"Robert A. Heinlein - If this goes on" - читать интересную книгу автора (Heinlein Robert A)

by Old Nick. But New Jerusalem is not West Point and the Angels were
neither forbidden to marry nor were we forbidden proper and sedate
association with women. True, most of my fellows did not ask permission to
marry, as it would have meant transferring to one of the regular regiments
and many of them cherished ambitions for the military priesthood-but it was
not forbidden.
Nor were the lay deaconesses who kept house around the Temple and the
Palace forbidden to marry. But most of them were dowdy old creatures who
reminded me of my aunts, hardly subjects for romantic thoughts. I used to
chat with them occasionally around the corridors, no harm in that. Nor was I
attracted especially by any of the few younger sisters-until I met Sister Judith.
I had been on watch in this very spot more than a month earlier. It was the
first time I had stood guard outside the ProphetтАЩs apartments and, while I was
nervous when first posted, at that moment I had been no more than alert
against the possibility of the warden-of-the-watch making his rounds.
That night a light had shone brightly far down the inner corridor opposite my
post and I had heard a sound of people moving; I had glanced at my wrist
chrono-yes, that would be the Virgins ministering to the Prophet... - no
business of mine. Each night at ten oтАЩclock their watch changed-their тАЪguard
mountтАЩ I called it, though I had never seen the ceremony and never would. All
that I actually knew about it was that those coming on duty for the next
twenty-four hours drew lots at that time for the privilege of personal
attendance in the sacred presence of the Prophet Incarnate.
I had listened briefly and had turned away. Perhaps a quarter of an hour later
a slight form engulfed in a dark cloak had slipped past me to the parapet,
there to stand and look at the stars. I had had my blaster out at once, then
had returned it sheepishly, seeing that it was a deaconess.
I had assumed that she was a lay deaconess; I swear that it did not occur to
me that she might be a holy deaconess. There was no rule in my order book
telling me to forbid them to come outside, but I had never heard of one doing
so.
I do not think that she had seen me before I spoke to her. тАЪPeace be unto
you, sister.тАЩ
She had jumped and suppressed a squeal, then had gathered her dignity to
answer, тАЮAnd to you, little brother.тАЩ
It was then that I had seen on her forehead the Seal of Solomon, the mark of
the personal family of the Prophet. тАЪYour pardon, Elder Sister. I did not see.тАЩ
тАЪI am not annoyed.тАЩ It had seemed to me that she invited conversation. I knew
that it was not proper for us to converse privately; her mortal being was
dedicated to the Prophet just as her soul was the LordтАЩs, but I was young and
lonely-and she was young and very pretty.
тАЪDo you attend the Holy One this night, Elder Sister?тАЩ
She had shaken her head at that. тАЪNo, the honor passed me by. My lot
was not drawn.тАЩ
тАЪIt must be a great and wonderful privilege to serve him directly.тАЩ
тАЪNo doubt, though I cannot say of my own knowledge. My lot has never yet
been drawn.тАЩ She had added impulsively, тАЪIтАЩm a little nervous about it. You
see, I havenтАЩt been here long.тАЩ
Even though she .was my senior in rank, her display of feminine weakness
had touched me. тАЪI am sure that you will deport yourself with credit.тАЩ