Volume 1, No. 1

Banquet / Tyrras ... 20 

"Well, I don't really know," Bellamy replied.
"The best thing is that the Soviet system collapsed. And the worst thing is that the Soviet system did not collapse."
Everyone at the table burst out laughing as if they were all hearing this for the first time, but Bellamy could only smile meekly. "I'm sorry," he said, "but I don't get it."
Nina suggested something in Russian. But Morozin shrugged his shoulders. "She thinks a shot of vodka will help you understand what is the truth inside this joke. But may be you like mineral water. I will bring us some." And he left the table.
The band started a waltz. Bellamy watched as the rockers on the dance floor took hold of their partners and began to twirl in three quarter time. When he turned back to the table, Bellamy saw that Vera was looking at him. "Would you like to dance, Mr. Bellamy?"