Existential introduction:
How I hate reading science fiction stories in magazines! How tired I am of amateurs who can and want nothing. My mind is racing with the desire to achieve the very best, even if it is not simple. I don't care about the results; I have seen critics and idiots in my grave. I do what I like and what I consider necessary. I do something at the limit of my capabilities and at the peak of my consciousness, even if everyone else doesn't care... Strive for more and wish for the best. No one owes anything to anyone. Everyone chooses for themselves; everyone can do anything.
Dedicated to all those to whom it is dedicated.
THE HAPPIEST MAN
In fact, he always knew this. He felt it, but he just couldn't understand or didn't want to understand. And then, when he won, and then when he died, he knew that it was fate, that he was doomed. He fought. He always wanted to be stronger than everything; he wanted to outsmart fate itself.
And she was very cunning with him. And she was very treacherous, cruel. How many times he rose to the heavens on the crest of success. How many times he soared to the stars... Higher and higher. Only to then plunge back to earth. He always knew this. Knew that everything would have to be paid for, that happiness costs life. But he decided to win. Nothing could break his fervor. Nothing could scare him. He rushed forward through the storm. He did not want to die without a fight.
And then, when it seemed that nothing could change the course of events, disrupt happiness, steal eternity. When dreams became reality, joy fell from the sky, and success seemed endless. Then life dealt its final blow. Sudden and treacherous. Decisive and terrible.
No! He will not die. No! He will not give up. Nothing can quench his thirst. Nothing can take away his faith in success. Only heaviness and anger, only pain and endless sorrow...
But he is doomed to win...
(C) VIATOR. April 13, 1998. Kyiv, 15:52.
THE THIRD EYE
He was dying. For three days now, he was on the brink of non-existence. The flashes of consciousness were becoming rarer and rarer, disturbing the hours of eclipse. Here he slowly raises his head again. A gray, expressionless face. A hazy gaze full of endless sadness. He looks forward with hope. For a moment, a mad smile slipped across his lips, a spark flashed in his eyes, but it immediately faded. Even deeper wrinkles crawled across his face.
Ahead are two doors. These are the ones he has been searching for so long. Both are wide open, both reveal a view of boundless existence. Infinite happiness. Both carry different, but, oh horror!, equally desired fates.
Who will decide what is more precious - the eternal light, blinding but thus beautiful, or the endless darkness, no less beautiful, but equally invisible? What is more desirable - the joy of victory or its anticipation?
This equivalence kills him. He tries to find a flaw, a shortcoming, evil in at least one of these pictures. It is incredible, but he begins to desire this; he cannot endure such torment. There are no shortcomings; they are perfect...
Here comes another awakening, but this time he did not raise his head, did not look forward at the doors that drive him mad. No, his muscles tensed. With superhuman effort of will, he forces his hands to cling to the stone, pushing off the freezing granite with his feet. He turns back. There is another door. That is where he came from. Behind it is grayness and pain, fear and sorrow. Behind it is filth and dirt. But it is the only one.
Slowly, but already without doubt, he crawls forward...
(C) VIATOR. April 10, 1998. Kyiv, 17:00.
...
The stars merged into a single river of light. Eternity did not exist; everything was eternal. Time stopped; it never was. Nothing became everything. Speed, rapid movement enveloped and consumed me. I will never stop. There is nothing capable of defeating this flight. The world flows into me and, at the same time, consumes me. I know everything; I can do anything. The universe is me. Joy, Happiness. I created the world; I created myself; it has always been me. I invented life, I invented the possibility of thought. I wanted this. And why not? Everyone believes in me, and I believe in them, for they are my fantasies. They like to be, and I like everything. The impossible became absolute; the goal became aimlessness. It has always been eternal and has never been. Everyone will get what they want, even if they want nothing...
(C) VIATOR, April 10, 1998. Kyiv, 22:52.
...
I always do what interests me. Essentially, this is the only thing I can do, but from this it follows that I can do anything. They were created, invented long, long ago. For I was eternal; I am eternity.
