7.1. The steamship "Rarity" is rapidly sinking. If Captain Alexei gives exactly $2017^{2017}$ instructions to his 26 sailors, the steamship can be saved. Each subsequent sailor can receive 2 fewer or 2 more instructions than the previous one. Can Alexei save the steamship?
Answer: No.

Solution: It is obvious that the parity of the number of orders received by all sailors is the same. However, in this case, the total number of orders received is the sum of 26 numbers of the same parity, i.e., an even number. But $2017^{2017}$ is odd, so this is impossible.

## Criteria:

Answer only, answer with verification - 0 points.

The statements "the parity of the number of orders received by all sailors is the same" and "the sum of 26 numbers of the same parity is an even number" are obvious, and points should not be deducted for the lack of justification for these facts.