Two Suns

«Where is he now?» Leonid asked.

«Such an important figure was taken to Irkutsk; the investigator came all the way from there.»

Leonid's countenance darkened; he had indeed become friends with his «jailer,» and it was hard to come to terms with the fact that such a bright life would be interrupted to some extent because of him. Ignatiy was a contradictory personality, but in a way attractive – a noble robber, a literary type. And at night, through a dream, a very strange thought suddenly broke through: «Eh, I didn't have a chance to ask Ignatiy whether he was related to Vasily Bugor or not…»

* * *

At the very end of August, the Mirachevsky family suddenly grew: Olga and her husband arrived unannounced, like a summer snow (as they say, such things happen in these parts).

After reading the mute question in her daughter-in-law's eyes, the mother-in-law immediately clarified:

«My son is here, and here is where I will live.»

«Mom, maybe it would be better in Moscow after all?» was all Leonid could manage.

It turned out that it wasn't a whim to suddenly move so far away. Life in Chervona had become unbearable for the proud woman: the local authorities had requisitioned the old house – the family nest of the Shpirkans.

Thus, Irina's life forever included her grandmother and grandfather, and the survey party gained two more reliable workers – Leonid's mother and her husband, Nikolai Kirik, who had served as a gamekeeper in Podolia.

The members of that expedition faced many difficulties, but Olga could never forget one encounter with a bear in the taiga for the rest of her life. She had wandered quite far from the camp while picking mushrooms. The clearing was teeming with mushrooms, and the woman didn't have time to straighten up before she heard the crunch of twigs. When she looked up, a few meters away stood a bear. Frozen with horror, she remembered what Saveliy had told her about these animals. It was absolutely impossible to run away, and dangerous to stay. It was said that one should not shout, but then the bear must have seen her as prey and roared. In response, Olga screamed in the same way – out of horror and surprise. She stood right in front of the fearsome beast and shouted loudly and desperately, without taking a step back! Surprisingly, the bear first backed away, then turned, and retreated into the thicket. She collapsed onto the grass, drained of strength… She didn't remember how she made her way back to the camp, but she clutched onto the basket of mushrooms throughout the ordeal.

* * *

Towards the year's end, Mirachevsky's party found itself relocated to Novosibirsk. The family embarked once more on the winter road, now accompanied by a larger brood. Their numbers had expanded, but it was not the final count, for they anticipated a new addition by summer – Olga was pregnant again.

Chapter 4: «In the Everyday Life of Great Construction Sites…»

Novosibirsk greeted the newcomers with astonishment. The central part resembled one vast construction site. It was still reminiscent of the Novonikolayevsk of the early century, mostly wooden and with only a few paved streets, hardly befitting its newfound status as the capital of the West Siberian region. Nevertheless, the former merchant and trading town was rapidly transforming into a major industrial center. Krasny Avenue (formerly Nikolayevsky Avenue), the main street, had been widened and adorned with a boulevard by the mid-1920s. The once old buildings were being replaced by emerging constructs of the constructivist architectural style.

Symbolically, this avenue originated from the Trans-Siberian Railway, and with the revival of railway construction, the city emerged as a crucial transportation hub, connected to new routes like the Turk-Sib and the line linking Novosibirsk with Kuzbass.

The vast territory of the region encompassed rich mineral deposits but lacked a well-developed road network. Thus, the Sibstroyput Trust, tasked with developing the transportation infrastructure, had an abundance of work ahead. They needed to connect areas where coal, iron ore, and rare metals were mined with the cities housing processing enterprises and the factories in the Urals.

Throughout most of the year, numerous survey parties toiled in the field, exploring potential road routes across Kuzbass and the Altai Mountains. Once the cold weather set in, they returned to Novosibirsk to process data and engage in design work. This was the «desk» work that awaited Leonid, who had been assigned to the service of Sibstroyput. New surveys were planned to commence in the spring.

The construction of the trust's own housing for employees hadjust commenced. The Mirachevsky family did not secure an apartment in any of the new city buildings, but they considered themselves fortunate in a way. Communal houses from the mid-1920s were not the most comfortable living spaces, especially for families. Instead, they were provided a separate room in the department's dormitory, a small two-story, blue-painted wooden house. Olga and her husband received a separate room too. Though they had few neighbors, the ones they did have were amiable and intelligent, adding a friendly and supportive atmosphere to their close living quarters.

* * *

Mirachevsky barely had a chance to report on the findings of the Kiren expedition when he received another urgent assignment. While the deposits of southwestern Siberia were being developed for decades, the riches of the Altai Mountains remained isolated from the country's transportation system. The region saw a surge in mineral extraction, with new mines and power plants being built, but the existing narrow gauge railroads struggled to keep up with the demands of the time.

In the fall of 1930, the Council of Labor and Defense made a decision to «ensure the development of railway transport» for the Ore Altai mining industry. One of the top priorities was the construction of the Rubtsovsk-Ridder road to connect the Turk-Sib station with a town in Eastern Kazakhstan. Research of the area was already underway, and Leonid's party was assigned to assist other expeditions in this region.

Ridder, a cluster of mining villages, left a rather gloomy impression. However, nestled in the foothills of the Ore Altai Mountains, surrounded by mines and factories, it appeared as a modest stage set against the majestic backdrop of the Ivanovsky Ridge amphitheater, stretching away to the east for over a hundred kilometers. The town, named in honor of Philip Ridder, who discovered local deposits of polymetallic ores in the early 19th century, paled in comparison to the splendor of the pine forests, rivers, and hills, behind which snow-covered peaks loomed.

Once again, the party's leader marveled at his fortune – a new place to explore, captivating natural beauty, challenging tasks, and the opportunity to meet intriguing individuals.