Oh, how much interesting I have invented! At first, there was good, then evil. There are no limits for me. I could make them just like me. I could become like them. Oh! Yes, that’s an idea!
Every person can be a god, but sooner or later, he decides to become a human again...
(C) VIATOR, April 10, 1998. Kyiv, 23:02.
...
Our difference is that I understand that I understand nothing, while they still think they know something. For example, I created them, but I do not understand why and do not understand how, although I can always create them again. And they constantly create something and think they know why. They think I deceived them, that I mock them, that they are just my amusement, but I do not understand if that is so. Would it have been better if I had never made them? If I had made them a million times happier, would they have been satisfied? I simply do not understand why to do this. Oh, of course, I tried to understand. I even asked them for the answer to what I cannot answer myself. Once I told them the truth; I said that I invented them, that there is no point in seeking what even I cannot find. But they replied to me that they are above me. Above precisely because they know that they know something, that they want to want something, that they believe in themselves...
(C) VIATOR, April 10, 1998. Kyiv, 23:23.
NOW I HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME
August 12, 2002. The project is nearing completion. I am conducting trials on chimpanzees. The results are amazing. A few more adjustments and I will test it on myself. I always knew it was possible. I always believed in success.
December 10, 2002. Here comes the hour of greatness for humanity, here comes the day of achieving the truth! I injected myself. I feel no changes in the first minutes. No side effects are observed.
December 11, 2002. Waking up in the morning, I couldn’t understand what was happening for a long time. I was blinded by the wealth and brightness of colors around. Then I realized - my normal vision returned, which I ruined 20 years ago. Great, now I won’t have to borrow money for glasses; I annihilated mine yesterday while trying to obtain Pi matter.
An extraordinary lightness throughout my body. Scars and wrinkles are smoothing out. I have become ten years younger. If my calculations are correct, and I know they are, I will become fifteen years younger still, and the process will stop. But the regeneration of the body will occur at the same accelerated pace.
December 30, 2002. I send research materials to the "National Scientific Journal," copies to the Institute of Medicine and the Academy of Sciences. Now I cannot waste a minute. How many people around the world need my discovery. The time for the triumph of humanity has come! Just a little longer, friends; soon, very soon, you will find happiness, you will find eternity!
January 14, 2003. First, the Academy of Sciences rejected me, then the Institute of Medicine, and today from the "National Scientific Journal." They didn’t even understand everything I explained to them; they are so short-sighted that they cannot even entertain such a thought. Their reasoning is incorrect. Poor souls. Nothing... The press, television will help me. They are always eager for sensation, especially when it is true and so stunning. Tomorrow I will get to work on this.
January 15, 2003. Morning. I opened the door. Two people were on the threshold. They introduced themselves. From the Ministry of Defense. Yes! I believed in this! They will be interested in my developments; I knew they would believe in me! Knew they would support me! I give them copies of calculations and formulas, as well as a test tube with the already synthesized substance.
Two hours later, the military returns. This time there are many more of them. They present their identification. With them is a government representative. And who were those two? Ah, what difference does it make. The main thing is that soon, very soon, people will obtain what they have long sought. The eternal bloom of humanity will come, eternal happiness.
March 1, 2003. I have been forbidden to leave my house, my phone has been disconnected, and they are constantly watching my house. Why do they need to guard me? Well, since they care so much... let’s wait. Now I have a lot of free time. Eternity.
April 1, 2003. Fools! Why?! Why?!
April 10, 2003. First, there was Iraq. Then France disappeared from the face of the Earth.
April 11, 2003. India, Sweden, Australia...
Russia, the USA, and China are still holding on.
April 24, 2003. I am in despair. Instead of finding happiness, they are killing themselves. Oh, horror! Everyone wants to obtain immortality first. I thought I had gifted people with the truth, but it turned out they are still not ready to accept it.
Even immortality will not protect me from the explosion of a 200-megaton bomb. I place my records, calculations, and samples of the elixir in a reinforced safe. Here, at a depth of 300 meters, in the bunker, they will be safe...
