"Ben Bova - Jupiter" - читать интересную книгу автора (Bova Ben)

Beech shook his head. "No miracle. Hard work by honest, Godfearing people. We took control of governments all around the world, the New Morality, the Light of Allah, the Holy Disciples in Europe."

"The New Dao movement in Asia," Grant added.

"Yes, yes," said Beech. "And why were we successful in bringing moral strength and wisdom into the political arena? Because religion is a digital system."

"Digital?"

"Digital. Religious precepts are based on moral principles. There is right and there is wrong. Nothing in between. Nothing! No wiggle room for the politicians to sneak through. Right or wrong, black or white, on or off. Digital."

"That's why the New Morality succeeded where other reform movements failed," Grant said, with new understanding.

"Exactly. That's why we were able to clean up the crime-ridden streets of our cities. That's why we were able to put an end to all these self-styled civil rights groups that actually wanted nothing less than a license to commit any sinful acts they wanted to. That's why we could bring order and stability to the nation-and to the whole world."

Grant had to admit that from what he'd learned of history, the world was far better off with God-fearing, morally straight governments in power than it had been in the old, corrupt, licentious days.

"We are doing God's work," Beech went on, sitting even straighter than before, his hands splayed on the desktop, his eyes burning. "We are feeding the poor, bringing education and enlightenment to all, even in the worst parts of Asia and Africa and South America. We have stabilized world population growth without murdering the unborn. We are raising the standard of living for the poorest of the poor."

His mind spinning, Grant heard himself ask, "But what does this have to do with Jupiter . . . and me?"

Beech eyed him sternly. "Young man, there comes a point in everyone's life when he must make the choice between good and evil. You've got to decide which side you're on: God or Mammon."

"I don't understand."

"The scientists out at Jupiter are up to something, something that they want to keep secret. We must find out what they are doing and why they are trying to hide their actions from us."

"Shouldn't that be a task for the IAA?" Grant asked. "I mean, they're the organization that directs the scientific research."

"We have representatives on the International Astronomical Authority."

"Then shouldn't you leave it to the IAA?"

With an almost pitying expression, Beech said, "The price of great power is great responsibility. In order to maintain stability, to make certain that no one -no scientist or revolutionary or terrorist madman -can threaten all that we've worked so hard to achieve, we must control everyone, everywhere."

"Control everyone?"

"Yes. Those scientists at Jupiter think they are beyond our control. We must teach them otherwise. You are our chosen agent to begin this process. You will help us to learn what they are doing and why they are doing it."

Grant was too confused to reply. He realized that the decision had already been made. He was going to Jupiter. They expected him to find out what the scientists were doing there. He could not avoid this duty.

He sat before Beech's desk, his mind awhirl, torn between the duty that he knew he could not avoid and resentment at having absolutely no voice in the decision that would determine the next four years of his life.

Like it or not, he was going to Jupiter.

Then Beech added with a slow, unexpected smile, "Of course, if you find out what they're up to quickly enough, perhaps we can arrange to transfer you to another research facility-such as the Farside Observatory."

"Farside?" Grant clutched at the straw.

Nodding solemnly, Beech said, "It might be arranged, in return for satisfactory performance."