#ichthyander

[paspresfutu]

Amphibian Man (1961)

[sovamurka]

Someone told me that your childhood crushes tell a lot about you as a person, I wonder what those five can say about me... I mean, we have a very determined prince, a gentle amphibian, a literal bear, a romantic sailor and one of the most cruel people in Ivan the Terrible's court

[1001framesofmind]

I mustn't say who I am...

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Alexander Belyaev and tells the story of a young man named Ichthyander who has been surgically altered to have gills, allowing him to breathe underwater. Ichthyander falls in love with a beautiful girl named Gutiere, but their relationship is threatened by various obstacles, including a villainous gangster who wants to exploit Ichthyander's abilities for his own gain.

It is worth noting that the film was shot primarily in Crimea, a peninsula located on the northern coast of the Black Sea. The film crew took advantage of the picturesque landscapes and coastal settings of Crimea to bring the underwater world of Ichthyander to life. The stunning underwater scenes were shot in the Black Sea itself, adding to the authenticity and beauty of the film's visuals. The natural beauty of Crimea provided a perfect backdrop for the fantastical story of "Amphibian Man."

🎞film: Amphibian Man (1962) 🎬director: Alexander Belyaev 🟣🟣🟣🟣⚪️

[kimkymury]

The Amphibian Man - Book Review

Firstly, I would like to thank @anitaofsamothrace​ for introducing me to this wonderful film and book, and this post would not be possible without her help.

"Amphibian Man" (Человек-амфибия) is a captivating science fiction adventure novel penned by the esteemed Soviet Russian writer, Alexander Belyaev. This imaginative work was first introduced to the world in 1928, capturing the hearts and minds of readers with its unique blend of scientific exploration and fantastical storytelling.

Synopsis

"Amphibian Man" (original title Человек-амфибия), a captivating Russian science fiction novel written by Alexander Beliaev in 1928, weaves a tale of scientific ingenuity, human transformation, and societal reflection.

The narrative revolves around Salvator, an Argentinian doctor distinguished not only by his medical prowess but also by his daring approach to science. When faced with the critical condition of his son, Ichthyander, Salvator embarks on a life-saving transplant, forever altering the course of Ichthyander's existence.

While the experiment proves successful, granting Ichthyander a new lease on life, it comes at the cost of restricting his interactions with the world beyond the ocean's embrace. Subsequently, Ichthyander finds himself compelled to navigate the challenges of life submerged, raising poignant questions about identity and adaptation.

The plot takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of Pedro Surita, a local pearl gatherer who discovers Ichthyander's extraordinary diving abilities. Pedro's attempt to exploit the young man's superhuman skills adds an element of tension and moral complexity to the narrative.

Beyond the individual struggle of Ichthyander, "Amphibian Man" delves into broader socio-political themes. The story subtly weaves in socialist ideas, offering a commentary on the pursuit of equality and the improvement of living conditions for the world's impoverished populations. As the characters navigate their personal challenges, the novel invites readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of scientific advancement, human nature, and societal structures.

"Amphibian Man" stands as a timeless exploration of the human condition, seamlessly blending elements of science fiction, morality, and social critique in a narrative that continues to captivate readers across generations.

Writing Style

The writing style of "Amphibian Man" is characterized by its vivid and elaborate descriptions, transporting the reader into a world rich with imagery. While the level of detail might be perceived as excessive by some, it serves the purpose of allowing readers to immerse themselves in the environments depicted. The author, Alexander Beliaev, employs a skillful use of language to vividly portray not only the physical landscapes but also the nuanced expressions and actions of the characters.

Despite the descriptive nature of the prose, some readers may find that the pacing occasionally slows down, leading to moments of potential monotony. However, this deliberate choice in writing style aims to offer a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing readers to envision the intricate details of the narrative. The tropical and mystical ambiance of the Argentine coast serves as an enchanting backdrop, enhancing the overall reading experience and adding a layer of atmospheric charm to the storytelling.

One notable strength of the novel lies in its ability to address enduring and relevant themes. The narrative touches on topics that remain pertinent in contemporary society, fostering a connection between the fictional world and the reader's own reality. The exploration of these themes adds depth to the storyline, elevating "Amphibian Man" beyond a mere tale of fantastical transformation.

The characters in the novel are portrayed with charisma, making them relatable and engaging for the reader. The storyline's magnetic pull leaves the reader eagerly anticipating each unfolding chapter, creating a desire to delve deeper into the narrative. This captivating quality contributes to the novel's status as a classic, as it manages to sustain the reader's interest throughout.

Without divulging spoilers, the story skillfully weaves a captivating narrative that elicits a range of emotions. While there are moments of humor that provide a welcome respite, the narrative also concludes with a poignant blend of melancholy and joy. This emotional resonance lingers with the reader, leaving a lasting impression and prompting reflection on the intricacies of the human experience.

In essence, "Amphibian Man" is not merely a book but a literary journey that combines descriptive prowess, enduring themes, charismatic characters, and emotional depth. It is a classic that transcends time, inviting readers to explore its pages and, as an added dimension, experience the tale on the cinematic screen. The novel's ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions ensures its place as a timeless and multidimensional work of literature.

Reviews about the movie

The cinematic adaptation of "Amphibian Man" has been praised for its visually stunning aesthetics and its ability to evoke genuine emotion. The film's cool aesthetic captures the attention of the audience, creating a visually engaging experience. However, despite its visual appeal and emotional resonance, some critics argue that the book delves into a broader spectrum of topics with greater depth.

The movie primarily focuses on social and interpersonal problems, as well as personal tragedies, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience. While the film addresses these themes, some viewers feel that the book handles these aspects with a more nuanced and profound approach, exploring the intricacies of the narrative in a more comprehensive manner.

During its initial release, the film received mixed reviews from critics. The discrepancy between critical reception and public popularity can be attributed to the prevailing cinematic norms of the time. Critics, often rooted in traditional values, were less receptive to the film's departure from Soviet values in both character portrayal and storytelling. The clash between the old-school critics' expectations and the film's innovative approach contributed to a divide in critical opinions.

Despite the lukewarm reception from critics, the film gained immense popularity among audiences. Its success can be attributed to its ability to resonate with viewers on a more emotional and personal level. While the characters may not exude extreme charisma or flamboyance, they are portrayed as authentic individuals with a balance of virtues and flaws. This realism in character portrayal allows audiences to connect with the story on a more human level.

Critics, however, noted that the characters in the film appeared shallower in comparison to their literary counterparts. The film's emphasis on the action genre received mixed reviews, with some feeling that it lacked the depth present in the book. This divergence in critical assessments underscores the subjective nature of artistic interpretation.

Despite the criticisms, the movie has stood the test of time and is now considered a classic. It holds a special place in the hearts of those who watched it, with fond memories lingering among audiences. The enduring popularity of the film, in contrast to its initial critical reception, highlights the dynamic relationship between cinematic innovation, audience reception, and the evolving standards of storytelling. "Amphibian Man" remains a cinematic gem, cherished by its audience for its unique blend of visual appeal, emotional depth, and its status as a classic in the realm of film adaptations.