I can only hope that someone will survive and use my achievement... Believe me, I only wanted happiness for everyone!
Goodbye.
(C) VIATOR, April 11, 1998. Kyiv, 9:37.
THE HAPPINESS OF NON-EXISTENCE
I silently watched the screen. There was the silhouette of a ship. An ancient ship. Yes, I know what ship it is. I was there. I saw everything. And I barely returned; I wanted to stay there very much. The temptation was immense. But I returned.
Yes, this ship is the most dangerous creation of the universe. All pilots know about it. They know and fear it. They fear it, and at the same time, secretly hope to meet it. I was lucky. Was I lucky?
Oh, how long ago that was! But the memory of it will remain with humanity forever. The memory of how civilization stood on the brink of destruction. Destruction by its own hands. At first, it was thought to be the onset of universal happiness. A cosmic paradise. Humanity triumphed. After all, it seemed that the dream inherent to people since ancient times had come true. The dream of being gods, the dream of being eternally happy and omnipotent. You lie in a chair, fall asleep... And nothing is impossible for you anymore; nothing is beyond the power of your mind. You create worlds, rule destinies, create the universe. No defeats, no failures. The machine takes care of your physical condition itself. It works autonomously and can exist indefinitely. You are not interested in what happens outside your own world, outside your universe. It is as real to you as any other.
Humanity rushed after its happiness. It was so tired of reality. And if everyone were now sitting in such machines, everyone would be gods...
But there were people who did not allow such an outcome. There were those who understood that this would lead to the doom of all humanity. That from the moment the last person plunges into a state of eternal happiness, the sunset of civilization will begin. Eternal immutability will not differ from non-existence. Eternal peace will be death. They opened people's eyes to the truth. They saved them.
It was hard to lose such hope; it was hard to part with the dream. All those returned to our reality were doomed. Nothing could satisfy them anymore; nothing could bring such joy; nothing could compare to the happiness they had. All they had left was either suicide or a madhouse. This was the greatest catastrophe in the entire history of humanity.
All such machines were destroyed. Everything that could contribute to their recreation. They only knew that somewhere in the depths of space drifts a lost ship with a desired and deadly cargo on board. The search has not been successful. It continues to this day.
Here it is... Right before me. And I pressed the trigger of the annihilator...
(C) VIATOR. April 12, 1998. Kyiv, 19:20.
THE SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE
A stone lay right in the middle of the road. A cobblestone the size of a walnut. Now I will kick it!
It will fly to the side, just where a whole bunch of cats is gathered behind a mountain of boxes. Startled, one cat, instead of finishing off the tasty tail of herring, will run into an alley. Just then, this bald man with a suitcase in his hands is walking by. Startled by the black cat, he will turn onto the next street. It is there that a flower pot will fall on his bald head. You know, one of those big ones with a bunch of ceramic flowers around the sides and a dried-up stem inside. The uncle will end up in the hospital for a week and won’t publish another fairy tale in his magazine. For the little girl from the neighboring house, her mother will have to make up a fairy tale before bed herself. And in the meantime, dinner will burn. Dad, coming home and remaining hungry, will take a long time to fall asleep from disappointment. Tomorrow at work, he will be sleepy and will forget to tighten a bolt in the airplane engine. The airplane, flying over the ocean, will crash. The military will think it was shot down and declare war. First, they will drop one bomb, then another. Well, after that, the earth will split in two. The sun will catch one half and go out...
No, I better step over it!
(C) VIATOR. April 13, 1998. Kyiv, 19:48.
THE FLOWER OF SEVEN COLORS
No, I am not such a fool as those written about in books and shown on television. The first thing I wish for is "For desires to be endless!"
So... What now?... No, I still have time for that... Aha! "I want to live forever!", "I want dad and mom to live forever!", what the heck! "I want everyone to live forever!" "I want nobody to ever get sick!" "So that nobody ever gets a two or is ever scolded!" "So that it is always Sunday!" So... What else should I wish for...? Got it! "I want to have wished for the most correct wish!"
