"Frank Herbert - Escape Felicity" - читать интересную книгу автора (Herbert Brian & Frank)

'Don't forget this planet and the other companion,' the computer said.

Beirut thought about living on such a planet - no banks of stars across the heavens ... all that hidden
behind the enclosing hydrogen cloud.

He began to tremble unaccountably with an attack ofthe push.

'What'll it take to fix the nose of the ship?' Beirut asked. He tried to still his trembling.

'A sophisticated machine shop and the work of electronics technicians of at least grade five. The repair
data is available in my banks.'

'What're they doing in that machine?' Beirut demanded. 'Why don't they talk?'

'Tut, tut,' the computer said.



Thirty-eight minutes later, the natives again emerged from their steam wagon, took up stations standing at
the edge of the charred ground.



Beirut repeated his precautionary measures, went out to join them. He moved slowly, warily, the Borgen
ready in his left hand.

The five awaited him this time without retreating. They appeared more relaxed, chattering in low voices
among themselves, watching him with those stalked eyes. The word sounds remained pure gibberish to
Beirut , but he had the lingua pack trained on them and knew the computer would have the language in a
matter of time.

Beirut stopped about eight paces from the natives, said: 'Glad to see you, boys. Have a nice nap in your
car?'

The tallest one nodded, said: 'What's doing?'

Beirut gaped, speechless.

A native on the left said: 'Let's hope you have a good metal-working industry, friends. Otherwise I'm
going to be an extremely unhappy visitor.'

The tallest one said: 'Glad to see you, boys. Have a nice nap in your car?'

'They're mimicking me!' Beirut gasped.

'Confirmed,' the computer said.

Beirut overcame an urge to laugh, said: 'You're the crummiest looking herd of no-good animals I ever
saw. It's a wonder your mothers could stand the sight of you.'