Curiosities about the movie

"Amphibian Man" has garnered international recognition, with acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Quentin Tarantino expressing it as his favorite Russian movie. This endorsement from a prominent figure in the film industry underscores the global appeal and impact of the Russian cinematic gem.

Interestingly, the movie has been at the center of controversy regarding its influence on the 2017 Hollywood production "The Shape of Water." Accusations of plagiarism have arisen due to the striking similarities between the two films. Both share a common narrative thread, featuring a protagonist with an amphibious nature, a Soviet connection, and a setting in the 1960s. The parallels in plot and thematic elements have sparked debates among film enthusiasts about potential inspirations or influences.

While such accusations may ignite discussions about artistic originality and creative inspiration, they also highlight the enduring relevance of "Amphibian Man" as a source of inspiration for contemporary filmmakers. The film's impact has transcended geographical boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape and influencing works beyond its cultural origins.

As debates continue about the similarities between "Amphibian Man" and "The Shape of Water," it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Russian classic and its capacity to resonate with filmmakers across different cultures and generations. The movie's cultural significance and its ability to spark discussions in contemporary cinema contribute to its status as a cinematic treasure with a lasting impact.

Personal opinion

It was a truly pleasant experience delving into the pages of this book and immersing myself in the world of this film. As my initial encounters with Russian/Soviet literature and cinema, they ignited a curiosity that compels me to explore more works of a similar nature. 

Thank you for taking the time to explore my thoughts on “The Amphibian Man” ~ 

[daniel-fortesque]

Capp`s Charity Ball

The time was approaching the end of the year, blizzards and snowfalls were already raging outside. There were a few days left before the New Year and everyone was trying to quickly finish all work and close all financial affairs.

Contessa and Consort Capp decided to hold a charity ball just before the New Year, and the money received from wealthy guests would be sent to orphanages. Contessa Capp sent out invitations to almost a hundred people, but, to her regret, fewer came.

Among the guests were also the Harkers, and Contessa had been friends with them for a long time, and after the marriage of the Consort and Contessa’s son Leonard to Jimma Harker, she became a frequent guest of the Harkers. She especially adored her granddaughter Katrina and spoiled her in every possible way. Contessa asked Katrina's cousin Yulara, who was an excellent musician and worked in the city theater, to perform at the evening.

The hall was themed in icy—blue tones, and the Capp family chose green with gold accents as an accent in the design. The staff also wore uniforms in matching colors. The spacious hall was designed for 130 people, but was adjusted according to the guests who confirmed their presence at the evening. As a result, 48 people came to the event.

Guests began to arrive by 18:00, some of them arriving later due to harsh weather conditions. Snow covered all the roads, making travel difficult.

Among the first were (in addition to the Capp spouses), there was also Grand Duke Nord of Moonlight Falls with his faithful servant—manager — the hereditary vampire Claude Westerholt. They were given a VIP table with the hosts of the evening and sat at a table near the stage where the host, a longtime acquaintance of Capp, spoke.

Some of the guests were from different cities, and several of them were from other countries, specially coming at the invitation of the Capps themselves.

At the reception were the couple Norma and Gil Davidson, Martina Garres, Aza Castellanos and his business partner Lydia Yamamato . They were given a far table next to the bar counter. There were several new people sitting with them who had not previously attended Capp events, so Contessa invited them.

At the third row next to the buffet table, where there was a pretty waitress, the delegation from Africa was placed with their translators.

The most empty table, closest to the Cupps and their VIP guests, belonged to six of the richest people from the neighboring city of Bridgeport. Among them sat the famous Professor Grayden, with his wife's old knitted scarf. Sitting next to him was his student and friend Gidget, a young heiress from a suburb near Sunset Valley.

The opposite side was also colorful; the table closest to the stage was occupied by two countesses, Vanessa Ives and Anastasia Verta. Their neighbors were rich men from Asia and their companions from different countries.

The second middle table was occupied by the Harkers and members of their dynasty.

Sitting in an orange dress was the vampire hunter Agnes Verdier, a member of the Harker family who has lived on their estate for many years. Sitting in a green dress was Alexandria, to her left, with her husband, Graham. Opposite them sat their children, daughter Yulara in a purple dress and son Felix in a brown suit. Next to Graham sat the ichthyander Ussur, for whom this evening became special — he went out into the world for the first time, having taken the “coup potion.” From a mermaid—vampire, she became a human for a short time. He accompanied Contessa's granddaughter Katrina. Katrina's husband could not come due to difficulties at work, so Ussur took on the role of escort.

The Harkers arrived shortly after the arrival of Countess Verta and immediately took their places, as required by the conditions upon arrival at the place.

The far table was occupied by the young heirs, whose parents were unable to attend the evening, so they were sent as representatives of their influential families (and fat wallets). At the same table, in the company of his friend, sat Rashid Emery, Yulara’s colleague and former classmate.

Rashid was in love with Yulara for a long time, but did not dare to admit it, but today he made up his mind and will do it after a special ball program. He even specially put on his blue suit, thinking that he looked good in it. His friend in a snow—white suit Anten Colby teased him and made fun of him, but he really valued Rashid, so he didn't do it much today.

When the last guest finally arrived, the host, at the Consort's signal, finally announced the beginning of the evening. A slightly plump fat man in a special uniform climbed onto the stage and began his speech.

— Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! I hope everyone got there without incident and the road didn’t sweep any of you into a walking snowdrift.

The audience laughed, allowing the tension in the room to dissipate, and the presenter continued his speech.

— So, we all gathered here for a reason, but to spend our money (there was a slight laugh in the hall) for a noble cause, and most importantly, a kind and warm one. Your jingling coins will bring happiness to those who, unfortunately, do not have them. Children in orphanages who dream of toys, magic and wonder, and just ordinary things, thanks to you they will receive your support. They will be able to fulfill their childhood dreams and desires for something incredible.

*Applause in the hall*

Now let me introduce the people without whom this evening would not have taken place. Everyone outside our city knows this family, they are a benefactor of many and for them helping those in need is a calling and duty. Ladies and gentlemen, Contessa and Consort Capp!

Two very aristocratic spouses rose from the first table near the stage. Contessa in a red dress and her husband in a business suit took a place near the podium. Their ascent to the stage was accompanied by applause from the audience.

— Good evening, dear guests! I gladly welcome you here and thank you for being able to come. — Contessa began her welcoming speech with undisguised joy, glancing at her husband out of the corner of her eye, and the Consort outwardly seemed calm, but in fact he was in his soul (if he has one, because he is a terrible miser) cats scratched and toads strangled. I would like to open our evening with a performance by one gifted girl from my family and my husband’s family.

This family has long won respect and taken its place in society, and for us they became a family not so long ago. (Contessa turned her attention to the Harkers’ table and smiled almost continuously with her eyes at them all)

A few months ago, these selfless people were able to restore what others could not. The majestic castle on Lake White has revealed the secrets of the Bloody Spurs, the very place where the mysterious founder of our beloved city of Roaring Heights once lived. For which, on behalf of my entire family and my ancestors, I am deeply grateful to them.

*Applause*

In addition, our youngest son Leonardo found happiness in this family and gave my husband and me my long—awaited granddaughter Katrina, who is also present here.

