"Dragons Dawn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dragon Stories)

and to the center one where Pern swam tranquilly in the black ocean of
space.
╗There┤re some civilians don┤t think Desi and me can make the
deadline, Paul,л Joel answered with a smug wink at Arthied, who nodded
solemnly. Not a tall man, Lilienkamp was chunkily built; he had an engaging
monkey face, framed with graying dark hair that curled tightly against his
skull. His personality was ebullient, volatile and could be caustic. His
quick wits included an eidetic memory that allowed him to keep track of not
only any bet he made, for how much and with whom and what odds, but every
parcel, package, crate, and canister in his keeping. Desi Arthied, his
second-in-command, often found his superior┤s levity a trial, but he
respected Lilienkamp┤s abilities. It would be Desi┤s job to shift the cargo
that Joel designated to the loading decks and on board the shuttles.
╗Civilians? Who don┤t know you very well, do they?л Paul asked
dryly, taking his seat and smiling noncommittally at Avril Bitra, who had
been in charge of the simulation exercises. Ambition had hardened her. He
wished that he had not spent so much of his waking time during the voyage
involved with the sultry brunette, but she was stunning. Soon they would
all be too busy for personal relationships. More and more attractive young
women were appearing in the corridors. He wanted one of them to want to
marry Paul Benden, not ╗ the admiral.л Just then, the two screens lit up,
the right-hand one displaying Ezra Keroon┤s saturnine countenance, with his
distinctive fringe of gray hair, and the left showing Jim Keroon, his
square face wearing his usual cheerful expression.
╗G┤day, Paul,л he said, just ahead of Ezra┤s more formal salute.
╗Admiral,л Ezra said solemnly. ╗I beg to report that we have
maintained our programmed course to the minute. Estimated arrival to
parking orbit is now forty-six hours, thirty-three minutes, and twenty
seconds. No deviations anticipated at this point in time.л
╗Very good, Captain,л Paul said, returning the salute. ╗Any
problems?л
Both captains reported that their revival programs were continuing
without incident and that their shuttles were ready for launch once orbit
had been achieved.
╗Now that we know when, the matter of where is open for
discussion,л Paul said, leaning back in his chair to signal that comment
was invited.
╗So, tell us, Paul,л Joel Lilienkamp said with his usual disregard
for protocol, ╗where┤re we landing?л All through the Nathi War, Joel┤s
impertinence had amused Paul Benden at a time when amusement was scarce,
and he had consistently proved himself a near miraculous scavenger. His
impudence caused Ezra Keroon to frown, but Jim Tillek chuckled.
╗What are the odds, Lili?л he asked, his expression sly.
╗Let us discuss the matter without prejudice,л Paul suggested
wryly. ╗The three sites recommended by the EEC team have now all been
probed. If you will refer to the chart, the sites are at thirty south by
thirteen point thirty, forty-five south by eleven, and forty-seven south by
four point seven five.л
╗There┤s really only one, Admiral, from my point of view,л Drake
Bonneau interrupted excitedly, jabbing his finger at Paul┤s own choice, the