"James E. Gunn - Breaking Point" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gunn James E)

They waited. Nothing.[Pg 16]

Johnny frowned, jabbed the button again. And again. The Captain started to speak, then fell watchfully
silent. Johnny reached toward the button, touched it, then struck it savagely. He stepped back then, one
foot striking the other like that of a clumsy child. He turned partially to the others. In his voice, as it came
from the speaker across the room, was a deep amazement that rang like the opening chords of a
prophetic and gloomy symphony.

He said, "The port won't open."

II
The extremes of mysticism and of pragmatism have their own expressions of worship. Each has
its form, and the difference between them is the difference between deus ex machina and deus
machina est.

тАФE. Hunter Waldo

"Of course it will open," said Hoskins. He strode past the stunned pilot and confidently palmed the
control.

The port didn't open.

Hoskins said, "Hm?" as if he had been asked an inaudible question, and tried again. Nothing happened.
"Skipper," he said over his shoulder, "Have a quick look at the meters behind you there. Are we getting
auxiliary power?"

"All well here," said Anderson after a glance at the board. "And no shorts showing."

There was a silence punctuated by the soft, useless clicking of the control as Hoskins manipulated it.
"Well, what do you know."

"It won't work," said Johnny plaintively.
"Sure it'll work," said Paresi swiftly, confidently. "Take it easy, Johnny."

"It won't work," said Johnny. "It won't work." He stumbled across the cabin and leaned against the
opposite bulkhead, staring at the closed port with his head a little to one side as if he expected it to shriek
at him.

"Let me try," said Ives, going to Hoskins. He put out his hand.

"Don't!" Johnny cried.

"Shut up, Johnny," said Paresi.

"All right, Nick," said Johnny. He opened his face plate, went to the rear bulkhead, keyed open an
acceleration couch, and lay face down on it. Paresi watched him, his lips pursed.

"Can't say I blame him," said the Captain softly, catching Paresi's eye. "It's something of a shock. This
shouldn't be. The safety factor's too greatтАФa thousand per cent or better." [Pg 17]