Distinguished guests, let me introduce the wonderful Harker family and invite their musical treasure to take the stage.

Contessa came out from behind the podium and motioned to a twenty—year—old girl in a dark purple dress who was sitting at the Harkers' table. Yulara was slightly embarrassed and slowly walked towards the stage to loud applause.

Returning to the podium, the presenter said:

— Dear ladies and gentlemen, Miss Lady Yulara Harker!

The girl shyly bowed from the stage to the audience, who actively applauded the elegant pianist. Yulara sat down at the instrument, pursing her lips slightly with excitement.

The Capps returned to their table, where their VIP—guests from Moonlight Falls. Contessa smiled widely with pleasure, literally beamed, which Grand Duke Nord noticed and looked at the girl behind the magnificent snowwhite piano with an amazingly carved lid.

The man’s hands grew cold, and his heart beat tremulously, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. The duke's servant Claude instantly caught the change in his master's body and looked with his eyes, now at him, now at Yulara. The vampire understood what was going on.

Nord had looked at her from the hall before, but then he didn’t really look at her, but now... now he looked at her with different eyes... no, not with his eyes, but with his heart.

Yulara exhaled and placed her graceful fingers on the keys and played an incredibly beautiful melody. She lost herself in the music and her tension disappeared.

The Harkers kept an eye on their heiress, Alexandria and Graham held hands and looked at their daughter. Katrina, Felix and Agnes listened to Yulara's music with pleasure, never ceasing to feel a sense of pride and delight.

Ussur was briefly distracted from the enchanting music of the piano and sensed something was wrong. He feverishly looked for the source of the familiar vibration and saw it in the far table that stood near the stage, from where beautiful notes were coming.

Ussur's mind and eyes were filled with blurry scenes of Yulara and that man in the company of Capp and the vampire Claude. Little people ran along the beach holding hands. They hugged, wrapped in a blanket near the lit fireplace. Then blackness... and the ichthyander already saw Yulara in anticipation of something joyful and long—awaited.

The picture faded — Ussur realized this was Yulara’s fate.

Ussur exhaled and smiled to himself. Naturally this smile The Harkers already recognized and only silently turned their heads towards Capp’s table, examining the destined new future member of the family.

While Claude's master was constantly and enchantedly admiring Yulara, the vampire felt uncomfortable and, as if by chance, looked around the room, looking for the cause of the discomfort, and he fixed his bloody gaze on the Harkers. He was alarmed by their attentive glances, but then they turned their attention to the stage. Claude was interested in a strange—looking character with red hair. By instinct, he saw that he was a vampire, but he was not the type that everyone knows about.

Claude turned to the stage and furtively glanced at the enchanted master, the vampire noticed that the Duke clenched his palms.

Claude noticed this, he knew the habits of his master, he realized what this gesture meant, and thoughtfully dropped his chin on his clasped hands, studying the girl on the stage with his eyes.

Finally the song came to an end. Yulara finished playing, stood up, bowed too modestly, nodded to Contessa and the Consort and left the stage.

Claude noticed how Nord did not take his eyes off the girl for a long time.

The hall did not quiet down for a long time, drowning out everyone around with applause. The waiters had already served the previously ordered drinks to the guests and returned to their places of work.

The presenter returned to his place.

— It was magical, Lady Yulara! Thank you for performance. Now the floor is given again to the hostess of the evening.

Contessa almost skipped onto the stage. This time the Consort remained seated. He didn’t even notice the change at his own table and exchanged a few words in a whisper with his neighbors.

— Smart girl, she picked a beautiful melody. Contessa probably did not discuss the performance program with her and I think that the composition should have been chosen more classically. How do you think?

Nord looked up from his thoughts and looked confusedly, first at Claude, then at Consort, not hearing the question. Capp did not notice the absent—mindedness, the situation was steered by Claude, who perfectly understood where the “master was flying” and with his speech, he gave the Duke time to prepare for an answer.

— Mr. Capp, I must admit, your beautiful wife knows how to choose a repertoire. This young lady was able to revive the hearts of those present in this room. You are especially honored to have such a treasure as your betrothed. You are lucky. The composition was chosen beautifully, — Claude turned his head towards Nord. — In my opinion, Lady Harker performed amazingly, didn’t she, Your Honor?”

Nord mentally thanked his manager (also his secret friend—servant, which others should not know about, because in Moonlight Falls aristocrats are not supposed to treat servants as close friends) and said in concentration:

— Yes, I agree. Mr. Capp, your welcome was very uplifting and the young lady added a special atmosphere to the evening.

Consort smiled contentedly; he liked it when he and his wife were praised. He likes flattery.

Contessa clapped Yulara, thanking her for her performance.

— I thank Lady Yulara for setting the mood for our evening. Now let's enjoy the meeting, and the Consort and I hope you enjoy the evening and have fun. Please enjoy.

The hostess of the evening returned to the table with her husband and guests, and the host returned to the stage and started the music system to set the mood.

Guests began to gather in groups to meet and discuss news from around the world. Some guests remained in their seats, others went to the bar for additional drinks.

The far table, occupied by the Davidsons and their friends, became a stronghold of gossip.

— What a wonderful evening! Contessa thought of inviting the Harkers! — Norma Davidson theatrically fell on her hand.

Martina, a sultry, tanned Spanish woman, shook her head sympathetically:

— Oh, dear, how I understand you! I wouldn’t have come here if I knew that Contessa and the Harkers would be dragged to the ball.

— It's true! Because of their activities, my project about exploring underwater grottoes went to hell! I was counting on a reward from the mayor, but no — the Harkers bypassed me here too, Martina’s Greek neighbor, the largest businessman Aza Castellanos, gritted his teeth.

— Really? But I thought, Aza, that you simply began to slow down with your contributions to the expedition, and that’s why you went bankrupt. — Aza’s mistress, Japanese Lydia Yamamoto, said disgustingly.

—The Harkers are always poking around with their philanthropic things. I'm sick of them.

— Perhaps, but that doesn’t make them all bad people. Although... There are rumors that among them were vampire killers. Do you think this is true? — Maura Gomez asked quietly.

Norma pursed her lips and said disdainfully:

— What difference does it make what species vampires belong to? Vampire-killers, vampire-hunters, vampire-witchers, dhampirs — they are all just vile creatures. And there were a lot of rumors about the Harkers, they even wrote in the newspapers once. In my opinion, there were several ships with someone from their family.

Young Japanese auto businessman Tamano, wearing a purple suit, rubbed his hands and grinned.

— Really?

Lydia answered him instead of her friend Norma:

— Yes. It was in the news, but when... It was a long time ago.

Martina actively gestured with her hands.

— Maybe we shouldn’t talk about this family? Still, there is a much more compelling reason to gather than to discuss the Harkers?

Not everyone wanted to close this topic of discussion, but no one wanted to object (openly, anyway) and they changed the topic, not paying attention to the other guests.

The founders of the charity evening, Capp couple, split up and approached the guests, starting conversations about a variety of content. Consort first approached the group where Alexandria and Graham were hanging out.

