influenza virus, no one living on Sodom has immunity from it, very soon the epidemic will cover all of humanity, everyone will be affected by it, without exception, and, of course, regardless of gender. After a short incubation period of two to three weeks, those infected will develop symptoms resembling the common cold. Yes, the most innocent cold, runny nose, cough, maybe a slightly elevated temperature, but not so much as to throw a person into bed. This pleasure will last for a couple of months, and all this time a person, without feeling especially sick, will go to work, to university, to school, to shops, ride public transport and infect, infect, infect everyone around.
Then the symptoms will go away. Meanwhile, deep and irreversible changes will take place in the entire genetic structure of the “victim”, in her DNA. The “hidden” period lasts an average of five years – enough time for the disease to spread unhindered – and then the fun begins.
Clark paused spectacularly and smiled proudly. Lur looked at him with growing horror.
– In five years, all people on Sdom will become carriers of the altered DNA. But in men this will not manifest itself in any way, they will remain healthy “carriers” – you know, there are diseases “linked” to sex – but women … They will start to ugly gain weight, blur, become inactive. At the same time, their minds will rapidly fade until they atrophy completely, and they will turn into stupid, clumsy animals leading a semi-vegetarian lifestyle. And most importantly, all their female offspring will become like this. Until about eight years old, the daughters of sick mothers will develop normally, and then the same process will begin.
– Wait, but, – Lur, shocked, struggled to find words. “Isn’t that too… radical?”
Clark sighed.
“Lur,” he said seriously and sadly. “You too will have a son someday. Do you want him to grow up as a slave? Do you really want – to keep this going?
– But, Lur objected, I won’t have a son at all if you… if we carry out your plan. Men cannot reproduce without women.
“Of course.” Clark smiled softly. “But the biological life in them will be preserved, and only the intellect will undergo degradation. They can be kept in special laboratories and used as incubators. Do you understand?
There was a heavy silence. Lur stood with his head bowed and intently examining the colored tiles on the floor. Perhaps, for the first time in his life, the not trivial, in general, idea came to his mind that only one single step separates genius from madness … or vice versa. What a twisted, monstrous idea… though… He slowly lifted his head and looked into Clark’s eyes.
– Are you sure that your virus is safe for us?
– Well, seventy-five percent.
– Seventy-five percent?! Lur was shocked. – What if… are you going to destroy all reasonable humanity?
– Don’t worry, – Clark affectionately, carefully hugged his shoulders and drew him to him. “Well, don’t worry, little one. You’re all trembling. Of course, I will not release “it” into the wild until I am one hundred percent sure that it does not pose a danger to us. My work is not finished yet. I just… I wanted you to know what I’m doing here, in case… whatever. Do not think about it.
Standing under a scalding hot shower, Lur slowly came to his senses. He lowered his hands and let the transparent, caressing streams flow down his naked body, washing away fatigue and cold, and a vague, agonizing fear. Wrapped in murmuring warmth, he closed his eyes and indulged in thoughts, fantasies, dreams. “But how wonderful it would be. The world is only for us alone, our own world. And you can not hide from anyone, live the way you want, and with whom you want.
To love without hiding, and to know that no one will kill, trample, or condemn your love. What a blessing it is.” And somehow the thought of the terrible price that was proposed to be paid for happiness receded into the background.
After drying off and wrapping a fluffy terry towel around his hips, Lur stepped out of the shower and headed to the bedroom, where Clark was already impatiently waiting for him. It was their night. Protected area of their love. A tiny island of trust and warmth in the middle of a vast ocean of destructive chaos.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Lur smiled lightly and carelessly for the first time in this tiring evening.
– Honey, when you finally finish your research, what will you do? Just pour the contents of the test tubes somewhere on the street or in the sewer manhole?
Clark shook his head.
– No, that would be ineffective. The virus must “ripen” in the body of a living person, because I told you. The first “carrier” will be myself, of course.
– And me?
– No one escapes this cup – Clark laughed and resolutely pulled the free end of the towel. And Lur, also laughing, fell on him, covering his face, neck and shoulders with kisses.
And then both plunged into such a bottomless sea of tenderness that the world on the other side of the walls ceased to exist for them. And they did not notice how the snowfall stopped in this distant world and heavy continuous clouds dispersed. And a huge, piercingly bright moon rolled out into the cloudy shining sky. In its unnaturally yellow light, the nighttime city, immersed in snowdrifts, was unrecognizably transformed, turned into a bizarre realm of ugly shadows and an insane riot of colors, but not alive and joyful, highlighted by the sun, but ghostly, fantastic, dead. Lur and Clarke loved each other, and the jealous yellow moon peered through the window: suspicious, envious, and sad. And they fell asleep, squeezing each other in their arms. As serene as children lost in a magical forest.
