What are the key features of Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 Football Cleats. How do these white and gold cleats enhance performance on the field. Why are Under Armour cleats popular among athletes. What makes the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 model stand out from other football cleats.
The Spotlight Lux MC 2.0: A Game-Changing Football Cleat
Under Armour has long been a leader in athletic footwear, and their Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 Football Cleats are no exception. These white and gold cleats are designed to elevate an athlete’s performance on the field, combining style with functionality. But what sets these cleats apart from the competition?
The Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 cleats feature a unique design that prioritizes both comfort and agility. The lightweight construction allows for quick movements, while the sturdy build ensures durability throughout intense gameplay. Athletes who have tried these cleats often report improved traction and stability, which are crucial factors in football performance.
Key Features of the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0
- Lightweight synthetic upper for enhanced speed
- Strategic cleat placement for optimal traction
- Foam ankle collar for added comfort and support
- Molded 4D foam footbed that forms to your foot’s shape
- Durable rubber outsole for long-lasting performance
These features work in tandem to create a cleat that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well under various playing conditions.
The Impact of Color: Why White and Gold?
The choice of white and gold for these Under Armour cleats is not merely aesthetic. Color psychology plays a significant role in sports, and these hues can have a profound impact on both the wearer and their opponents.
White is often associated with purity, focus, and clarity. On the football field, white cleats can create an illusion of faster movement, potentially giving players a psychological edge. Gold, on the other hand, symbolizes success, achievement, and excellence. This color combination exudes confidence and can boost a player’s morale before and during the game.
Psychological Benefits of White and Gold Cleats
- Increased visibility on the field
- Enhanced perception of speed and agility
- Boost in confidence and self-assurance
- Potential intimidation factor for opponents
- Improved team cohesion when worn uniformly
Is there scientific evidence supporting the psychological impact of cleat colors? While research in this specific area is limited, studies on color psychology in sports suggest that equipment color can indeed influence performance and perception.
Under Armour’s Technological Advancements in Cleat Design
Under Armour has invested heavily in research and development to create cleats that push the boundaries of performance. The Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 is a testament to this commitment, incorporating several proprietary technologies.
One of the standout features is the UA ClutchFit upper, which adapts to the foot’s shape and movement. This technology provides a “second skin” fit that enhances ball control and overall feel. Additionally, the cleats utilize UA’s HOVR foam technology, which provides responsive cushioning and energy return with every step.
Innovative Technologies in the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0
- UA ClutchFit upper for adaptive support
- HOVR foam technology for energy return
- Pebax® speed plate for lightweight performance
- Molded cleats for multi-surface traction
- TPU heel counter for added stability
How do these technologies translate to on-field performance? Players report improved acceleration, sharper cuts, and better overall control when wearing the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 cleats.
Comparing the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 to Other Football Cleats
In the competitive world of football cleats, how does the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 stack up against other popular models? While each athlete’s needs are unique, several factors make these Under Armour cleats stand out.
Firstly, the balance between lightweight design and durability is exceptional. Many lightweight cleats sacrifice longevity, but the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 manages to offer both. Secondly, the traction system is versatile, performing well on both natural and artificial turf.
Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 vs. Competitors
| Feature | Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Heavy |
| Durability | High | Medium | High |
| Traction | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Comfort | Very High | High | Medium |
| Price | Premium | Mid-range | Premium |
While the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 may come at a premium price point, many athletes find the investment worthwhile for the performance benefits they receive.
The Versatility of Under Armour Cleats: Beyond Football
While the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 is primarily designed for football, Under Armour’s expertise in cleat design extends to other sports as well. The company offers specialized cleats for baseball, soccer, and lacrosse, each tailored to the unique demands of these sports.
For instance, the Under Armour Men’s Harper 6 Turf Baseball Cleats, also available in white and gold, showcase the brand’s versatility. These cleats are designed for optimal performance on turf fields, featuring a different traction pattern and support system compared to their football counterparts.
Under Armour Cleats for Various Sports
- Football: Spotlight Lux MC 2.0
- Baseball: Harper 6 Turf
- Soccer: Clone Magnetico Pro
- Lacrosse: Spotlight Lux MC
Can athletes use football cleats for other sports? While it’s possible in some cases, it’s generally recommended to use sport-specific cleats for optimal performance and safety.
Maintaining Your Under Armour Cleats for Longevity
Investing in high-quality cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 means taking proper care to ensure their longevity. Under Armour cleats are built to last, but proper maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their performance.
