Labyrinth of Reflections" by Sergey Lukyanenko
* Yuri Kalmykov. Translator's notes * (Several notes for the reader)
Leonid the complete name.
Lenia (should be read roughly as Lyo-nee-aa; don't pronounce 'double lettered' sounds as too long ones though) this is slightly diminutive, friendly form used by relatives and friends.
Lenechka (Lyo-nee-chka) a "pet-name" form, sometimes also used with sarcasm, depending on the context.
Len'chik "pet-name"/unceremonious address.
Len'ka ( here ' means softening of the previous sound, 'n' in this name sounds like 'n' in the word 'change') Unceremonious address, a bit slighting. Often used by close friends without any offensive context.
and so on. No more forms are used in the book, so I'd better not confuse you any more.
Another trick is how the names are formed in general. In particular, the concept of the middle name in Russia. It is not 'given', but rather is the father's name. To be used as a middle name, special endings are attached:
-ovich , -evich for man's middle name (yeah, they are gender specific!),
-ovna , -evna for female's middle name.
Examples: Petrovich Alekseevich men's, Petrovna Alekseevna women's.
Also, the last names of the Russian origin are gender specific too. To women's form the ending -a is usually attached: Kalmykov for me becomes Kalmykova for my Mother, as opposed to her maiden name which is Cellarius
not originally Russian one and as such not gender specific.
There's much more about Russian 'naming system', but I think it's enough said here in order to a). totally confuse an unaccustomed Western reader, and b). to explain the names in the novel for those who managed to overcome the confusion. { G } And the last thing:
Yuri Kalmykov aka Mohatu, Waukegan, IL, February-November 1998.
http://www.lionking.org/~mohatu/translations.htm
Part 1. The Diver
The Deep. It is called so in English but it seems to me that the Russian word { glubina } sounds better. Having broader meaning, it changes an attractive label into the warning: THE Deep! Sharks and octopuses live here. It's quiet, and presses, presses, presses by the endless space which doesn't really exist.
In general the deep is kind, in its own way of course. It accepts everybody. It requires just a little strength to dive, but so much more to reach the bottom and to return. The first thing to remember: the deep is dead without us. One must believe and not believe in it at the same time.
Otherwise one day you'll not be able to surface.
1
I turn my head, to the left, to the right the light darkens in my eyes for the moment, but it's only a moment. Nevermind, it happens.
Are you okay, Lenia?
The speakers are set for the full volume, I frown and say:
Yes.. Lower the volume.
Lower the volume lower lower agrees Windows-Home .
Enough, Vika. { complete form: Victoria, never used in the novel } Good program, docile, quick-witted and friendly one. Not without too much self confidence, as any Microsoft product, but I have to put up with it.
Good luck, says the program, When should I expect you back?
I look at the screen: the woman's face is floating there, framed by orange sparks, the young and cute face but nothing special. I'm tired of the model beauty.
I don't know.
I'd like to have 10 minutes for self adjustment..
Okay, but not more. I'll need all resources in 10 minutes.
The face on the screen frowns: the program extracts the keywords.
Only 10 minutes, says Windows-Home obediently, But I must draw your attention one more time to the fact that the level of the tasks you set for me does not always correspond to the volume of my RAM. The desired extension is
Shut up. I rise. "Shut up" is a definite order, the program doesn't dare to argue after that. I pad to the fridge and get a can of Sprite. The liquid cools the throat. It's almost a ritual the deep always dries the throat. With the can in my hand I come out on the balcony, into the warm summer evening.
It's almost always evening in Deeptown. The streets are lit by the bright light of neon signs, cars softly growl scudding along the streets, and people move in neverending stream. Twenty-five million of permanent inhabitants: the biggest megapolis in the world. Faces can't be seen from the height of eleventh floor. I finish my Sprite and throw the can down returning into the room.
Not ethical mutters the computer. Ignoring it I leave the room, put on my shoes and open the door. The staircase is empty and brightly lit, very-very clean. While I deal with the lock, the tiny bug tries to fly in through the half opened door. Oh well, lamers are having their fun. With irony I watch the persistent insect the steady flow of air blows from the apartment pushing the bug back out Finally the door is closed, the bug knocks against it in the last effort,
a short flash and it falls on the floor.
Should I file the complaint to the landlord? asks Windows-Home. Now the voice comes from silver clips on my shirt's collar.