Consort's wife joined her granddaughter Katrina and a circle of young heirs who attended such an event on their own for the first time. Contessa still could not get enough of the arrival of the guests. The host of the evening joined them, adding jokes to their conversation. The young people relaxed a little and were able to communicate with each other without tension. Among them stood Yulara’s friend, secretly in love with her and going through the further conversation for a long time. Rashid was nervous and his friend Anten tried to calm him down a little, constantly pulling him back and drawing him into new topics of conversation.

Felix and his sister decided to meet Countess Anastasia and the professor. Among them was a young fan of the Harkers, especially the singer Ethan under the pseudonym VAMPYR, who died many years ago, and the young blonde socialite Melania. Among them was a young geologist, Rob Yamada, enthusiastically telling Yulara how gorgeous she was and comparing her dress to the shine of metals. Ussur also joined them, and started a conversation with the professor about history and biology.

Ichthyander's goal, in addition to establishing contact with people from the aristocratic circle, was to observe the half-empty table near the stage where two interesting people were sitting. Nobody particularly bothered these two and only Ussur showed interest in their conversation with each other. Thanks to his gift and keen hearing, he heard every word.

Duke Nord glanced around briefly, making sure that no one could hear them, and decided to have a frank conversation with Claude.

— Thanks for helping me out earlier. If you weren't here I...

Westerholt interrupted him.

— It’s not worth it, Your Grace! It is my responsibility to help you out and listen!

Duke Nord smiled slightly. — Claude, you know, I... — the man was very worried and had a hard time finding words. — I thought that after... after Edwina’s death, something dried up in me... You know very well what it was like for me then, I fell into depression. I felt very bad and I didn’t think that the ability to love and feel would ever awaken in me again. Today I... — the aristocrat fell silent, stealthily looking at the opposite side of the hall, where stood the girl who had penetrated his heart.

Claude put his hand to his icy mouth and looked thoughtfully at his owner.

— I understood you. Immediately, as soon as I sensed a change.

Nord looked at him in surprise and then relaxed.

— I keep forgetting that you are a vampire and your senses are many times better than a human’s. I even envy you for this.

Claude became gloomy.

— Don't say that, Your Grace! Only the stupid and naive can be jealous of vampire abilities. And you are not that kind of person at all, my lord.

— Yes, yes…

— So, what’s boring you? Why don't you come to her?

Nord glanced at Yulara, who was engrossed in conversation, then looked pitifully at Claude.

— This may sound ridiculous, but... I'm afraid.

Claude couldn't help but smile. He did not smile with mockery, but with emotion. The master finally came to life and fell in love, and Claude was bursting inside with joy.

— Your Mightiness! There is no need to be afraid, go boldly to her. First, praise her for playing the piano, because she really played beautifully. And then, in your typical manner, compliment her and kiss her hand. To be sure, I can come up with you. In addition, I want to make sure of something. — Claude looked suspiciously towards Ussur, who was actively communicating with the professor.

— What is it? — asked the Duke.

Claude waved him off.

Duke Nord sighed and nodded decisively. Claude rejoiced inside, but outwardly did not express his joy.

Duke Nord tried to keep himself as calm as possible. He had a difficult conversation ahead of him. Claude fell behind a little, examining the situation. His instincts did not indicate danger, but he was still a little worried. First of all — for the master.

Nord approached the group of guests, where Ussur, Felix and Yulara stood — they were all actively discussing new discoveries in the world, and the professor was also happy to talk about his travels to different countries.

The man was raging inside with a mixture of delight, fear, excitement and love.

— You played great, Lady Yulara! The river of a musical man flows in your veins, illuminated by the muses of all centuries, — Nord said gracefully.

The girl turned around at the man's voice behind her. Her insides fluttered and she smiled shyly.

— You’re overpraising me... — the girl hesitated, not knowing how to address her interlocutor. — Sorry, I don’t know your name...

The Duke smiled.

— Yes, not everyone knows each other here, but this can be corrected. Great Lord, descendant of the aristocratic Nord dynasty. Born and raised in Moonlight Falls. Duke Christerius Nord, at your service.

The man took the girl's hand and lightly kissed her musical fingers. Yulara was embarrassed and blushed.

— Oh, you are of royal blood... my lord. How do you like it in Roaring Heights?

— Wonderful! Changing the landscape is a pleasant opportunity to get some fresh air and relax away from home. But today evening replaced my walks around the city, thanks to you.

Yulara she smiled, embarrassed, and she and the Duke talked almost the entire evening.

Claude decided to get to know the other Harkers better, leaving the owner in the company of a charming girl, and not to interfere. During the entire long evening, the vampire failed to get Ussur to talk and when he asked about the affiliation of vampires, he never learned anything.

But Agnes became interested in the Duke and his servant Claude, so she tried in every possible way to strike up a conversation with the manager.

In vain. He wasn't particularly talkative.

Ussur was distracted and looked at the far end of the hall, where Rashid Emery, Yulara’s colleague, was standing.

The guy stood tense and very dissatisfied. Rashid spent the whole evening thinking about the upcoming conversation with the girl, but his friend Anten suggested that it would be better to postpone the showdown until another time and in a more private setting, for example, after work.

Throughout the rest of the evening, the guests communicated with each other without any obstacles. Gossipers joined the groups, carefully hiding their attitude towards some of the guests. Contessa completely disappeared into the party, no one noticed how quickly this wonderful time flew by.

Already closer to 4 o'clock the guests began to gather at home. Countesses Verta and Ivez invited Consort and Contessa to visit their estates during the holidays. Professor Grayden promised Ussur to give him a tour of the university, to which the ichthyander happily agreed. Alexandria and Graham went ahead of their group, leaving Felix and Yulara to their own devices.

The young people, along with several other guests, decided to continue the fun in another place and a large group gathered to go to a 24hour club near the ocean.

Claude nevertheless started talking to Agnes, but she did not arouse much interest in him as a woman, but he found her a nice companion and they just talked about trifles. A delegation from Africa also spoke with Contessa and suggested that she consider some kind of joint project. Consort persuaded Norma and Gil Davidson to come to his office, where they wanted to discuss a deal for the sale of houseboats from Isla Paradiso.

As for Duke Nord and his new acquaintance Lady Yulara, they practically did not leave the whole evening after they met. This, of course, was seen by Ussur and Nord’s servant, and they only occasionally observed their relationship with joy and calm.

— The Harker Dynasty (played since 2017)

[nonbinary-dandy]

I've read "Amphibian Man" by Alexander Beliaev and MY GOD it's awesome, mostly because of Ichthyander who is my new blorbo. Awesome boi nice personality.

(If you know how to organise "[book title] Weekly", I would be ill-mannered enough to ask for advice. I want more people to read this book🥺)

[monkeyandelf]

Are there laboratories for breeding Homo Aquaticus? Amphibian Man - already a reality?