One of the most important aspects of cleat maintenance is regular cleaning. After each use, remove any dirt or debris from the cleats using a soft brush or cloth. For tougher stains, a mild soap solution can be used, but avoid soaking the cleats as this can damage the materials.
Tips for Cleat Maintenance
- Clean after each use
- Allow to air dry naturally, away from direct heat
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Use a shoe tree to maintain shape
- Rotate between multiple pairs if possible
How often should you replace your football cleats? While this depends on usage and care, most high-quality cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 can last for one to two seasons with proper maintenance.
The Future of Football Cleat Technology
As sports technology continues to evolve, what can we expect from future iterations of football cleats? Under Armour, along with other leading brands, is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation in athletic footwear.
One emerging trend is the use of 3D printing technology in cleat production. This allows for more precise customization and potentially improved performance. Additionally, advancements in materials science are leading to the development of even lighter, more durable cleat materials.
Potential Future Innovations in Football Cleats
- Personalized 3D-printed cleats
- Smart cleats with integrated performance tracking
- Self-adjusting cleats for optimal traction
- Biodegradable materials for sustainability
- Enhanced shock absorption technologies
As these technologies develop, we can anticipate even more specialized and high-performance cleats in the future, building upon the foundation laid by models like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0.
The Role of Athlete Feedback in Cleat Design
Under Armour’s success in creating exceptional cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 is largely due to their close collaboration with athletes. Professional and amateur players alike provide valuable feedback that informs the design and improvement of each cleat model.
This iterative process of design, testing, and refinement ensures that each new generation of cleats addresses the real needs and preferences of athletes. The white and gold color scheme of the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0, for instance, may have been influenced by player requests for a cleat that stands out on the field.
How Athlete Feedback Shapes Cleat Design
- Identifying pain points in existing models
- Suggesting new features or technologies
- Providing real-world performance data
- Influencing aesthetic choices
- Testing prototypes in game conditions
Do professional athletes wear the same cleats available to the public? In many cases, they do, although some may have custom modifications to suit their specific needs.
The Economic Impact of Premium Cleats
The market for high-end football cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 is substantial, reflecting the importance athletes place on quality footwear. These premium cleats represent a significant investment for players at all levels, from high school to professional.
While the initial cost may be higher than that of basic cleats, many athletes find that the performance benefits and durability of premium models offer better value in the long run. The white and gold Under Armour cleats, with their striking appearance and advanced features, have become status symbols in addition to performance tools.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Premium Cleats
- Research and development costs
- High-quality materials
- Advanced manufacturing techniques
- Marketing and endorsement deals
- Brand reputation and positioning
Is the investment in premium cleats justified for all players? While professional and serious amateur players may see significant benefits, casual players might find more affordable options sufficient for their needs.
The Environmental Considerations of Cleat Production
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration in consumer goods, the athletic footwear industry, including Under Armour, is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. The production of cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 involves various materials and processes that can have environmental implications.
Under Armour has made commitments to sustainability, including the use of recycled materials in some of their products. While the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 may not be marketed specifically as an eco-friendly product, the company’s overall direction suggests that future iterations may incorporate more sustainable practices.
Sustainable Practices in Cleat Manufacturing
- Use of recycled materials in components
- Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
- Reduction of harmful chemicals in production
- Improved packaging to reduce waste
- End-of-life recycling programs for used cleats
How can consumers contribute to more sustainable practices in sports footwear? Supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and properly disposing of or recycling old cleats can make a significant difference.
The Global Reach of Under Armour Football Cleats
Under Armour’s football cleats, including the white and gold Spotlight Lux MC 2.0, have gained popularity not just in the United States but around the world. As American football continues to grow internationally, the demand for high-quality cleats has expanded to new markets.
This global reach has influenced the design and marketing of cleats, with Under Armour taking into account the preferences and playing conditions of athletes in different countries. The striking white and gold color scheme, for instance, may appeal to players who want to stand out on the field, regardless of their location.
Under Armour’s Global Football Cleat Market
- North America: Primary market with strong brand recognition
- Europe: Growing market, especially in countries with American football leagues
- Asia: Emerging market with increasing interest in American football
- Australia: Established market with crossover appeal to rugby and Australian football players
- South America: Developing market with potential for growth
How does Under Armour adapt its cleats for international markets? While the core technology remains consistent, there may be subtle variations in design or marketing to appeal to local preferences and playing conditions.
The Role of Cleats in Injury Prevention
One of the often-overlooked aspects of football cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 is their role in injury prevention. The design of these cleats goes beyond mere performance enhancement; it also incorporates features aimed at protecting players from common football-related injuries.
