"Karen Haber - On the Tip of a Cat's Tongue" - читать интересную книгу автора (Haber Karen)

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On the Tip of a Cat's Tongue
by Karen Haber
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Copyright (c)1994 Karen Haber
First published in Animal Brigade 3000, ed. Martin Harry Greenberg and Charles
Waugh, ACE, 1994

Fictionwise Contemporary
Science Fiction


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"Good evening," the long-haired calico said in a deep, rich voice. "Did
you have trouble finding us?"
Willem Seaton paused at the door and took in the dark-walled entry
hall. It was empty save for the black, orange, and mostly white cat seated
upon a gold tapestry pillow set into a miniature banquette. The light from the
wall globes caught its eyes for a moment, sparking them with an incandescent
glow.
"Pardon me?" Seaton said. He was a slender, dark-skinned man of middle
age and medium height, dressed in unremarkable clothing, accustomed to coming
and going without the notice of others. He had done many things in his life
but never before had he talked to a cat.
The calico yawned, showing a rough pink tongue and sharp pointed teeth.
"Come along." It rose, gave a luxurious stretch, hopped on to the deep red
oriental carpet which nearly covered the floor, and, tail held high, set off
down the hall. Seaton followed obediently. The scent of roses hung in the air,
triggering an urge to sneeze which he immediately throttled.
The hall gave onto a well-appointed office. The walls were covered in a
glossy red fabric. Four inset red-lacquered bookcases held thick volumes in
aged leather bindings. A mirrored shelf held a small video kit and a silver
teapot. Recessed lighting gave the room a warm and welcoming glow.
A leather sofa and chair made a cozy grouping in one corner. Along the
far wall was a work table heaped with neat piles of papers. And dominating the
room was a massive wooden desk whose thick, trunk-like legs seemed rooted in
the thick burgundy carpet. It was very rich, Seaton noted, especially for a
space colony like Mantuchika.
A pale, white-haired woman clothed in flowing green silk sat at the
desk. As Seaton drew closer he saw that her entire lower jaw and neck had the