"Follett, James - Earthsearch 00 - Mindwarp" - читать интересную книгу автора (Follett James)

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1
An image of a blonde appeared on the wall screen that
dominated the huge reception hall where over 300 milling,
whooping, boisterous children were gathered with their
parents. She was wearing the high neck, pink uniform of a
government information officer. The mothers and fathers
quickly hushed their charges and looked expectantly up at the
screen. It was the mid-morning war report.
`Good morning, fellow citizens of Arama!' The blonde was
smiling blandly. There was a collective easing of the sudden
tension; a smile meant good news. `The Department of Defence
has announced the result of yesterday's war. Our glorious
army of Arama has suffered this number of dead...'
A row of logo-like graphic representations of soldiers
appeared along the foot of the screen. Each figure was
clutching a plasma discharge weapon. They shone out on a
background of shimmering gold.
`And the profane forces of Diablo sustained these huge
losses...'
Several rows of sinister black figures appeared below the
first set so that it was possible to visualise the imbalance
without an understanding of the numbers. For most people of
Arama, counting beyond ten was difficult because they had to
visualise the entire quantity as a string of units.
`We have now won the war on six consecutive days,'
trumpeted the blonde. `A record, fellow citizens! A glorious
achievement which his excellency, the First Secretary has
decided to commemorate with an extra decra for every five
decras earned today. And now some important messages.'
The blonde's face was replaced by a friendly cartoon
character telling the audience that plastic was fantastic,
but fibron was right on. The commercials ended and the stern
still picture of the Emperor of Arama appeared on the screen.
It was the same picture that was displayed in all public
places throughout Arama.
Kally released Tarlan, who had squirmed in her arms during
the announcement. For the five-year-old to keep still for
even 30-seconds was a misery. The boy immediately made a
lunge for Ewen. The brothers rolled on the floor, kicking and
punching. Ewen put up a spirited defence. He was two years
older than Tarlan, and much stroner despite his skinny frame,
and could have beaten him easily had Kally not dragged them
apart. Her consolation was that the behaviour of many of the
restless children in the reception hall was not much better.
`You promised me that you'd both be on your best
behaviour!' she scolded them equally.
`He started it!' Ewen yelled defensively, rubbing his calf