...Oh, to hell with this box! I broke my nail while opening it. Better I’ll throw it back into the river and go home to sleep.
(C) VIATOR. April 13, 1998. Kyiv, 20:29.
LIFE IS JUST BEGINNING
How much more needs to be done! How many plans are waiting to be realized! Oh, what vast prospects open up ahead!
There will be success and recognition; there will be happiness and joy. Nothing will stop me now; nothing will deceive me! Yes, here is the truth, here is the reality!
They will all still understand how deeply they were mistaken; they will all acknowledge their mistakes. And many times I will hear kind words addressed to me, and many times there will be salutes in my honor...
Such a rapid flight, such an inexorable movement. There is nothing in the universe capable of stopping it.
Everything is still ahead. Life is just beginning. After all, the hundredth floor is not the tenth.
(C) VIATOR. April 13, 1998. Kyiv, 23:09.
THE LAST JUDGMENT
I read his diaries again and again. I watched video recordings and read every word of his books. Yes, he was an extraordinary person. He lived his whole life with unwavering faith in eternity. He was never deprived of the confidence that death is merely a temporary phenomenon. He believed he would appear again. Oh no, this is not a treacherous faith in God, not naive dreams of extraterrestrial civilizations. He believed only in humanity. He believed in knowledge and wisdom, in goodness and justice. It was he who turned the course of history in another direction; it was he who made people think, gave them the opportunity to win and constantly move forward. He loved life in all its manifestations; he loved the universe; he knew he would live forever.
From the very moment I first heard about him, when I felt this thirst for life, this thirst for struggle, this irresistible desire to defeat fate - I realized that this would become the goal of my life until success was achieved. Time did not matter; for us, it was merely a desirable, not a critical factor in life. We can sustain life forever. But the thirst for achievement constantly drives us forward. Therefore, research was conducted very vigorously. I tried to gather a team of the most talented scientists for whom science was creativity. The most difficult part was finding the idea. When it appeared, turning it into reality became just a matter of technique.
We track the development of the universe backward. We account for every atom. Nothing will escape our sight. Moment by moment, second by second, year by year. The entire history of civilization, not to mention! - the entire universe is examined in reverse order. Up to the moment when he lived. No, we will not take him from the past. Not a single atom should move in time. We will simply make him from the matter of our world. Molecule by molecule, atom by atom.
Yes. It seems I won’t sleep tonight. Tomorrow is the day. Oh, of course, it will not be the only one. He would never agree to betray his contemporaries. There is enough matter in the universe to resurrect everyone who ever lived throughout the history of humanity. Life will receive everyone WHO WANTED TO LIVE...
(C) VIATOR, April 12, 1998. Kyiv, 10:04.
Contents of the publication: Rush #01
- AMIGA NEWS
Amiga Inc works on Amiga OS 3.5 with enhancements like CD drive and PowerPC support. Split development for M68K and PPC processors. Delayed release to late 1999 or early 2000.
- AMIGA NEWS
Description of the 'Fast JPEG 1.10' viewer for Amiga, focusing on its features, installation, and usage. It highlights advantages like fast processing without quality loss and provides user tips. Readers are encouraged to share their software experiences.
- AMIGA NEWS
Basic programming for classic Amiga, discussing challenges and sharing knowledge in Amiga coding. Overview of Amiga graphics capabilities and processor features. Introduction to Amiga assembly language specifics.
- AMIGA NEWS
Overview of events related to the Amiga platform from early to mid-1998. Highlights include new hardware, software releases, and notable company collaborations. Future updates and developments are scheduled for the next issue.
- AMIGA NEWS
Collection of cheats and secrets for classic Amiga games compiled by Postcard Man. Readers encouraged to share their findings on complex games. Selection of tips and level codes provided for various games.