Within less than two years after graduating from the institute, it was evident that Mirachevsky was a natural leader. His organizational skills, combined with an innate ability to connect with people, made him an exceptional leader. His genuine concern for his team's well-being and the ability to foster a cohesive unit created a loyal and devoted workforce.

During those turbulent times, the labor market was saturated with people seeking better opportunities. Many fled their homelands, escaping collectivization, evading vigilant authorities, or grappling with the uncertainty of the new order. The «deprived» were reluctant to accept even the lowest-paid positions. However, there were also those who ventured to the construction sites of socialism – some driven by sincere convictions and the call of the Party, some aiming to support their families left behind in famine-stricken villages, and others seeking adventure and the allure of distant lands.

For Mirachevsky, personal qualities and reliability took precedence over mere professionalism. In expeditions, where close living conditions and harsh circumstances prevailed, trustworthiness became the defining factor.

It was on this particular expedition that he found a steadfast companion. Kirill Alferov, a graduate of the Leningrad Institute of Railway Engineers, was assigned as the second engineer to the party at the last moment. This appointment marked the beginning of a profound friendship. The two young men swiftly bonded over their shared views, approach to life, and even their behavior, often leading outsiders to wonder if they were brothers.

«Well,» Mirachevsky contemplated, standing on a slope and surveying the surroundings, «it appears to be a promising start. We have no supply issues either. It's just a shame the girls won't be able to witness such beauty.»

For this expedition, he had to leave his family in Novosibirsk. Olga's position no longer allowed her to accompany her husband, and their daughter, Irina, had to remain behind as well. Thankfully, experienced Olga was there to assist them.

Involuntarily, he let out a sigh, pondering about his family, especially Olga. However, moments later, a smile graced his face as he remembered his mother's courageous encounter with a wild beast: «They'll be just fine with such a grandmother around!»

* * *

Upon arriving in the new Siberian «capital,» Olga was struck by a sudden realization: she deeply missed Moscow, its everyday comforts, and the predictability of life it offered. In the short time she spent there, she had grown to love the capital and felt a sense of belonging. The taiga adventures seemed more suitable for young, unburdened individuals without families and children. Moreover, her relationship with her mother-in-law was not particularly harmonious. The weather outside mirrored her emotional state, swinging between thaw and frost, as the northern winds clashed with the southern ones – and her mood, like the weather, fluctuated with remarkable swiftness.

In early May, Leonid managed to make his way to Novosibirsk, where he had to submit an interim report to Sibstroyput. The party was in need of supplies, and the situation was clearly deteriorating.

The reunion with his family was filled with a mix of emotions. Olga immediately busied herself in the kitchen, as her caring nature always manifested her love. Little Irina clung to her father, not willing to let him go for even a moment, while Olga remained somewhat distant. Being pregnant was not a new experience for her, so Leonid didn't pay much attention to it. However, he couldn't help but notice that his wife appeared immensely tired, even though there were still two months left before the due date.

Playfully, he asked, «Come on, what's going on, Olga? Did you not want me to come?»

«Stupid…» she replied, expressing some irritation.

Wanting to embrace her husband, Olga found her efforts thwarted by Irina, who extended her little arms protectively and stated, «He's mine.»

Leonid assured his daughter, «Of course, I'm yours, baby! Yours and Mommy's. Mommy's ours, right?»

Irina nodded, still keeping her hands around her father.

Olga's words were tinged with frustration as she said, «You see, you let her do everything, but with you, she doesn't listen to anyone else.»

«It's just that she's at such a possessive age,» Leonid explained, kissing his daughter on the head. «You'll see, she'll become your best assistant.»

Before leaving, Mirachevsky promised Irina that she would soon be the eldest and should take care of her mother. To Olga, he advised, «You should take more walks now; the weather's nice. And take care of yourself – a little person needs a healthy, cheerful mother.»

* * *

The new addition to the family wasted no time, making her entrance on May 22, a month ahead of schedule. And once again, it was a girl.

Nina, tiny and delicate, was a constant source of distress for her mother. She cried incessantly, driving Olga to her wits' end with both her screams and her fragility. Worried for her second daughter, Olga was hesitant to let her older sister near Nina, curtailing all of Irina's attempts to entertain the little one.

Amidst the brewing storms, Olga remained composed and confident. She adeptly managed multiple tasks at once – stirring porridge with one hand while cradling the newborn in the other, all while engaging in conversation with Irina. The stubborn daughter-in-law had to reluctantly admit that she couldn't handle it alone.

It was nearly a month later when Leonid finally had the opportunity to see his family and hold the «girl again» in his arms.

* * *

Come July, Mirachevsky received news that his party was being transferred to a different route. Time with his family was scarce; he had to submit the project, prepare for the new expedition, and – surprise, surprise – write an article for the newspaper called Sovetskaya Sibir.

«And who else could I trust with it?» demanded the formidable head of the trust, brushing off Leonids protests about being already overwhelmed. «You're a scientist from the capital, and you have an eloquent way of explaining things. If you can set tasks for your employees, then you can present it all to your readers.»

And so, Leonid took up the task. He wrote about the necessity of building the South Siberian road, to the south of the Trans-Siberian, as a means to relieve the main highway and connect industrial regions. He emphasized that the shortest route would save «the state several million more rubles,» and, of course, he did not forget to highlight the hard work of his employees…

Yet, he remained silent about the fact that the project had been considered by the Tsarist government and initially implemented by Admiral Kolchak, the Supreme Ruler of Russia during the Civil War – a topic that was better left untouched at that time. Additionally, the route had been altered, rendering the structures built under Kolchak's order unused. Subsequent expeditions charted new paths for every section of the future road, from Tayshet to Minusinsk, Kuznetsk to Barnaul, and Kulunda (where construction had been particularly intensive in 1919).

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «Литрес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на Литрес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.