The strategic placement of cleats, the support provided by the ankle collar, and the overall fit of the shoe all contribute to reducing the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains, turf toe, and stress fractures. Under Armour’s focus on creating a secure fit with the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 helps to minimize internal foot movement, which can lead to blisters and other friction-related issues.
Injury Prevention Features in Modern Football Cleats
- Ankle support to prevent sprains
- Cushioning to absorb impact and reduce stress on joints
- Traction patterns designed to allow natural foot movement
- Reinforced toe boxes to protect against impact injuries
- Lightweight materials to reduce fatigue and strain
Are high-top cleats like the Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 better for preventing ankle injuries? While they provide additional support, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual player and their specific needs.
As we continue to explore the world of football cleats, it’s clear that models like the Under Armour Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 represent the culmination of years of research, development, and athlete feedback. These white and gold cleats are not just a piece of equipment, but a crucial tool that can significantly impact a player’s performance and safety on the field. As technology advances and our understanding of biomechanics improves, we can expect to see even more innovative features in future cleat designs, further enhancing the game of football for players at all levels.
Under Armour Men’s Harper 6 Turf Baseball Cleats – White & Gold (each) Delivery or Pickup Near Me
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Seeing off – Isakovsky. The full text of the poem is a guide
Literature
Catalog of poems
Mikhail Isakovsky – Poems
Mikhail Isakovsky
Seeing
Give me harmonies
Golden Planes!
The guy went home to the girl
He was seeing the girl off from the party.
They were walking – hand in hand –
Fun and friendly.
Only the stitch is short –
You need to part. The hut stood in front –
Dark window …
Oh, stitch, wait,
Stretch a little! You quietly see off,
Gray-eyed guy,
Because it’s a pity
To part right away… Give me an accordion,
To play suffering.
The boy went home to the girl
He saw the girl off from the walk. They walked hand in hand,
They walked to the house,
And they came to the river,
To the steep bank. Turned to the right. A river flows into a distant land
Look, listen…
Well, Kolya, Nikolai,
Did you do it with Katyusha?! Returning later than everyone else
It’s unpleasant for Katya,
Only legs, like a sin,
They don’t go back. They don’t want to go home,
Legs are young…
Next verseAlexander Tvardovsky – Vasily Terkin
Previous verseAgnia Barto – Zhuk
Soviet
Poems by Mikhail Isakovsky – Soviet
Other poems by this author
Katyusha 9 0003
Apple and pear trees blossomed,
Mists floated over the river.
About the war
Enemies burned down his native house
Enemies burned down his native house,
They killed his whole family.
About the war
How you were, remained so
How you were, remained so,
Eagle of the steppe, dashing Cossack …
About the war
Oh, the viburnum is blooming
Oh, the viburnum is blooming in the field by the stream.
I fell in love with a young guy.
Soviet
Cherry
On a clear afternoon, at the end of summer,
An old man was walking along a road in the field;
Soviet
Migratory birds are flying
Migratory birds are flying
Blue in the autumn distance
Soviet
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Alexey Ivanov’s “Shadows of the Teutons” – Year of Literature
Text: Year of Literature.RF 9 0003
“Shadows of the Teutons” – a historical and mystical novel Russian writer Alexey Ivanov , published in January 2021. The plot unfolds in two eras: in the middle of the XV century in the capital of the Teutonic Order of Malborg and in May 1945 in Pillau.
According to Ivanov, he built the plot on a certain consonance of two eras. The Soviet secret services are trying to find a Gauleiter who fled from Pillau, who took with him the sword of Satan – and “in the meantime” in the 15th century, the Pole Kajetan Klichovsky is trying to penetrate the Teutonic castle in order to take possession of the very sword. However, our editor-in-chief has already spoken about the novel in more detail – you can read it before you plunge into the first chapter
– M. : RIPOL classic, 2021. – 384 p.
CHAPTER ONE
Pillau was built in three centuries and destroyed in a week. Artillery, aviation and street fighting turned the city into a dump of empty and leaky boxes, half covered with rubble, broken bricks and tiles. The Baltic wind blew away the smoke of fires and clouds of dust, and the dead city lay on the peninsula, inside out, in all the obvious horror of the recent assault. A red-and-white lighthouse tower stuck out above the ruins – the lighthouse was not touched, because it served as a guide for Russian bombers.
The waters of the quiet harbors doubled as reflections on the warped superstructures and the masts of sunken ships. On the square near the monument to the elector, ancient Guinean cannons silently opened their mouths – they seemed to howl, appealing to the sky:
“Pillau! Pillau-u!..”