- AMIGA NEWS
Discussion of Phase-5's graphics cards and Permedia 2 processor capabilities. Details on Permedia 2's 2D/3D acceleration and compatibility. Mention of GLINT Delta processors and comparison of prices and availability.
- AMIGA NEWS
Analysis of Amiga's survival in the 90s, highlighting community efforts and technological advancements. Discussion on hardware improvements and software development. Encouragement for further exploration and learning about the Amiga platform.
- Spectrum Programming
Explanation of a fast method for real-time 3D graphics on the ZX Spectrum. Introduces efficient rotation and deformation techniques for 3D objects. Emphasizes improvements over traditional methods with practical examples.
- Spectrum Programming - Ticklish Jim
Discussion of combining sound effects with music for Spectrum's AY chip. Examples from development of 'CSC: Deja Vu' and technical challenges faced. Contains practical guide and code examples.
- Spectrum Programming
Discussion on byte mirroring and background restoration in ZX Spectrum programming, with examples.
- Spectrum Programming
Comprehensive guide for system programmers with practical tips for creating efficient and user-friendly software, including coding techniques, device compatibility, and program testing strategies.
- Spectrum Programming
Advanced coding techniques and modern graphics methods for ZX Spectrum. Tips for optimizing graphical procedures and coding on assembly. Useful advice for programmers to improve performance and efficiency.
- The End
Reflections on the creation of the first issue of the magazine 'Rush', its goals, audience, and future development.
- ZX-SOFT - Вячеслав Медноногов
Development updates on Vyacheslav Mednoy's new game 'Black Raven II', including gameplay changes, new spell introductions, and performance improvements.
- ZX-SOFT
Overview of new features in the updated commander from REAL software for ZX Spectrum, including file management, autodetection, and media viewing. Improvements in text, font, and music handling. Questions addressed regarding future updates.
- ZX-SOFT
Debate on which demo deserved the top spot at Funtop'98: Forever by DR or Refresh by XTM. Discussions in the demoscene community highlight the clash between technical prowess and conceptual depth. Different opinions reflect on the evolution of demoscene preferences.
- Authors
Acknowledgment of contributors and partners in creating Rush magazine. Detailed roles of each author and collaboration insights. Recognition of technical support and media partnerships.
- Virtual Specky
Discussion on converting graphics from PC to Spectrum, featuring insights from various experts. Techniques for improving conversion quality and tools like Photoshop are detailed. Emphasis on post-conversion refinement in Spectrum graphics editors.
- Virtual Speccy
Discussion on the CBSpeccy emulator for ZX-Spectrum on Amiga, highlighting its features, community opinions, and technical performance. Criticisms and praises for its emulation capabilities, particularly compared to PC emulators. Examination of potential improvements and community debates around version updates.
- Virtual Speccy
FAQ on ZX-Spectrum emulation on PC, covering popular emulators and file formats. Instructions for using different emulators and managing file types like Hobeta and TR-DOS. Discussion on Russian ZX-oriented servers and resources for enthusiasts.
- Introduction
Introduction to the Rush magazine, emphasizing creativity, progressive scene, and the goal to create a superior information source. The magazine seeks to gather promising groups and offer a unique perspective. Focuses on content and atmosphere, welcoming creators to contribute.
- Introduction - Grunge
Introduction to Rush, a new scenemag for Speccy/Amiga enthusiasts, aims to provide quality content and news while encouraging reader feedback.
- Interview - Konex
Interview with ANTARES group after FUNTOP-98. Discussion on their demos, challenges, and future plans. Insight into the group's formation and dynamics.
- Interview - Kvazar, DUX
Interview with Alexander Seleznev (KVAZAR), discussing his history with computers, the state of the ZX Spectrum scene, and future plans.
- Interview - Kvazar
Interview with Vitebsk group POWER on demo 'Crazy Love', development experiences, and future projects.
- Informatorium
Exploration of a CD with emulators for various platforms, highlighting Spectrum. Details the content organization and diversity. Concludes with insights from the CD-ROM Project's Spectrum software collection.
