"Jerry Davis - Justification" - читать интересную книгу автора (Davis Jerry)

the 22nd level, and nearly toppled to the floor as the elevator swooped upwards toward the top
of the tower.
On the 22nd floor, he managed to find his way to Virginia Mergle's office, which was a
large hardwood door with a sign that read "PERSONNEL." Beyond was a waiting room with
a large information screen in a corner and seats all around. A computer voice said, "State
your name and business," as soon as he entered. Dale spoke up in a nervous voice, and the
computer acknowledged him and said, "Miss Mergle will see you in one minute, seventeen
seconds." The information screen showed several different views of the campus, a scrolling
list of job opportunities, and a documentary on keeping full sized whales in captivity.
When the countdown to his appointment reached zero the door swung open by itself and
the computer announced, "Miss Mergle will see you now." Dale stepped into the inner office
and saw a smooth-skinned black haired woman reclining in a chair behind a huge desk. Her
eyes were closed, and eight data cables trailed from her head like an octopus's tentacles.
"Come in, Mr. Bently," she said without opening her eyes. Her voice had an unpleasant, too-
relaxed quality about it. Despite her clear enunciation, it sounded like she was talking in her
sleep. "Please, sit down and relax."
Dale sat but he didn't relax. "I'm here about a job teaching zero-gravity engineering."
"We have an opening," Virginia said in her sleep-voice. "What are your qualifications?"
"I have a degree in zero-gravity and low gravity engineering from the Tuleburg Institute
of Technology, and ten years of practical experience with L5 Corp."
"Yes," she said, her eyes still closed. "I am reviewing your records now."
Dale swallowed, his throat dry. Silent seconds passed while data streamed in and out of
the woman's brain. She breathed slowly, her breasts heaving up and down with dream-like
calm.
"You have no teaching credentials," she said finally.
"I have practical experience, things that----"
"You have no teaching experience, either. I'm sorry, but I can't give you any teaching
position at all without a degree. I am searching for other employment possibilities now."
Again, Dale found himself waiting silently and watching the woman's breasts ease up and
then down again.
"Your physical records indicate you would not be able to do any heavy labor. I'm sorry
Mr. Bently, but I just don't have anything for you at all."
Dale sighed, and stood up.
"Mr. Bently, I'm curious. Your records indicate you have not been in any schooling nor
work for years. Why the sudden interest in teaching? You could have spent all this time

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enrolled and getting your credentials."
"I don't know. I haven't been feeling that well."
"Your five year life evaluation has come up with the Census Bureau, hasn't it?"
"Yes."
"You need real help, Mr. Bently. Professional help. There are lawyers who specialize in
life justification. I strongly advise you to see one."
"Thank you."
"I can recommend one in particular, if you like. His name is Vlad Breenwood. Here is his
address and phone number." There was a whirring sound, and a piece of paper slipped out of
a printer and into a tray.
Thanking her once again, Dale took the paper and shuffled out of her office.