Vincent Klichovsky did not sympathize with this city. Damn Pillau. Fuck Berlin. To hell with Dresden, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Koenigsberg and Cologne. Let the Germans experience in their own skin what the Poles experienced. Let the cities of Germany become the same as Warsaw was in the autumn of 1944.
Pillau was built for three centuries and destroyed in a week. Artillery, aviation and street fighting turned the city into a dump of empty and leaky boxes, half covered with rubble, broken bricks and tiles. The Baltic wind blew away the smoke of fires and clouds of dust, and the dead city lay on the peninsula, inside out, in all the obvious horror of the recent assault. A red-and-white lighthouse tower stuck out above the ruins – the lighthouse was not touched because it served as a guide for Russian bombers.
The waters of the quiet harbors doubled as reflections on the warped superstructures and the masts of sunken ships. On the square near the monument to the elector, ancient Guinean cannons silently opened their mouths – they seemed to howl, appealing to the sky:
“Pillau! Pillau-u!..”
Vincent Klichovsky did not sympathize with this city. Damn Pillau. Fuck Berlin. To hell with Dresden, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Koenigsberg and Cologne. Let the Germans experience in their own skin what the Poles experienced. Let the cities of Germany become the same as Warsaw was in the autumn of 1944.
He, Klichovsky, was supposed to die in Pillau. It was supposed to burn in the casemate of Fort “Shtile”, when the conspirators blew up the underground plant, or fall dead into the execution ditch, when the Germans cleared the concentration camp before retreating. But he survived. Pillau is not. However, because of this, Klichovsky now had to bear the name of Paul Badstuber – the unfortunate refugee whom he killed and from whom he took the documents.
Klichovsky did not want the Russians to drive him into the filtration zone for internees. He still had some unfinished business at Pillau. He needed freedom.
— Herr Badstuber, please don’t hurry! asked Frau Berta.
Together with an old Frau Bertha, Klichowski carried a heavy stretcher full of rubbish. Garbage was dumped into a car trailer. The May sun shone over the town, clear as victory. Peace reigned in Pillau two weeks ago, when the Germans surrendered the Swedish Citadel and rolled back across the Zeetif Strait; now it was already impossible to believe that quite recently all hell was blazing around. How did Frau Berta survive in it, helpless out of order?
The few Germans who remained in Pillau were ordered by the Russian commandant’s office to clear the streets so that tractors would haul away the broken equipment. For this, the Germans were fed. At lunch and dinner, Russian field cuisine came; a soldier in a dirty apron slapped hot porridge into plates and pots.
The postmaster, Mr. Norbert Roth, was elected headman by the inhabitants of Preacher Street; he kept a register, although the Russians did not check the number of workers and eaters.
The Russians were concerned about passages through the ruined quarters of Haken – that was the name of the Pillau area between the outport, the Innehafen canal, the Fortress Harbor and the Swedish Citadel. Preacher Street was blocked by a Panzer-3 tank, heavy but with a small turret and a short gun. Two torn holes blackened in the side of the tank, the blunt neck of the turret and the stern were burned. White and gray patterns of winter camouflage crawled along the narrow planes of the armor. The Wehrmacht calculated that the war would not last until the summer, and therefore, out of economy, they did not repaint military equipment in summer colors. It was very German.
Women, children and old people, residents of the street, were raking piles of rubbish on the pavement. Boards and beams were sawn into firewood, solid pieces of walls were smashed with pickles, usable bricks were carefully stacked on the sidewalk.
Saved things lined up in the distance: dusty chairs, a grate from a fireplace, a scratched sewing machine, a chest of drawers without a drawer. Scattered utensils were taken down on a spread out tablecloth: plates, cups, silver spoons, a faience teapot. The scrupulous Mr. Roth copied the finds into a journal.
Street of Preachers was densely built up with houses two or three stories high. In the future, a square opened up – of course, Adolf-Hitler-Platz. One corner of the square disappeared under the rubble of the collapsed town hall. On the other corner there was a restaurant “German House”, the Russians adapted it for an officer’s canteen. Near the restaurant, a fat-nosed bussing truck, a powerful three-axle machine, rumbled with its engine; a dozen soldiers were sitting in the back of a truck. A young woman, an officer, was standing by the cockpit, and next to him was a civilian-looking man: a spring coat, a hat, and round glasses. Klikhovsky did not yet understand the officer uniform of the Soviet army, but he recognized the civil one: Dr.