Back in the 19th century, science fiction writers dreamed that people could live not only on earth, but also in the sky, as well as in the abyss of the seas.  It must be said that even the famous ocean explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau claimed in 1962 that in 40-50 or 100 years people will have an operation that allows them to breathe underwater. A miniature device that supplies blood with oxygen was tried to be developed by the Japanese in the mid-90s. This would allow people to be under water without restrictions. Despite the fact that in countries such as the USA, Japan, the USSR / Russia, Israel and Italy there were real attempts to create a new kind of people, no tangible result was achieved. But, is this really true or is the truth hidden from the public?  A loud scandal erupted in 1984 in the United States, when documents about an attempt to create a unit of amphibian people called "Fishman" or "Man-Fish" were accidentally discovered during a fire in the CIA archives.

Fish Man Project. They were not implanted with any devices. Experts chose to go the other way. According to the calculations of scientists involved in this most difficult task, the problem of breathing under water could be solved with the help of artificial gills. It became known about 30 volunteers who allegedly volunteered for a series of complex operations.  Out of 30 people, only one survived. His name is Simon Boyd. He was lucky, because the chief surgeon of the project simply did not have time to get to him and died of a heart attack. Only in 2010, before his death, Simon shared information that he participated in the Fish Man project, but, by a lucky chance, survived. Of course, the temptation was extremely great, because it made it possible to descend to depths of up to half a mile or more without any equipment. But, alas, the creation of an amphibious man turned out to be an unattainable goal, at least at that time. Today, there are more than 1,500 secret medical laboratories in the world. Their activities are not reliably known and are hidden behind seven seals. What they do there, no one knows. Japanese researcher Keisuke Miyaito believes that scientists in several countries around the world have managed to implant real gills in people. And already today there are dozens or even hundreds of people who are able to swim to great depths without needing oxygen tanks.  This became possible due to several factors. It turned out that engrafting the gills is not enough. Only after artificial analogues of the spleen and liver were built into the body, for additional help to the organs, did the system work.

Are people with gills a reality? Thus, it is quite possible that people who saw ichthyanders, mermaids or sirens on the high seas actually encountered the result of secret experiments and developments of scientists. A person with such abilities will be able to stay under water for hours.  This could prove to be a major advantage, both militarily and help in the study of marine fauna and flora. Although to date no one has officially admitted to the successful conduct of such operations, many experts are sure that this is no longer a fantasy, but quite a reality. Read the full article

[specialshinytrinkets]

Context: I've finished "The Picture of Dorian Gray" like 5 days ago, and started "Amphibian Man" today

Evil bitch vs. Sea-nnamon roll

(Please read both books, one is interesting because of the character's moral decay, and the other is fun, a way to cleanse from the first book)

[Image ID: A meme of Harrison Ford saying "Baby boy. Baby." in the upper half towards Ichthyander from a novel "Amphibian Man" by Alexander Belyaev. In the lower half, he is saying "Evil." towards Dorian Gray from a novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. End ID]

[multifru196]

Amphibian Man by Alexander Beliaev

[artofsamothrace]

"The first fish among men, the first man among fish..." 🐠

A messy spread for Ichthyander, my first platonic crush.

The movie is cute and all, but go read the book. Like, now. It's got similar, if not the same sense of queer neurodivergent longing y'all found in The Little Mermaid.

[grantcary]

Amphibian Man Человек-амфибия is a 1962 Soviet science fiction romance film starring Vladimir Korenev and Anastasiya Vertinskaya, and directed by Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennadi Kazansky. It is an almost fable-like story based upon the eponymous novel by Alexander Beliaev. It focuses on a youth named Ichthyander (from Greek: fish+man) who was surgically altered to survive under the sea. Unlike traditional science fiction movies of the time the film focuses much more on the concept of love won and lost. [x]

[tinamirror-blog]

undefined

Вот такой сверкающий “ихтиандр” на ночь глядя что называется 👱🐙🙇🐳 Всем сладких снов, а кому-то доброго утра, друзья 😘🙋

Here is such a sparkling “Ichthyander” at night what’s called 👱🐙🙇🐳 To all sweet dreams, and to someone good morning, friends 😘🙋

[azyri-blog]

#79 

   Глава 6. Т: минус 9. 2057 год н.э. Теоретик

   - Это будет бомба! - заявил Николай.

   - Скорее, тогда уж коктейль. - Предположил Василий. - Коктейль Молотова.

   - Коктейль юного терраформатора, - высказал встречное предложение Николай.

   - Почему юного? - спросила Лиза.

   - Ну... для красного словца. Пусть будет юного. Взрослый терраформатор должен, наверное, сразу леса сажать. А это как раз для такого, молодого. Нет, считаю это лучшей комбинацией. Бомба... то есть настоящий коктейль! Лучшие, отборные, тщательно оптимизированные виды хлореллы. Авангард из избранных штаммов цианобактерий, проверенных в схватках со стихиями северных озер, и грозящих по уровню производства кислорода вплотную приблизиться к хлорелле. Разведчики от многоклеточных водорослей. Из тех, что хотя бы имеют условный шанс на выживание. Пропорции тщательно выверены, в каждой десятилитровой сетке - научно обоснованная комбинация родов, скрупулезно просчитанная смесь видов.

   Контроллер на той стороне экрана лишь слегка кивал головой, даже не пытаясь перебивать.

   - И в заключение - то, что является гордостью корпорации ITSK. "Садовники". Целых сто штук на одну сетку. Наниты, которые мы разрабатывали почти десятилетие. Те, что способны ухаживать. Способны предотвращать. Способны воевать за свой сад, беречь его, холить, следить за ним. Они будут неустанно обеспечивать выживание коктейля.

   - Данная модель условно названа "садовник 2: ихтиандр", - скромно вставил Данила.

   - Да. - Подтвердил Николай. - К сожалению, не способны размножаться вслед за своими питомцами, так что их роль важна лишь на начальном этапе. Но (!) - способны к медленной подзарядке, способны прожить почти месяц до исчерпания ресурса. Способны слегка сдвинуть время распаковки сетки, в зависимости от готовности коктейля к выходу на волю. Бросьте все и распространяйте только продукты для терраформирования от компании ITSK.

   - Когда вы будете готовы к отгрузке? - вежливо спросил Контроллер.

   - Тогда, когда вы скажете дату забора груза. Надеюсь, вы сможете забросить сетки в нужные районы быстро? Взвесь непрерывно размножается, такого ее свойство. И ее надо либо замораживать, либо в течение трех суток она взламывает сетку и без помощи нанитов. Я бы предпочел распространять свежий, незамороженный продукт.

   - Так когда?

   - Да хоть завтра. Двести сеток, две тонны. И мы можем выдавать еще по тонне в неделю, до тех пор, пока процесс сам нас не обгонит.

   - Вы пробовали ваш... коктейль в низких температурах? Как он себя поведет?

   - Да мы только там этот набор и пробовали, - заявил Николай. - Я о чем вам толкую? Это специальная разработка для севера. Год - и вам придется запускать рыбу, или по вашим морям можно будет ходить. Прямо по водорослям.

   - Ну, это вы утрируете, - уверенно сказал Контроллер.

   - Это я утрирую, - легко согласился Николай. - Так как? Когда готовить?

   - Я согласую график с Елизаветой, - сказал Контроллер. - В зависимости от метеоусловий. Да, у меня еще маленький вопрос. На лимоне начали желтеть два листа. Может, надо его чем-нибудь подкормить?..

