"James P. Hogan - Giants 1 - Inherit The Stars" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hogan James P)

Nevertheless, the first prediction of the theory was accepted as amply
supported. Whether, one day, future generations of scientists would ever
verify the second prediction, was another matter entirely.

Hunt and Gray touched down on the rooftop landing pad of the IDCC
administration building shortly after fifteen hundred hours. By fifteen thirty
they were sitting in leather armchairs facing the desk in Borlan's luxurious
office on the tenth floor, while he poured three large measures of scotch at
the teak bar built into the left wall. He walked back to the center, passed a
glass to each of the Englishmen, went back around the desk, and sat down.
"Cheers, then, guys," he offered. They returned the gesture. "Well," he
began, "it's good to see you two again. Trip okay? How'd you make it up so
soon -- rent a jet?" He opened his cigar box as he spoke and pushed it across
the desk toward them. "Smoke?"
"Yes, good trip. Thanks, Felix," Hunt replied. "Avis." He inclined his
head toward the window behind Borlan, which presented a panoramic view of
pine-covered hills tumbling down to the distant Columbia. "Some scenery."
"Like it?"
"Makes Berkshire look a bit like Siberia."
Borlan looked at Gray. "How are you keeping, Rob?"
The corners of Gray's mouth twitched downwards. "Gutrot."
"Party last night at some bird's," Hunt explained. "Too little blood in
his alcohol stream."
"Good time, huh?" Borlan grinned. "Take Francis along?"
"You've got to be joking!"
"Jollificating with the peasantry?" Gray mimicked in the impeccable
tones of the English aristocracy. "Good God! Whatever next!"
They laughed. Hunt settled himself more comfortably amid a haze of blue
smoke. "How about yourself, Felix?" he asked. "Life still being kind to you?"
Borlan spread his arms wide. "Life's great."
"Angie still as beautiful as the last time I saw her? Kids okay?"
"They're all fine. Tommy's at college now -- majoring in physics and
astronautical engineering. Johnny goes hiking most weekends with his club, and
Susie's added a pair of gerbils and a bear cub to the family zoo."
"So you're still as happy as ever. The responsibilities of power aren't
wearing you down yet."
Borlan shrugged and showed a row of pearly teeth. "Do I look like an
ulcerated nut midway between heart attacks?"
Hunt regarded the blue-eyed, deep-tanned figure with close-cropped fair
hair as Borlan sprawled relaxedly on the other side of the broad mahogany
desk. He looked at least ten years younger than the president of any
intercontinental corporation had a right to.
For a while the small talk revolved around internal affairs at Metadyne.
At last a natural pause presented itself. Hunt sat forward, his elbows resting
on his knees, and contemplated the last drop of amber liquid in his glass as
he swirled it around first from right to left and then back again. Finally he
looked up.
"About the scope, Felix. What's going on, then?"
Borlan had been expecting the question. He straightened slowly in his
chair and appeared to think for a moment. At last he said: