"George Alec Effinger - Posterity" - читать интересную книгу автора (Effinger George Alec)

black one-piece outfit, with white gauntlets and a diamond-shaped emblem on her left
breast. "Wait a minute," Courane murmured. "I thought I dreamed you last night."

The woman threw her long, pale hair over her shoulder and smiled.

"No, it wasn't a dream. I came in to visit you late last night."

"And no one else saw you or heard you."

"That's right," she said.

"And no one else can see you or hear you now?"

"That's right."

Courane frowned. "Then they must think I'm crazy, talking to myself."

The woman laughed. "Would you like some privacy?"

"Please," said Courane.

The woman stood up and drew the curtains around the bed. "How's that?" she asked.

"It's the best we can do. What if someone comes in?"

The woman shook her head. "The nurse's aide will come by in about sixteen minutes.
We have plenty of time."

"You're sure I'm not dreaming now?" said Courane.

"You're not dreaming. How much do you remember of what I told you last night?"

"Not much," admitted Courane. "I was sure I was asleep or drugged, and I wasn't paying
very close attention."
"All right, we'll start at the beginning. My name is Eldr├зs. I'm from the future."

"Yes, I remember you saying that. I remember you showing me all kinds of strange
things."
"Do you believe me?" said Eldr├зs.

Courane shrugged. "This is the way it is, ma'am: if you're really. truly here, then you're
probably telling me the truth. All those futuristic newspapers and books you showed me
couldn't be just an elaborate practical joke. But if I ever find out that you're not really here, I'm
going to stop believing you that instant."

"Fair enough," said Eldr├зs. "Do you want to know why I've come so far into the past to
talk with you?"
"It would be discourteous for me to say no, wouldn't it?"

"Even if you said no, I'd tell you anyway. The truth is, Mr. Courane, you don't have long to