   ***

Chapter 6. T: minus 9. 2057 AD Theorist   "It will be a bomb!" - said Nicholas.   "Quick, then it's a cocktail." - Assumed Vasily. - Molotov cocktail.   "A cocktail of a young terraformer," Nicholas countered.   - Why young? asked Lisa.   - Well ... for a red word. Let him be young. An adult terraformer should, probably, immediately plant a forest. And this is just for such a young man. No, I think this is the best combination. A bomb ... that is a real cocktail! The best, selective, carefully optimized types of chlorella. Vanguard of selected strains of cyanobacteria, tested in battles with the elements of northern lakes, and threatening to close the level of oxygen production to chlorella. Scouts from multicellular algae. Of those who at least have a conditional chance of survival. The proportions are carefully calibrated, in each ten-liter grid - scientifically grounded combination of genera, scrupulously calculated mixture of species.   The controller on the other side of the screen only nodded slightly, not even trying to interrupt.   - And in conclusion - what is the pride of the ITSK corporation. "Gardeners". One hundred pieces on one grid. The nanites that we developed for almost a decade. Those that are able to look after. Able to prevent. Are capable to be at war for the garden, to protect it, to care, track it. They will tirelessly ensure the survival of the cocktail.   - This model is conditionally called "gardener 2: Ichthyander," Danila modestly inserted.   - Yes. - Confirmed Nicholas. - Unfortunately, they can not breed after their pets, so their role is important only at the initial stage. But (!) - are capable of slow recharging, able to live almost a month before the exhaustion of the resource. Are able to slightly shift the time of unpacking the grid, depending on the willingness of the cocktail to go free. Drop everything and distribute only terraforming products from ITSK.   - When will you be ready for shipping? Controller asked politely.   "Then, when you say the date of the pick-up." I hope you can throw the grid into the right areas quickly? The slurry multiplies continuously, such is its property. And it must either be frozen, or within three days it breaks the grid and without the help of nanites. I would prefer to distribute a fresh, unfrozen product.   - So when?   - Yes, even tomorrow. Two hundred grids, two tons. And we can give out another tonne a week, until the process itself overtakes us.   - Have you tried your ... cocktail in low temperatures? How will he behave?   - Yes, we only tried this set, - said Nikolay. "What are you talking about?" This is a special development for the north. Year - and you have to run a fish, or you can walk on your seas. Right on the algae.   "Well, you're exaggerating," Controller said confidently.   "I'm exaggerating this," Nikolai agreed easily. - As? When to ready?   "I'll coordinate the schedule with Elizabeth," Controller said. - Depending on weather conditions. Yes, I still have a small question. Two lemon began to turn yellow on the lemon. Maybe we need to feed him something? ..

  ***

       Данила сидел перед экранами компьютера, на которых висели две почти никак не связанных с собой темы.

   На левом экране светились последние сводки с бирж и околобиржевых институтов. На правом - местный форум с громких названием "Мы остановим себя сами!".

   Левый экран говорил Даниле, что сто сорок километров, которыми владела их компания на Марсе, можно было продать по пятнадцать тысяч за единицу. Хотя стоимость начала сильно дифференцироваться в зависи��ости от конкретного места. Например, в паре километров от базы Данила однажды обнаружил живописный маленький кратер. Ну, как обнаружил - они с Николаем привезли туда груз хлореллы, а Данила лишь сделал множество фотографий, две их которых даже вошли в последний альманах.

   Стоимость квадрата, включающего в себя этот кратер сейчас составляла сто пятьдесят тысяч - в десять раз выше средней. В очередной раз Данила убеждался, как важно грамотно подать товар, пусть это даже территории на чужой планете.

   Хотя - то место действительно выглядело отлично. И на фотографиях, и вживую любой человек с воображением мог представить, насколько красиво там будет. Например - хвойный лес вплоть до самого обрыва. Редкие невысокие деревья на крутых склонах. Песчаный пляж в глубине, внизу. Вымощенная булыжником лесенка вниз, к этому пляжу...

   Данила встряхнулся. Правый экран трепетал сложными формулами и яростным спором. Спорили биологи, но при этом они втянули в спор, похоже, всех, кто хотя бы что-то понимал в терраформировании.

   То есть - всех, кто находился на Марсе.

   Обсуждалась "пружина аэробов" - парадокс, который занимал умы все последнее время. Причем, интерес к этому парадоксу был не теоретический, а в текущий момент чисто практический. Где-то на третий месяц и пятый гигабайт обсуждений уже все согласились с тем, что "пружина аэробов" - не досужий вымысел, а то, что ждет планету очень скоро.

   Теперь самые горячие споры шли о том, как именно скоро. Биологи обменивались таблицами, которые тут же опровергали математики, и другие биологи тоже. Доходило до абсурда, сейчас, например, активно шло открытое для всех желаний голосование, какая именно из трех расчетных схем пружины наиболее близка к действительности. Как будто желания голосующих хоть как-то могли повлиять на процесс.

   Гипотеза, выдвинутая недавно, изначально казалась абсурдной. Но выдвинули ее сразу несколько человек, и на Земле, и здесь, и просто так отмахнуться от нее не удалось. Парадокс "пружины аэробов" гласил, что чем выше содержание кислорода в атмосфере планеты, тем сильнее давление аэробных организмов в обратную сторону - использования кислорода для своих нужд. И соответственно, тем тяжелее заработать каждый новый процент кислорода.

   Все просто - увеличение кислорода провоцирует бурное размножение всех организмов, способных его поглощать.

   Споры сейчас сводились только к тому, когда эффект "пружины" станет заметен. И к конкретным расчетам параметров этой пружины.

   Лично Данила считал, что наличие подобной пружины - это благо, что сразу приводило его в лагерь абсолютного меньшинства. Но его логика была проста - получалось, что эта пружина - практически единственный механизм регуляции, балансирования состава атмосферы именно на том уровне, к которому они привыкли на Земле.

   В идеале, комбинация земных микроорганизмов, растений, и, в дальнейшем, животных, сама должна была отрегулировать атмосферу до "идеального" состояния. А то, что это время на это "слегка" увеличивалось, волновало его мало. Сейчас он судорожно пытался придумать способ найти лишних четыре миллиона, чтобы все-таки, сверх возможностей компании, решить и свои личные вопросы.

   После того, как им пришлось пропустить и рейс в пятьдесят седьмом, Данила впервые задумался о возвращении на Землю. На это тоже нужны были деньги, но он был уверен, что возвращение одобрят. А вот билет для постороннего для компании человека - нет. Не тогда, когда на Земле работает очередь из желающих этот билет получить.

   Время шло. А они продолжали лишь обмениваться письмами. И если он находился в ситуации отсутствия любых альтернатив, то она - нет. И каждый раз, когда Данила об этом задумывался, ему становилось плохо.

   Левый экран определял стоимость фьючерсов на их территории почти в десять тысяч за квадрат. И сейчас у них были готовы выкупить почти двадцать тысяч километров. В этом плане компания почти догнала NASA, наверное, потому, что почти все на рынке понимали, что правительственная организация все равно не будет ввязываться в прямую продажу территорий. Не сейчас и не так.