Pakarklis from Vilna, historian and lawyer. Before the war, Klichovsky met with him more than once at conferences dedicated to the Teutonic Order. What is Pakarklis doing here?.. It doesn’t matter. In any case, this is a chance.
Klichovsky leaned the stretcher against the trailer.
“Frau Berta, take a rest,” he suggested. I spotted an old friend.
While he was walking towards the square, a female officer climbed into the cockpit. The Lithuanian lit a cigarette, glancing at the doors of the restaurant. He was clearly waiting for someone.
— Mr. Pakarklis?.. — Klichovsky raised his hat in greeting.
Pakarklis did not recognize him immediately. Klichovsky has changed a lot since pre-war times: he has grown thin, aged, and his eyes have become as if they were ancient.
— Vincent, is that you?! My God, you are alive!.. Pakarklis threw up his hands in amazement and froze in a prayerful pose. For a Lithuanian, this was the highest expression of joy.
“It’s hard to agree, but I’m alive,” Klichovsky chuckled.
— What are you doing in Pillau? asked Pakarklis.
“I’m vegetating,” Klichovsky said simply. As you can see, I’m clearing out the garbage. By the way, here I am Paul Badstuber, the evacuated junior inspector of the road service of Insterburg. So, Povilas, call me Paul.
Pakarklis became gloomy. World War II turned many into scoundrels.
— I heard that the Gestapo picked you up in Danzig in 1942. Or SS. But I responsibly declare to you that the Russians do not prosecute for collaborating with the Germans, Wie… Paul, if you were not a punisher or their accomplice.
Klichovsky calmly shook his head:
— SD took me away, but that’s not important. I was not a punisher and an accomplice. I was a prisoner of the Stutthof concentration camp, more precisely, its branch in Fort Shtiel. I ran. And ended up in this city with other people’s documents.
Pakarklis breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’ll help you get your rights back,” he immediately offered. – I have certain connections in the commandant’s office.
This means that Pakarklis is still cooperating with the Soviet authorities… Klichovsky didn’t like it before, but now any chance was good.
— Not yet, Povilas. If the Russians find out that I am a Pole, they will immediately extradite me to Danzig. And I still have an unpaid bill with the Germans here. Better tell us what you do in Pillau?
Now Pakarklis’s eyes sparkled with pleasure.
— I lead the archeographic expedition of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
— Archeographic? Klichovsky did not believe. – In May forty-five?
– Everything is agreed with the front headquarters. We are looking for Lithuanian books taken by the Nazis. In Lochstedt Castle, the Germans abandoned an entire library. There are even manuscripts from the Albertina and letters from Kant.
Lochstedt?.. Klichovsky seemed to have touched a bare wire.
“Listen, Povilas,” he said gloomily, looking away, “it’s very embarrassing for me to ask, but will you take me as an assistant?
Pakarklis laughed amiably:
— I understand. We are colleagues. I’ll talk to my HQ handler.
Two people hurried out of the German House restaurant, one in a military uniform, the other in a civilian one. The soldier wiped his lips with a handkerchief.
“My expedition comrades,” Pakarklis explained. “We have to go, Vi… Paul. I will visit you in the evening. Where to look for you?
— That street over there, number seven, in the basement. There was only the basement left.
One could walk from the outskirts of Pillau to the Teutonic castle Lochstedt in an hour and a half. On the defaced road, skirting the funnels, the truck drove for about the same amount. The road was called Imperial Highway No. 131; now and then stuck in traffic jams, along this highway in both directions crawled vans, tractors and armored vehicles.
The Büssing turned towards Frisch Gaff.
The castle stood on a hill above the sea. In fact, these were two two-story buildings connected at a right angle. Cracked red brick. Gothic windows. The tiled roof is full of holes. Funneled yard. And everywhere there are swollen corpses in gray-green Wehrmacht soldier uniforms and dirty Volkssturm civilian clothes. When the truck stopped, a thick wave of stench quietly swept over it. The guards threw back the tailgate and jumped to the ground one after another. Captain Ludannaya got out of the cockpit.
“Comrade historians,” she said in Russian, “I remind you about mines. Only the building has been checked, so I forbid you to leave it even if you need it.
Zhenya Ludanny was convinced that scientists are not adapted to life like children. Helpless and useless people. Blessed. Or maybe tricksters.
Klikhovsky already understood: the expedition was commanded by this young lady from the Counterintelligence Department of the Third Belorussian Front.
She was in charge of the security department. And Pakarklis led only historians. There were only two of them: Juozas Jurginis, director of the library of the Academy of Sciences, and Colonel Bronislav Gertus from the University of Vilna. During the war, Gertus headed the engineering service of the Lithuanian division and still wore a military uniform.
