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

wouldn't mind the pedestal.

"But they should have meaning, damn it. Every single man who died on the
beaches at Normandy had a life that was as dear, as precious to him as
life is to any of you. Every single Lamarian who fell defending their
home from a vicious onslaught once laughed, and cried, and loved."

He raised his arms and indicated their surroundings. "This particular
site is unique. Because there's no atmosphere, it's going to be
preserved this way forever. There's no grass here to soften this
battlefield, no grave markers to bleach and fade in the sun. We'll
always be able to stand here and look at what was willingly done for the
good of others as if it happened yesterday.

Just because these people died over a century past doesn't mean we
should let their sacrifice count for nothing."

He softened his voice. "There is a quote from an ancient book on my
world that says, ' love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his
life for his friends.' I disagree. It's noble to die for a friend, for
someone you love and value. But how much nobler--and harder--is it to
die for a stranger? Commander Sabra Lowe died for people she had never
met. And she made that choice freely. Now that, cadets, is a command
decision.

And this is its consequence--both the ruins of Polluxara IV and the fact
that you and I are able to stand here today, alive, free, and members of
a Federation that values freedom and justice."

To his deep satisfaction, Kirk saw the flickering of understanding pass
across some of the painfully youthful faces. He heard a slight thump and
turned in the direction of the sound.

Not surprisingly, tears were flowing down Skalli's purple face.

She had forgotten she was wearing the environmental suit and had bumped
her hand on the faceplate in an effort to wipe the river away.

The Huanni had only recently joined the Federation. Kirk had never seen
such an emotional race before. It in no way compromised their
intelligence or skills, which were considerable, but they were as open
in their emotions as the Vulcans were closed--which was saying a lot.
Skalli, the very first of her species to be accepted at Starfleet
Academy, had come a long way in the single semester Kirk had known her.
By Huanni standards, she was coldly logical. He had tried to be
understanding of the outbursts while at the same time helping her learn
how to control herself. She had confided in him that she wanted to be an
ambassador one day. Kirk thought this highly unlikely.

To help her focus, he addressed her. "Cadet Skalli," he said.