   Другими словами, ITSK прямо сейчас могла привлечь около двухсот миллионов, и решить все свои проблемы с оборотным капиталом одним махом.

   Данила начинал думать, что это не самый плохой ход, и тут же пытался понять, насколько его личный интерес влияет на его мнение.

   Правый экран сообщал, что значимое влияние "аэробной пружины" начнется тогда, когда процесс станет необратим. Это успокаивало Данилу, но раздражало многих, потому что они разумно предполагали, что это отберет у них часть денег.

   Тихо и мерно попискивала приставка, готовя новых "садовников" для Николая.

   ***

Danila sat in front of the computer screen, on which hung two almost unrelated topics.   On the left screen, the latest reports from stock exchanges and counter-exchange institutions were shining. On the right - a local forum with a loud name "We will stop ourselves!".   The left screen told Danila that one hundred and forty kilometers, owned by their company on Mars, could be sold at fifteen thousand per unit. Although the cost of the beginning is very differentiated depending on the specific place. For example, a couple of kilometers from the base of Danila once discovered a picturesque small crater. Well, as he found out - he and Nikolai brought there a load of chlorella, and Daniel only took a lot of photos, two of which even entered the last almanac.   The cost of a square that includes this crater now was one hundred and fifty thousand - ten times higher than the average. Once again, Daniel was convinced how important it is to competently deliver goods, even if it's territory on a foreign planet.   Although - that place really looked great. And in photos, and live, any person with imagination could imagine how beautifully there will be. For example - coniferous forest right up to the cliff. Rare low trees on steep slopes. Sandy beach in the depths, below. A cobblestone cobbled down to this beach ...   Danila shook himself. The right screen trembled with complex formulas and a furious controversy. The biologists argued, but at the same time they dragged into the dispute, it seems, all those who at least understood something in terraforming.   That is - all who were on Mars.   The "spring of aerobes" was discussed - a paradox that has occupied minds all the time. Moreover, the interest in this paradox was not theoretical, but at the moment purely practical. Somewhere for the third month and the fifth gigabyte of discussions, everyone has already agreed that the "aerobic spring" is not idle fiction, but what awaits the planet very soon.   Now the hottest disputes were about how soon. Biologists exchanged tables, which were immediately refuted by mathematicians, and other biologists too. It reached the point of absurdity, now, for example, there was an active open voting for all desires, which of the three calculated spring schemes is closest to reality. As if the desire of the voters could somehow influence the process.   The hypothesis advanced recently appeared initially absurd. But several people put forward it at once, and on Earth, and here, and just so it was not possible to brush it off. The paradox of the "aerobic springs" said that the higher the oxygen content in the planet's atmosphere, the stronger the pressure of aerobic organisms in the opposite direction - the use of oxygen for their needs. And accordingly, the harder it is to earn each new percentage of oxygen.   It's simple - the increase in oxygen provokes a rapid reproduction of all organisms that can absorb it.   Disputes now boiled down only to when the effect of the "spring" becomes noticeable. And to the specific calculations of the parameters of this spring.   Personally, Danila believed that the presence of such a spring - it's a blessing that immediately led him to the camp of an absolute minority. But his logic was simple - it turned out that this spring is practically the only mechanism for regulating and balancing the composition of the atmosphere precisely at the level to which they are accustomed on the Earth.   Ideally, a combination of terrestrial microorganisms, plants, and, later, animals, itself had to adjust the atmosphere to an "ideal" state. And the fact that this time "slightly" increased, it worried him a little. Now he was frantically trying to come up with a way to find the extra four million, in order to solve his personal problems, in addition to the company's possibilities.   After they had to miss and the flight in the fifty-seventh, Danila first thought about returning to Earth. This also needed money, but he was confident that the return would be approved. But the ticket for an outsider for the company of a person is not. Not when there is a queue of people on the Earth wishing to receive this ticket.   As time went. And they continued to exchange letters only. And if he was in a situation of lack of any alternatives, then she is not. And every time when Danila thought about it, he felt bad.   The left screen determined the value of futures in their territory at almost ten thousand per square. And now they were ready to buy back almost twenty thousand kilometers. In this regard, the company almost caught up with NASA, probably because almost everyone on the market realized that the government organization would not get involved in the direct sale of the territories. Not now and not so.   In other words, ITSK right now could attract about two hundred million, and solve all of its problems with working capital in one fell swoop.   Danila began to think that this is not the worst move, and immediately tried to understand how much his personal interest affects his opinion.

   The right screen reported that the significant influence of the "aerobic spring" will begin when the process becomes irreversible. This reassured Danila, but irritated many, because they reasonably expected that it would take away some of their money.    Quietly and consistently peeked the prefix, preparing new "gardeners" for Nikolai.

[modstoday]

T-150K ICHTHYANDER V1.0

http://dlvr.it/NGT3R0

[daniel-fortesque]

Expedition to the ruins...

A few weeks ago Janelle discovered an ancient map of Rauryn Heights in the crypt of an old ruined family vault of an unknown soldier. There were several places on the map, including ones that no longer existed, but one place that was truly intriguing was the map in the area of the freshwater lake next to the "White Mansion Ruins" to the north, marked in red ink, a blur with a barely legible inscription "Bloody spurs".

Bloody spurs. Lake near the ruins

Cullen: Father, we're here. Ussur cleared the passage, and now we are sailing to look around. As soon as we are on site, I will contact you. End of connection!

Sean: Got it, be careful!

Ichthyander Ussur floats to the surface of the lake and swims up to Harker's boat.

Ussur: Lord Cullen, the path is clear!

C: Okay, let's see what's in there. Kallen and Ussur swim through the tunnel and emerge in a grotto under the mansion.

U: Over here, my lord. Kallen and Ussur disappeared into the darkness of the cave.

Bloody spurs. Grotto

C: A real grotto under the mansion. I wonder who lived here used this tunnel to hide something?

U: Rather, he was hiding from love adventures ... well, or from creditors. I guess the cave was once more "cleaner", but due to earthquakes, half of the cave is deformed, and the water has become strange ... and the water is the color of blood, smelling of metal.

C: Don't you love this smell?

U: It's different here, my lord... Vile.

C: I agree. Okay, let's take a look.

They moved between the sharp stalactites, trying not to hurt themselves. The grotto was no larger than the living room at the main Harker estate in Twinburke. But because of the collapses, it was difficult to understand its real size. The cave was of natural origin, only the stone arches, plausibly close to the style, stood out a little. Cullen noticed them.

C: Look, it looks like there is an entrance to another room. Ussur glanced into the darkness of the room indicated by Cullen.

U: It looks like it. But I suggest looking around here for now.

C: Yes, but the lights don't stop flickering. It’s impossible to look around normally, at least for me for sure.

U: Why, my lord?

C: Although I am the son of a vampire, I do not see in the dark and through walls like you or just in the dark like a father.

U: I beg your pardon, Lord Cullen, I forgot. But, alas, my vision here for some reason is powerless. I can't see anything behind objects or behind walls. Something is bothering me. But through the darkness, I see everything clearly. Please forgive me.

C: Stop apologizing, Ussur. By the way, you need to contact them. Cullen turned on the headset.