Like Hansel and Gretel, trustingly crouched on a simple bed of soft forest moss, five steps from the enchanted gingerbread house, which has yet to reveal to them the terrible secrets of human cruelty and betrayal.
What happened before dawn, in the fragile pre-dawn hours, when the first weak rays of the sun began to break the intermittent line of the horizon crossed out by black silhouettes of houses, Lur later remembered vaguely, like a nightmare. A dream that I would like to forget. He later had to talk about the events of that night more than once, speaking to different people: to students and journalists, at presentations, in halls and clubs, at scientific conferences, in television and radio programs. And if anyone knew with what joy he would have buried what happened in the depths of his memory, burned it, crossed it out of life, tore it out like a written sheet from a school notebook in order to start all over again. But what to do, their last night with Clark already belonged to history! And every time, going on stage and squinting from the attentive, admiring and sympathetic looks directed at his face, Lur gathered his strength and, in a breaking voice, began to talk about how .
..
They woke up instantly, torn from their sweet sleep by a terrible knock on the door and high, shrill voices.
– Lur, hide! Clarke hurriedly whispered, trying to pull on his pants and getting tangled in them with excitement.
– Where to? – Lur woke up poorly thinking. Clark looked around the room in desperation; there were no hiding places in it, except for a closet with clothes, perhaps, or …
– Here, crawl under the bed, and lie still, like a mouse, no matter what happens. For God’s sake, little one, lie still, if they find you, we’re both dead!
Lur quickly rolled down and crawled under the bed, barely holding back tears. Clark pulled the blanket over so his friend couldn’t be seen. At least, if you don’t look closely.
Another minute – and the edge of the blanket lifted, and something cold and hard slipped into Lur’s hand.
The door rattled as a hail of blows rained down on it, and Clark, as he was, half dressed, went to open it. On the threshold stood four grimzes, armed to the teeth, in police uniforms and their faces contorted with anger.
– Excuse me, – Lur heard the calm voice of his beloved. I was sleeping, so I couldn’t open it right away.
Instead of answering, the one standing closest, the dark-skinned, black-haired girl, swung around and hit Clark in the face with all her might, at the same time roughly pushing him inside the apartment. All four stumbled into the bedroom, and Lur, crouching to the floor, peering up from his hiding place, could see them, but not very well. They didn’t even bother to file any charges and continued to beat Clark, but Lur guessed from separate remarks that the laboratory was the reason for the invasion. No one was looking for a secret partner.
Oh my God, what happened? Who could issue them? Of course, other people should have known about Clark’s research, because in his laboratory he did not conjure out of thin air; someone had to supply him with equipment and reagents, and whatever else he might need.
Lur couldn’t watch anymore. Lying on the cold wooden floor and pressing his cheek against it, he heard the sounds of thumps, and the crack of breaking furniture, and the sound of breaking glass.
They smashed the bedroom, and the laboratory, and the kitchen (in which a few hours ago two people who love each other peacefully drank hot wine and talked), along the way, continuing to massacre an unarmed man.
Lur heard his lover scream as the sharp heel of one of the policemen hit him in the crotch, and he himself groaned softly. Vile, vile witches! They killed Clark! Lur’s left hand involuntarily clenched into a fist, but he immediately, frightened, by an effort of will, forced the muscles to relax. No, just not that! Just don’t break it.
And, unable to restrain himself any longer, Lur began to cry, humiliated and powerless, choking, choking and swallowing his tears. Fortunately, no one heard his stifled sobs.
How long it all lasted – he did not know; but in the end, it seems like an eternity later, the front door slammed twice deafeningly and the bacchanalia in the apartment subsided. There was an eerie, dead silence. After waiting twenty minutes, Lur got out from under the bed, and what he saw through the unsteady shimmering veil of tears in the dull gray light of the morning, plunged him into shock and numbness.
Everything, literally everything, in the room was broken and battered and littered with rubbish on the floor: clothes, towels, crumpled and trampled, hangers, shelves, and tiny china figurines that Clarke had collected, now also crushed and mangled. And there was blood on everything: on the floor, on the bedside rug, on the furniture, even on the walls. The broken off leg of a chair, thrown carelessly near the door itself, was also covered in blood. At the sight of this pointed, bloody stick, Lur felt sick and had to lean against the wall.
