"Anthology - Hotel Andromeda (Short Stories)" - читать интересную книгу автора (ANTHOLOGIES)

being transacted just inches away, was palpable and intoxicat-
ing. He was dazzled by the sophistication of the decor, the
cosmopolitan mix of people. Every shape, every size, every
color. He couldn't help staring in fascination. Perhaps some-
day he would become accustomed to all of this, possibly even
take it for granted. He smiled at the thought of that distant,
sophisticated Lekvich Tor, then shook his head. How could he
ever take all this wonder for granted? Impossible. There was
too much to see: everything was new and amazing.

FIRST NIGHTER 3

His supervisor. Ranee Franklin, was monitoring the con-
cierge board. She was a middle-aged woman with green eyes,
white hair, and a cool, professional demeanor, which he en-
vied. She greeted him with a nod. "You're early, Lekvich.
Good."

Lekvich Tor smiled. He felt dazed and suddenly tongue-
tied.

"Nervous?" Ranee asked.

"Nervous? Who, me?" He shook his head too many times.
"Ranee, do you think that tonight I will see a great many
aliens?" he blurted, barely able to contain himself.

"Of course." She looked at him in surprise and said
sharply, "Is that going to be a problem?"

"No. I mean, I hope not. What I mean is, I've never seen
any before."

"You're in for a treat, then." Her smile was a bit sour at the
edges but Lekvich Tor didn't quite understand why.

"Look," she said. "Do you think you can handle the con-
sole for a couple of minutes? I've got to run to the loo."

Lekvich Tor blushed with pride and embarrassment. Al-
ready, she trusted him enough to leave him in charge. To
share intimate information about bodily needs! His purplish
skin glowed with pleasure. "You can count on me."

"I hope so." She handed him the concierge headset.

He watched her broad back as she strode away toward the
staff lavatory. A powerful woman, not unlike his mother.
Carefully, almost reverently he fit the headset around his ears
and mouth.