"Charles L. Harness-The Araqnid Window" - читать интересную книгу автора (Harness Charles L)

"Exactly," said the professor grimly. "It is up to you to remedy the lack."
"But, sir, I need to collect material for my thesis. The plateau is a thousand square miles of virgin
forest. Where do I start to dig?"
"Consider it a challenge, young man. Look harder. And since you have so little time, I suggest you
start immediately."
"Sir, if it's the Llanoan wall, I can explain-- "
 "Perhaps you can find another wall, Mr. Thorin."
"And I'm truly sorry about the pollen box, and the holes, or whatever you call it. I'll be very careful, if
only you can switch my assignment."
"Check back with me as soon as you turn up something, Mr. Thorin. Someone will be on the TX at all
times."
"Yes, sir." Thorin backed out of the tent. This was the end.
***


Pompeii Jones let the skiff hover over an open place in the forest. "There's a stream, and a pool. You
might as well have a decent campsite."
"It's pretty," said Coret gamely. "Take us down, Pom-pom."
"Say a hundred meters or so from the pool," said Thorin. "We don't want to be in the path of animals
coming down to drink."
The staff man helped them get their gear out of the luggage rack. "Need any help with your tent?"
"No. It's a pushbutton."
"Don't forget to file your evening report."
"Yeah."
"Well then, see you in a couple of weeks."
"Yeah."
"Sorry, old friend."
"Yeah."
***


At sunset the instrumentalist filed a nonchalant TX with the professor. "Camping in clearing near pool.
Coordinates A26, Q19. Biosensored area for one kilometer diameter. Numerous small avians and
herbivores. Nothing dangerous. No trace intelligent life past or present."
That night they cooked over a primitive campfire, and later Thorin got out his concertina and they sang
mournful songs by the light of the dying embers.
Finally they yawned, zipped up the electroscreen, and got into their sleeping bags.
Thorin had just dozed off when Coret awakened him. "John, there's something out there."
He listened but heard nothing. "Probably an Araqnid. Go to sleep."
"I'm not sleepy."
"Well, I am. Goodnight."
"With the moving and all, I didn't get a shower all day."
"So? I haven't had one this week."
"You don't mind being dirty. I do."
"You can get one in the morning. In the pool. You'll have it all to yourself."
"You're sure there's nothing out there?"
"Just an Araqnid."
"Don't be funny. They're extinct."
"Yeah. Goodnight, Coret."
***