“Translate the ban to your colleague,” Ludanna ordered Pakarklis.
The Badstuber refugee was attracted to the group by Pakarklis. Before the war, the Germans had many different societies for the study of history, and Badstuber, according to Pakarklis, was a member of such a circle. Ludannaya did not object to the participation of the German in the work of the Lithuanians. Books are nonsense: let whoever wants to collect them.
There was a railway near the castle. Overturned boxcars littered the low embankment, burnt to iron skeletons. The beech forest around the castle, stripped by the skirmish, turned into a bare crooked palisade.
Behind the barrels, burned-out Panzer tanks and Stugi self-propelled guns humped blackly. Seagulls screamed and rushed over the quiet bay.
The outposts went to the positions they had already set up yesterday, while the historians and Ludannaya went to a large hole in the wall.
— Can I see the castle? Klichovsky asked.
— Why? Ludanna narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
— The castle is a historical monument. And I’ve never been here.
– Nonsense, Badstuber.
Still, I beg you.
“Well, if you like…” Ludanna shrugged her shoulder contemptuously. “However, I forbid you to go into the basement. There are collapses everywhere.
The walls in the high vaulted halls gaped with ulcers from bullets and shrapnel. Klichovsky knew that the castle was over six hundred years old, but the potholes were so fresh that one could not believe in the antiquity of the castle. It seemed that this was not a Teutonic Ordersburg, but some kind of brick stable or barn in an ordinary manor – a German rural estate.
Silence and stench. On the stone floors – debris and corpses. After the assault, the Russian funeral teams gathered only their own in Lochstedt, and the Germans were not touched. The dead stretched out among trampled books, broken bricks and plaster, helmets, scatterings of shell casings and unwound brown bandages, cartridge zinc, empty automatic magazines and coils from field radios. Rats ran briskly over bodies and books.
Dr. Haberland talked about green ammo boxes. In the premises of the first and second floors, Klichovsky did not see anything similar. Perhaps the boxes were stacked in the basement, but going down there means violating Ludanna’s ban. Klichovsky decided to wait for a more convenient moment and returned to Pakarklis. The Lithuanian looked at him with a kind of secret delight.
“Here,” he waved his hands around the chapel, “treasures from the libraries of Vilna, Königsberg, Derpt, Riga and Memel are thrown. This terrible sight is evidence of Nazi barbarism.
Our task is to take out all the books in Lithuanian. Madame Captain, I’ll ask you not to smoke here.
Ludanny put the cigarette into the box with a displeased look.
“Comrade Captain, Mr. Scientist,” she corrected irritably.
Pakarklis entrusted Klichovsky with a walk-through hall with windows overlooking the Frisch-Gaff bay. The defenders of the castle, apparently, used the hall as an infirmary: under the windows, six dead lay in a row. Stacks of books served as their headboards. After the concentration camp, the dead did not evoke any feelings in Klichovsky: they were just former people, that’s all. Klichovsky pulled out the books and opened the one that seemed to be the oldest. And only now his heart fluttered – he responded to his beloved work. In the hands of Klichovsky were the historical chronicles of Jan Dlugosh printed in Latin. The fate of Poland – eternal pain and eternal tenderness … Klichovsky laid out books and folders in the foot; got three large – German, and one small – Lithuanian.
From the sight of ancient volumes, invaluable for culture, but having no value for the soldiers, Klichovsky was seized by impotent anger. Behind the castle wall, on the railway, a train slowly rattled its wheels. And then a desperate cry came from the depths of the building.
Povilas Pakarklis allotted himself the most promising plot – a room with a whole mountain of books. Pakarklis was so carried away by his work that he stopped looking at his feet – and stepped on an anti-personnel mine tucked into a pile of yellow sheets covered with lines of Gothic type. Mina leaned over and crunched.
Still in the corridor, Klichovsky heard the voice of Colonel Gertus:
— Don’t move, Povilas! Don’t move!..
When Klichovsky appeared in Pakarklis’s room, everyone was already there. Pakarklis stood in a strange position and handed Jurginis a large folder:
— Juozas, take it, take it! It’s “Seasons”! Feather of Donelaitis!
The poet Donelaitis was to the Lithuanians what Mickiewicz was to the Poles or Goethe to the Germans.
The manuscript of the great poem by Donelaitis also ended up with the Nazis.
Jurginis cautiously accepted the folder and instinctively backed away.
– Calm down, Pakarklis, I’ll call the sappers! Captain Ludannaya quickly got her bearings. “Three kilometers from here to our unit in Neuhäuser!”
