"Gordon Gross - Communion (2)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gross Gordon)

GORDON GROSS

COMMUNION

*
Like most writers, Gordon Gross is two people. But unlike most writers, Gordon
Gross is literally two people: husband and wife writing team Eve Gordon and
Harold Gross. "Communion" is their first story sale.

*
They currently earn their living in the computer field as consultants and
troubleshooters. Harold is a professional actor and Eve does stand-up comedy.
They live in a New York City apartment too small for them, their two cats, and
their collection of 2,000 books.

MON (Middle Of Nowhere) spins slowly on our view screen. After four and a half
years together in Stardust, we are finally here. I glance at Glim, seated in
the
second navnet he had jury-rigged before we left Zehabus, watching the view
screen. (an odd word, jury-rigged; as if anyone could "rig" a jury.)

I feel the warm wisp of Glim's Telen disturb my mental wandering.

And they said it couldn't be done, is his thought, so easy in my mind that it
could be my own. He continues to watch the view screen, solemn and
straight-faced on the outside. All this time tripping over each other
physically
and mentally, and his humor still takes me by surprise.

I smile, the comers of my mouth resisting my attempt at seriousness. My eyes
widen in a telepath's shrug.

Who knew? is my reply.

Glim tums his head slowly to look at me. We did.

Yes, we did, I think to myself, and here we are, still mentally sound. You
ready
to go in? I ask.

He glances at the view screen again, t hen leans over and touches my cheek.
Our
minds slide together and intertwine with the caress. Let's get it over with,
he
replies. I wonder, will we be able to enjoy the physical ease with each other
that we've become accustomed to on the voyage? Or will the telepath taboos be
too strong here? (Gods, life was easier as a navigator.) Who would ever have
thought that just holding hands could be so important? Glim leans back in his
chair, and our minds slide apart as two seas separated by a rising island.