Clark has disappeared. Apparently they took him with them. Or dragged away, half-dead, fainting from pain. Lur never knew this, just as he still does not know where the nameless grave of his former friend and lover is located. Yes, in this regard, Clark was less fortunate than Jeremy Hoffman, who was buried (or rather, re-buried) in one of the most prestigious cemeteries in Sodom. His grave, with a beautiful marble headstone, covered with fresh flowers both in winter and summer, still serves as a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of people.
And until now, both day and night, dozens of candles burn on it, they burn like tiny stars, like living lights of our grateful memory. They burn and will burn.
Staggering like a drunk, Lur walked out of the devastated apartment into a dull, featureless morning. The moon had set, and the winter, cold sun was still hiding behind the horizon; and the loose snow underfoot gleamed dull and dull. Trying to stay closer to the walls of the houses, Lur walked along the deserted, not yet awake street, still clutching in his left hand… Yes, the same test tube with the mysterious virus that Clark had shown him the night before in the laboratory. And then I put it in his hand when Lur was lying, hiding under the bed. So, what did you see in a dream, my dear, dear, my only friend in this terrible world, where are you now? What have they done to you, if they were cursed a thousand times by both heaven and earth.
Lur stopped near the container with broken glass, brushed away the hot tears that had come back to his eyes. Seventy five percent? Well, wonderful! Let it be what will be, Lur didn’t care anymore. And, closing his eyes tightly, he drank the contents of the test tube, and threw it, empty, with a flourish into the container. The quiet ringing of broken glass is a thin, crystal sound that forever separated the past from the future. the old world from the new.
Epilogue
And that is exactly what happened, as the greatest scientist of our time, Clark Larsen, predicted and planned. May his soul, which has suffered in this world, rest in peace. The epidemic broke out suddenly, swiftly and indomitably. And no one noticed her, for the time being. And when the consequences came, like a bolt from the blue; the stunned doctors could not understand anything for a long time. Then it was too late to try to understand anything. Too late. Exactly half of humanity was doomed to a terrible fate, which no one in their right mind would wish even their worst enemy.
And we… no, we didn’t wish them such a fate, they just pushed us against the wall, left us no other way out, left us no air to breathe; places under the sun to love.
Yes, what is there, after a fight they don’t wave their fists.
Less than ten years later, not a single female person remained on Sdom. only very little girls who are never destined to turn into adult women. They are destined to become just like their mothers – these girls – disfigured, ugly carcasses, lying motionless on cots in the Breeding Laboratories. Trunks, we call them. And we can do nothing for the doomed and innocent children, even if we really wanted to, only treat them humanely and with dignity, as long as they are still people.
And Lur, he is alive, and has just crossed his thirtieth birthday. His portrait hangs in the most honorable place in any institution, and what is there, in any home, next to the portraits of Jeremy Hoffman and Clark Larsen. The only one of the three, not taken into a mourning frame. He lectures to students at one of Sodom’s leading universities, travels extensively and speaks to various audiences. And, it seems, he is happy with his new friend – Emmerich.
But he didn’t forget Clark, no.
And now I will allow myself one more – the last – time to look into his life. Carefully, with reverence and love; because we love you very much, Lur, yes, we really love you, and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for what you have done for us.
It was the beginning of April, but the sun was hot like in summer. The city streets seemed prettier, smarter and almost fabulously golden. The asphalt wet after the night rain gleamed with viscous gold. Lightly and transparently shrouded in emerald mist, the branches of trees that had just begun to blossom were golden. Thick steam rose from the beige-gold walls of the houses drying in the sun; and large golden ants bustled senselessly along the edge of the sidewalk, uselessly dragging small street rubbish back and forth.
Lur had parked the car in a far parking lot and was now walking through the yards towards the university. In one hand he carried a briefcase and in the other a light denim jacket he had brought from home this morning in anticipation of cooler weather.
“Well, darling, another winter has passed,” he thought with a fleeting smile, peering favorably at the crystal sky. Lur was never able to get rid of the stupid habit of having an internal dialogue with someone who – already twelve years ago – had disappeared from his life forever.
And then the unexpected happened. The doors of one of the buildings (which, as it turned out, housed a specialized orphanage) swung open, and a whole flock of tiny girls in bright summer dresses poured out. With pigtails and multi-colored bows, similar to huge joyful butterflies. Chirping merrily, they surrounded Lur. “Play with us! Play with us! Tiny fingers tugged at his jacket, at his trousers, plucked at his shirt sleeves. Lur was dumbfounded. And – recoiled. They were women! They killed Clark! Little women, very little. Children. The older girl was probably eight years old, and she was already beginning to become fat and clumsy. The rest, five – six years old, nimble and lively, like fire. And here is this funny baby in a blue sarafan, with red hair, like a flame spreading over her shoulders.