Bronisław Gertus, kneeling down, tossed and tore off papers in order to examine the mine under the sole of Pakarklis’ boot.
– Everyone, get out of the room! he said angrily over his shoulder.
— Are you a sapper too, Bronislav? Pakarklis asked hopefully.
He was pale and afraid to move. Hertus took off his cap in excitement.
“I can’t do it,” he said softly, looking at the mine. – This is a schutzen-bomb, a development for the Werewolf. At the front, we did not encounter such people.
Klichovsky went up to Gertus and sat down. Mina, a round can, was marked “SDm-45 FS” on the side. The letters “FS” meant “Fort Stiele”.
“Contact cap on a spring,” Klichovsky said. – Pulls out the pin during the return movement. The detonator is designed for trip wires, but the mine is designed for push action.
How do you know? Captain Ludannaya immediately became alert.
– I worked with such mines at the plant in Fort “Shtil”.
– Will you discharge it? gasped Pakarklis.
– I’ll try. The main thing is not to let the lid rise. You can’t take weight off.
Klichovsky straightened up to his full height and pressed close to Pakarklis, and then carefully placed his feet on Pakarklis’ leg so as to step on the edges of the contact cover.
– Remove your leg, Povilas, and step aside.
Pakarklis slowly swerved and removed his foot from the mine. Then he immediately took a few steps back. Klichovsky now stood on the mine.
“Find the bricks, about eight whole,” he ordered calmly. – I’ll put the lid on. You need a weight of at least sixteen kilograms.
Jurginis and Gertus rushed to find suitable bricks. Klikhovsky stood on a mine and looked at Ludannaya.
If it explodes, it’s nicer to see a beautiful woman at the last moment. Short boots. Tight skirt. Slim waist with belt. On the high chest there is an order bar. A knot of heavy hair and a cap slightly to one side. The face is princely, and in gray eyes there is the suspicion of a she-wolf: “How does he know about sabotage mines? Is he a saboteur?..” Pakarklis did not recognize Klichovsky at all now. What happened to an ordinary historian from Danzig, a little-known specialist in the Teutonic Order?
Gertus and Jurginis returned to the room. They were carrying bricks. Hertus carefully placed the first brick on the mine between Klichowski’s boots.
“I understand you, Povilas,” Klichovsky said dully. “Standing on a mine is really scary. Like on a scaffold with a noose around your neck.
Leaving Pillau, Dr. Haberland left Klichovsky both an apartment and a bomb shelter basement. Now Klichovsky lived in the basement. Half of the closet was occupied by a wooden rack with Haberland’s property.
In the evenings, Klichovsky lay on a trestle bed by the light of an oil lamp and thought about everything in a row. Sometimes he remembered his sons with longing. What are they now, Berchek, Ludvichek and Charus? Do they remember their father? And he remembered and loved them. That’s why he was in Pillau. He did not want his two boys to die, as both of his brothers did.
Now Klichovsky was thinking about Lochstedt. He had never been to this castle before, although the Strength Through Joy Society included Lochstedt in its tourist itinerary. Then Erich Koch, the Gauleiter of East Prussia, took over the castle as his residence, and the tours stopped. The current Lochstedt looked like a country estate, but Klichovsky easily identified the layout of the ancient stronghold. Two moats in the form of a horseshoe. The suburb is a forburg. Line of walls and barbican fort. The chapel is a knight’s chapel, and it is clear where the convent house was. If we take into account that in ancient times there was a danzker tower, a Teutonic version of the donjon idea, in the waters of the bay, it is clear where the burgfried, the main tower, was located.
In the light and powerful imagination of Klichowski, Lochstedt Castle stood above the waters of Frisch-Haff, whole and unharmed – only a ghostly one.
It was erected at the end of the thirteenth century at the mouth of the strait from the Baltic to Frisch Gaf. In the Teutonic Order, Lochstedt was responsible for the protection of the ship’s route and the extraction of amber. There were gallows on the coast for lawbreakers – secret collectors of Samland gold. However, four centuries ago, the strait was covered with sand, and the Order died out. Lochstedt was abandoned and quietly dilapidated. The builders of the Swedish Citadel, the new fortress at Pillau, began tearing it down into bricks. Only two buildings and dungeons have survived from the castle.
Hesitant steps were heard outside the closet door, then there was a knock. It must have been one of the neighbors in the basement, because there was a curfew in the city. Klikhovsky got up from the couch and opened it. Pakarklis stood in the darkness of the passage.