“Cullen speaking, over?

S: Over, Cullen, we hear you well, the signal on the camera is very bad, the picture is not visible. Everything is fine?

C: Yes. Ussur and I are in the grotto under the mansion. Everything is “overgrown” with stones, most of the hall is littered, so there is nowhere to turn around. The water inside is red and smells like metal, but it's not blood, as Ussur says. It's something else...

J: "Something else"? For example?

C: No idea, Mom. The smell of metal, maybe there is something metallic here ... it has rusted, coloring the water, but in this light it is impossible to understand. The lanterns here are very junk. We need to come back here with more advanced equipment, and not light as it is now.

S: Right, given that you went there just to reconnoiter. I will ask Thor to come, then we will discuss further actions. Video transmission is not working on your camera, Cullen, switch it to photo mode and take a picture of everything in the cave. When you return, we will study all the pictures in more detail.

C: I will. We're moving on, I'll call again later.

U: My lord, did you find any information about this building above us? S: No, we have already discussed everything that we knew. Nothing more could be dug up.

Ussur and Cullen turned off the radio, and Harker began renting the room. Ussur, on the other hand, examined the cave, but he was not going to go into the arch discovered by Cullen alone. Ussur walked around the cave several times, but he did not find anything useful or unusual. Only the statue above the water and standing on a pedestal worried him a little. Even when he swam up to her and probed, he did not find anything unusual.

Having finished shooting the grotto, Cullen nodded to Ussur and the two of them went deep into the grotto. With their hands on the shoulders of the ichthyander, they walked in a file, and the vampire was the "eyes" of both. Ussur felt tension at every step, and this did not escape his companion.

C: What's the matter, buddy? Do you see anything behind the walls? U: No, nothing. There is something I don't like here.

C: Danger?

U: Possibly. The corridor of the narrow corridor was partially littered, it would be impossible to clear it with just one pickaxe. Dynamite was excluded - the collapse of the ceiling is guaranteed! The travelers came out into the only uncluttered small hall, but it was not a natural cave, it was a room with well-finished and hewn walls. Cullen took a few shots, with the flash he could see a little of the room, but the scenery was no different from the previous room. Cullen contacted the Harkers again.

C: Callen speaking, over? A strong crackling sound was heard in the earpiece, at the other end they answered. The connection was clearly broken and barely caught.

S: Cullen... it's hard to hear.

C: It's okay! I repeat, everything is fine. Communication deteriorates as you go deeper. How did you get it?

Crack again. The signal was weakening.

S: Understood…sho…Communication…pl…Cullen…don’t delay… Go back to…and from there, along…no… How do you understand, n…?!

C: Accepted. End of connection!

S: The end...!

Ussur returned from somewhere behind his back and, lightly touching Cullen, said: “My lord, I found something in the other room. Come on! In this corridor, a copper light shone faintly and Cullen's flashlight.

There was a faint copper light in this corridor, and Cullen's flashlight worked more or less normally. This corridor was just as small, but unlike the other rooms, this one looked the most interesting. At one far end of the wall were three red granite columns carved into niches. The columns were the same along the edges, the niches were approximately in the middle of the pillars, and the third between them with a niche almost at the top and in it stood a terrible altar object. The skull on the candelabra looked across the room. In front of this column stood a tall golden candelabra with a beautiful stone with carved lace petals embedded inside.

C: Interesting, isn't it? One particular skull appears to be made of something, the stone looks like plaster. There are some precious stones in the eye sockets. And jewelry physalis in a candelabra bowl. U: It looks like these items are part of the mechanism ...

C: And the same thought flashed through me when I saw this skull, but where he looks is also littered with stones.

Ussur turned sharply to the wall and began to move his hands along the walls, as if he had sensed something.

C: Hey, what are you doing?

U: My lord, have you read the books of your ancestor Master Janos Harker, an archaeologist-adventurer?

C: So, wait… Janos… Janos… Ah! Ephra's son, huh? The one who found a lot of artifacts in Egypt and canopic canopies with sarcophagi?

U: Yep.

C: No, just one... "Curse of the Pharaoh's Tomb" or something like that... Why?

U: Master Janos wrote in his books what he told us all. Lord Janos once mentioned that in one of the lost tombs in the Valley of the Kings, he found a room with several carved plinths. The lord said that several plinths were empty, and the rest carried certain objects in accordance with the inscriptions in the bases.

C: Oh yes. I forgot that you caught him alive, and I think you were the one who predicted to Ephra that she would have twins, right?

U: Fortunately, yes.

C: You know, sometimes I envy you.

Ussur turned to Cullen questioningly.

C: You saw many Harkers personally, watched their birth, how they grew up and all their life until their death you were with them. In this I envy you. Ussur smiled sadly.

U: No, my lord. There is nothing to envy here. Every time someone dies in the family, everything inside me is torn apart. And the thought that I can do nothing kills me ... Powerless in front of it.

Cullen grimaced and, in order to lead his friend in a more important direction, changed the subject.

C: If you are hinting at the inscriptions, then they are not here, but about the objects ... One of them is a skull on the topmost pedestal, so to speak, it is in place. But two niches are empty, which means they must be "occupied with something." Ussur moved along the wall diligently feeling each stone, peering with his eyesight, but they did not see anything, which is strange. Ichthyander now stretching out to the full length of his body, then shrinking into rings like a snake, he led his hands down along the entire wall. Nothing. Taking a deep breath, he returned to the pillars.

U: Did you take a picture of the room, my lord?

Cullen nodded.

U: Well, that's all we can do for now. These pillars are definitely some kind of mechanism... But certain items are needed.

C: Skulls? W: I think so too. Once one of them is already in place, you need to find or make others yourself.

C: We may be wrong, but it's worth a try.

Ichthyander crossed his arms over his chest and for a long time examined the columns and the candelabra in front of them.

Then he nodded to Cullen and spoke. U: We have to go back. Lord Sean and the others will be worried that we've been out of touch for so long. Yes, I would like to return as soon as possible. Cullen smiled broadly.

C: Do you think my son has already woken up and missed you?

Ussur was slightly embarrassed and could not help smiling in return.

U: I hope so, my lord. Cullen looked around the gloomy grotto. This cave holds no less secrets than the mansion above them, or rather, what is left of it.

C: So far, I can say with accuracy that we have found the entrance to the grotto and this corridor leads further, but in order to understand how we can move forward, we need to return here more equipped and prepared. Let's go from here.

U: I agree.

***

The next expedition failed. Cullen and Ussur returned home and the family, having discussed the details, decided to postpone the visit to the grotto in the near future until Janelle recovered. But soon Sean's wife was hospitalized with a serious illness, and the adventure to visit the grotto was postponed. After several months of grueling struggle, Janelle died in the hospital. Ussur no longer brought up the subject of the ruins with his family, but guided by his curiosity and adventurous nature, he secretly sailed to the grotto for his own exploration.

- Harker Dynasty (playing this family since 2017)  

[specialshinytrinkets]

Ichthyander is my new skrunkly I'm sorry

I'd draw him in MS Paint in that one style w/ open mouth like ^□^ you know the one rid.dl.er's fanart is like that