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PARTISAN REVIEW
Khuriev continued , "In the role of Dzerzhinsky - Tsurikov,
nicknamed 'Stilts,' from the Fourth Brigade. In for perverting
minors. Term - six years . There is evidence he takes drugs. In the
role of Timofey - Gesha, an administration flunkey, works on the
sanitation brigade. A passive homosexual. In the role of
Polina - Tomka Lebedyeva from the Division of Economic Admin–
istration. An incredible bitch, worse than the female zeks . In a
word , the public is the same. The use of narcotics is possible . Also il–
licit contacts with Lebedyeva. All that skirt wants is to flap around
the zeks. Do you understand me?"
"What is there to understand? Our people. "
"Well then, put your hand to it. There is a rehearsal today at
six. You will be assistant director. Your duties in the logging sector
are temporarily excused . I will notify Captain Tokar."
"No protest," I said.
"Be there at ten minutes to six ."
I wandered around the barracks till six. A few times, officers
wanted to send me off somewhere to take part in security operations.
I told them that I had been placed at the disposal of Senior Lieute–
nant Khuriev, and they left me in peace .
Close to six, I sat waiting in the Lenin Room. A moment later,
Khuriev appeared with a briefcase .
"And where is our personnel?"
"They'll come," I said . "Most likely they were delayed in the
mess hall."
Just then, Gesha and Tsurikov walked in. Tsurikov I knew
from work in the unmarked sector. He was a sullen, emaciated zek
with a revolting habit - he scratched himself. Gesha worked as an
orderly in the sanitation brigade, cleaning barracks , looking after
the sick. He stole pills, vitamins, and any medications with alcoholic
content for those in charge. Walked with a barely noticeable dance–
step . It was said that zek chieftains in the zone would not let him
near the campfire.
"Six on the dot," Tsurikov said and, without bending down,
scratched his knee.
Gesha was rolling some paper to smoke.
Gurin appeared , wearing only a laundry-worn undershirt un–
der his jacket. "Hot in here," he said . "Pure Tashkent! But in