He held in his hand a bottle with sealing wax on the neck. The round lenses of his glasses burned, reflecting the flame of the oil lamp.
“You saved my life today, Vincent,” said the Lithuanian. “I must thank you. I will try to repay, my friend. And this is alcohol.
Klichovsky has almost forgotten what happened during the day. Yes, he could have died. But he didn’t die. And there is nothing more to worry about. Klichovsky has long been accustomed to throwing out all thoughts of death if the threat has passed.
“Sit down,” he invited.
Alcohol was poured into Haberland cups made of expensive Meissen porcelain.
— How did you survive the war, Povilas? Klichovsky asked cautiously.
This was the most important question, and everything depended on the answer.
Before the war, Lithuania was making its way, maneuvering between Bolshevik Russia, Nazi Germany and sanitation Poland. Pakarklis believed that for self-preservation, Lithuania should try on the strongest neighbor.
But in 1940, Russia unceremoniously swallowed up Lithuania. In the independent state, Pakarklis was a district attorney, under the communists he became a commissioner of justice. When the war began, he retreated with the Russians because he did not believe in Hitler’s victory. taught. With the Russians and returned home.
“I wrote a letter to the Academy of Sciences,” said Pakarklis. — Compiled a list of German institutions where Lithuanian cultural values can be kept. I was sent to the headquarters of the front, then to the headquarters of the army. General Galitsky was generous and informed me that the Soviets had no use for fascist books.
Klichovsky nodded bitterly. Nobody needed history – neither the Nazis, nor the Communists, nor the Pilsudchiks. They only wanted power.
– In Königsberg, the Smershevites showed me the orders of Gauleiter Erich Koch on the evacuation of archives and libraries. I followed the trail and ended up here in Pillau. Imagine, Vincent, I found Bretkunas’ Postil, the manuscripts of Ludwikas Reza and The Prussian Question by Matthew Pretorius.
It’s a treasure!..
– Are you still interested in Samogitia? Six centuries ago, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Teutonic Order waged a fierce war for Samogitia, the pagan Zhmud.
“During the evacuation, I scientifically substantiated the assertion that the Zhmudins were Prussians,” Pakarklis announced proudly.
Klichovsky chuckled mirthlessly. Pakarklis adapted history to the needs of the present. If the Zhmudins are Prussians, then the Lithuanians are the primordial enemies of the Teutons and comrades-in-arms of the Slavs in the fight against the German invasion. This is how Lithuanians need to look now in order to survive under the Bolsheviks. Klikhovsky understood the strategy of Pakarklis, but for him such a strategy was still cowardice and a betrayal of professional honor.
“I submitted the book “The Struggle of the Lithuanians against the Crusaders” for publication,” Pakarklis confessed, and began to shyly wipe his glasses with the hollow of his jacket.
Klikhovsky was silent and spilled alcohol. Alas, no League of Nations will wrest Lithuania from the clutches of Russia, and Pakarklis humbly prepared a more comfortable situation for his homeland. Perhaps Poland will also have to invent a new history for itself. But he, Vincent Klichovsky, will not participate in this.
— You enter the higher spheres, Povilas… Do you know what the Soviets are going to do with East Prussia?
— They don’t talk to me about such topics.
– But you have an understanding of the general logic of events.
Pakarklis sighed:
— I think there will be no East Prussia. Russia will take it. Memel will be returned to Lithuania, and the plebiscite areas will still be annexed to Poland.
In 1920, after the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations, reshaping Europe, wanted to give Poland the southwestern regions of East Prussia. A plebiscite was held on the disputed lands, but the population voted for Prussia. Germany, humiliated by Versailles, quietly triumphed.
Soon a gloomy and majestic memorial to the battle of Tannenberg was erected in Allenstein. In Marienburg, the restoration of the giant Teutonic castle was completed. And everywhere there were fiery
“Bismarck towers” and monuments to the plebiscite – stones with the motto: “We were Germans, we will be Germans!”. Well, there won’t be any more.
– Will Pillau be Russian too?
– The Soviets need control of the Baltic. A naval base is transferred to Pillau. The army commandant’s office is already handing things over to the command of the fleet.
— Will Pillau be closed to foreigners?
– Most likely, yes. The Germans did exactly the same.
Pakarklis was right. Since 1921, Pillau was the base of the German fleet, and foreigners were not allowed here.
Klichovsky realized that calling himself Badstuber was the right decision. If he, a Pole, is expelled from Pillau, he will forever lose the chance to get rid of the family curse. And his two sons will perish, as his two brothers perished.
