"GOLDEN, CHRISTIE - THE LAST ROUND-UP" - читать интересную книгу автора (Golden Christie)

"We will take a moment to think of those who have died here so that we
might live. Please, recite their names, slowly and solemnly." He knew
that she, like all her species, had an eidetic memory, and this would be
no challenge for her. But she would see it as an honor.

She looked up at him, and in her enormous eyes shone pride and a very
intense form of hero worship. Kirk managed not to cringe. She composed
herself, and with tears still streaming down her face began to list the
names of the colonists.

"Commander Sabra Lowe. First Officer Jason Riley. Second Officer Ramon
Sanchez. Chief Engineer Jonathan Bedonie "

It took a long time, to recite a hundred and forty-eight names. When
Kirk caught one of his students fidgeting, he glared at him until he
stopped. They stood at attention, until finally, Skalli stated the last
name.

Kirk waited a moment longer. At last he said, "We have twenty minutes
before we return to the ship. I suggest you take the time to wander the
colony and get to know it for yourself.

Be mindful that though the residual radiation from the explosion is low
it is still present, and that you are not under any circumstances to
remove so much as a glove. Also be aware there are many opportunities
for a careless cadet to slip and break a leg. I'd advise against it."

There were slight, wary chuckles at this. It figures, thought Kirk. They
finally start seeing me as a human being on the last day of class. While
it was obvious that the students were thrilled to be able to attend his
class, he knew that they were more interested in seeing him than in what
he was saying. But talking about major command decisions of the past few
centuries-- including a few historical ones he himself had made--had
only served to remind him that all he was doing was talking. He was
horribly bored, itching to get out and do something, which was one
reason he had called in a few favors to authorize this field trip to a
place that was still largely off-limits. Command decisions weren't
textbook cases, they were real, and bloody, and bitter. And heaven knew
he'd had more than his share.

"There will be an essay as part of the final exam. It is freeform, and
all I want from you is your impressions of Polluxara IV and what
happened here. It will be due in my hands when we return to Earth orbit.
The students who correctly answered my questions will receive extra
credit. Those of you who didn't have that opportunity will just have to
make sure your essays are even better."

"Captain, that's not fair!" one of them piped up.