Khoklov was fidgeting. "We have re-created the Arabian Nights ," he said, running a flat ribbon of plasticized bullion over his sleeve. He leaned against a dusty concrete feeding trough. "It is Ali Baba and the forty shabashniki ... We meant to ‘smash the last vestiges of feudalism.’ We meant to ‘defend the socialist revolution.’ All we have really done is create a thieves’ market worthy of legend! With ourselves as the eager customers."