Circle I.2: First Contact

- Stumpy my name is. - he was told by the poor chap. He was standing by the glossy bar of the disco-pizzeria "Imperium of Wealth"


Besides, that was the first thing he noticed when coming home. He recognized some streets, Town Hall Castle, of course, Nepszinhaz Theatre, main route, Ferentz Reichl Palace... All good old landmarks were still in place - but he could not recognize a single human being, friend, or soulmate. He had become stranger in his own hometown.

Glancing again over numerous guests of the famous disco-pizzeria, he concluded that they're not worth even material and craftmenship ivested into bar he was sitting at.

- Stumpy my name is. - shabby fellow was repeating constantly. Look at him: ratty old asshole. But, his teeth looked perfect. Just incredible.

Rastoder found less than a sip in his glass, and he found to dislike armchair chillout and TV matrix safety of his modest flat.

- Ok. One on me. - The stranger has surrendered to the odd chap.

- Deer Beer smear. - Stumpy responded inspired.

Evoked by his world-wide experience Rastoder has thrown his next question almost immediately.

- What trip are you on?

- What trip are you on is not the question but for how long are you trippin! Stumpy my name is, capisco?

- Stumpy, is that a sort of an alias? My pleasure, I'm Istvan.

- Yo, man! Got a smoke? - Stumpy responded with handshaking.

Rastoder offered him one and lit one himself.

- Nice mouthpiece you've got. - noticed Stumpy.

- I know.

- Aren't you aboriginal?

- I are not. - Rastoder answered instantaneously.


He focused on one of the better looking waitresses. She was standing in the opposite corner of the "Imperium of Wealth". He could not imagine how huge this place was. He was wondering, If it spreads only trough these several rooms and levels, or even over similar places and maybe whole downtown.

- Then everything I'm going to explain to you. - said Stumpy.

That was just one long night, indeed.