"Benford G - Furious Gulf" - читать интересную книгу автора (Benford Gregory)


our\your actions. Prudence demands
care. Earlier events involving these
primates, on two separate planets,
have pointed toward some significant
yet poorly defined role they play. They
may carry information--and what are
they, but information? Indeed, what

are we?--which can bring
the

attentions of minds above ours.


Very well, caution. But how?


A trap.

Part I


F^R P. NTI Q U I'l

I

Techno-Nomads

Toby had barely gotten back inside the air lock and was shedding his suit
when Cermo showed up. Toby wore nothing but shorts under his vacuum
suit, and the ship felt colder than outside. He rummaged in his locker for
his overalls, shivering, and Cermo said, "Where you been?"
"Where's it look?"
The big man towered over Toby. Cermo had been called Cermothe-Slow
in years past, but now was leaner and quicker. A broad grin seemed
to divide his face in half with delighted anticipation. "Heard all the ruckus.
Cap'n found us somethin' to eat, right?"
"We'll see."
"Doesn't change anything for you, though," Cermo said with a sly
chuckle. He was a big man with a soft-eyed, mirthful face, so the chuckle
carried no malice.
"Whaf's that mean?"
"You're on maintenance detail today."
"So? Okay, I'll check the biotanks, the usual."
"Today's not usual." Again the sly grin.
"What's wrong?"
"Sewage seals broke."
"Again? No fair! They went out last time I was on maintenance, too."
"Well then, you're an expert." Cermo handed Toby a mop. "Apply