"Gordon Eklund - Serving in Time" - читать интересную книгу автора (Eklund Gordon)

"You bet," Jan smiled at the thought. Kirk Rayburn was Gail's
particular favorite within the squad and Jan had never quite
trusted him as a result, but sometimes he did come up with a
good idea or two. "Leave him for me. I'llтАФ"

"Shut up down there, Jeroux. You're supposed to be seated at
attention." Gail Conrad's voice lashed through the room like a
knot in the end of a whip.

Jan faced front, muttering to himself. He could have killed her
right now. The Captain, Whitlow, everyone seemed to be staring
right at him. He flushed and tried to keep calm.

But just at that moment, the Captain suddenly rose from his
chair and stepped forward. In a soft but firm voice that was
barely audible, he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you may sit at
ease."

Jan dropped his hands into his lap along with the others.

"Whitlow, come here," the Captain said. "You've got the list?"

"Yes, sir," Whitlow said. He approached the Captain, a long
sheet of parchment clearly visible in his right hand.

"Well, let me have it."

"Of course, sir."

Jan watched the passage of the parchment from hand to
hand, very much aware that his fateтАФhis lifeтАФhung in the
balance.

Whitlow stepped back. The Captain raised the list, seemed to
study it, then announced, "I am going to read your names in the
order in which you have finished. You should all be aware that
class ranking has little or no effect upon future assignments or
promotions. If your name is not announced, it means you have
not graduated. Are there any questions?"
 Of course there were none. The moment had long since passed
when any question might have been pertinent.

The Captain spoke:

"Gail Conrad."

Whitlow beamed down at his favorite pupilтАФhe had never
forgiven Jan for punching him that first dayтАФ but if Gail herself
was at all moved she failed to show it.