- Informacrium
Compilation of interesting and useful Internet addresses related to Amiga resources, including magazines, hardware manufacturers, and software companies.
- Informacrium - Viator
Overview of existing and upcoming publications on the Amiga platform. Discussion of the availability and distribution challenges for Amiga literature. Appeal for collaboration with new publications.
- About the Magazine
Discussion on creating a multi-platform magazine focusing on Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. Emphasis on broader understanding of computer scene. Encourage professionalism and adaptation to changing technology.
- Parallel Worlds
Overview of the evolution of Windows OS and PC processors from 1981 to 2000. Development milestones of MS-DOS, Windows, Intel processors, and competition with AMD and Cyrix. Challenges in maintaining compatibility with new processor technologies.
- Parallel Worlds
Overview of Macintosh models and their relevance in design and graphics fields, covering prices and specifications from 1997-1998. Discussion includes the evolution of Apple's hardware, notably the PowerMac series, and compares new G3 processors with PC counterparts. It highlights the resurgence of Macintosh post-crisis and its ongoing influence in the market.
- Development of the Spectrum - Slider
The article discusses a new graphical extension for the ZX Spectrum that enhances color palettes without increasing resource demands. By using a modified flash signal, new colors are created without interfering with existing software compatibility. The article provides implementation details and addresses practical usage concerns.
- Development of Spectrum
Connecting a CDOS modem to the 'Compact-128' computer by addressing keyboard port conflicts. Description of hardware modifications to solve the issue. Solution includes automatic blocking using a transistor inverter.
- Development of Spectrum - Ars
Discussion on AZX-Monstrum 512K development, its hardware compatibility, processor options, and potential enhancements in graphics and OS.
- Development of SPECTRUM
Discussion of Clive Sinclair's new computer platform, the ZX2000, designed to outperform PCs with enhanced speed, affordability, and battery efficiency.
- Development of Spectrum - Андрей Савичев
Examination of the evolution and ongoing relevance of the Z80 processor, and its role in embedded systems. Comparison of Z80 with its successors, highlighting advantages like energy efficiency and command enhancements. Overview of integrated Z80-based CPUs and their peripherals.
- Advertisement
This article is an advertisement for Scorpion products including hardware for ZX Spectrum and Amiga software, along with pricing and ordering details.
- Advertising
Collection of advertisements for Amiga and ZX Spectrum hardware and software, with contact information for sellers and details about the new Amiga magazine subscription.
- Advertisement
Advertisement for X-TRADE's General Sound music board. Includes pricing, technical details, and purchase instructions. Features a FAQ section and compatibility info.
- Meaning Without Meaning - Viator
Philosophical reflections on existentialism, immortality, and human destiny. The narrative weaves through stories of ambition, the quest for eternal life, and a utopian downfall. A blend of introspection and speculative fiction.
- Scene vs Professionals
Exploration of the demoscene's creativity versus commercial game development. Discussion of potential for professional-quality programs by scene members. Call for collaboration with leading scene groups.
- Scene Chronicle - Андрей Савичев
Reflections on ZX Spectrum's enduring appeal, its community's resilience, and its potential resurgence in Russia.
- Scene Chronology
Overview of the Rush group's activities, including past projects, current endeavors, and future plans, with emphasis on software development and gaming.
- Scene Chronicles
The article discusses various ZX Spectrum scene news, including game releases, demoparties, and updates from developers and teams.
- Chronicles of the Scene
The article discusses the FUNTOP'98 international computer art festival held in Moscow, highlighting key events, notable attendees, and the various competitions held during the event.
- Scene Chronia
Discussion on Amiga scene development through collaboration, addressing user isolation and promoting network expansion.
- Shell Management
Статья описывает управление оболочкой для ZX Spectrum и Amiga, включая клавиши и функции для навигации. Упоминаются особенности работы на Amiga с PAL монитором и предоставляется контакт для поддержки. Также отмечено, что текстовые файлы имеют стандартную MS-DOS кодировку.
