Herzog took out an old brand of Russian cigarettes from his cigarette case. He tapped the end of the cigarette against the silver case, then pinched the filter... Just this single gesture showed that this old man with the appearance of a Japanese Hybrid was by no means a pure Japanese.
This was a habit common among Russians, especially old men living north of Moscow in the last century. Because their geographic location was so far north, the climate was bitterly cold throughout the year, with atmospheric temperatures frequently dropping below zero degrees Celsius. The shredded tobacco and filters would freeze very stiff, so experienced smokers generally tapped the end of the cigarette to loosen the tobacco before lighting it, making it burn more easily. Pinching the filter was meant to make the frozen-stiff filter easier to put in the mouth.
Seeing this action, it was easy to conjure up an image in one's mind: a top scientist belonging to the Soviet government had just finished a night of research and was walking out of the laboratory. Outside were low-hanging white clouds and a water-washed, azure sky, with biting cold wind mixed with snowflakes drifting across the domes of Gothic architecture. In the distance were a steel-like city and a bustling munitions factory. The scientist casually handed his experimental white lab coat to the assistant beside him, fished out a cigarette case and a cigarette from his pocket, lit it with practiced ease, and took a deep drag, using th…
Chapter 589