"King Krool" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lem Stanislaw)

Table of Contents

Part 1. An Impressive Advertisement.
Part 2. The Emissary.
Part 3. King Krool.
Part 4. The Hunting Trophies.
Part 5. Brainstorming a Beast.
Part 6. Fierce Simulations.
Part 7. The Secret Police.
Part 8. The Great Hunt.
Part 9. The Constructors' Demands.
Part 10. The Release of Krool.

Part 1. An Impressive Advertisement

The tremendous success of their application of the Gargantius Effect
gave both constructors such an appetite for adventure, that they
resolved to sally forth once again to parts unknown. Unfortunately,
they were quite unable to decide on a destination. Trurl, given to
tropical climes, had his heart set on Scaldonia, the land of the
Flaming Flamingos, while Klapaucius, of a somewhat cooler
disposition, was equally determined to visit the Intergalactic Cold
Pole, a bleak continent adrift among frozen stars. The friends were
about to part company for good when Trurl suddenly had an idea.
"Wait," he said, "we can advertise our services, then take the best
offer!" "Ridiculous!" snorted Klapaucius. "How are you going to
advertise? In a newspaper? Do you have any idea how long it takes a
newspaper to reach the nearest planet? You'll be dead and buried
before the first offer comes in!"
But Trurl gave a knowing smile and revealed his plan, which
Klapaucius--begrudgingly--had to admit was ingenious, and so they
set to work. All the necessary equipment quickly thrown together,
they gathered up the local stars and arranged them in a great sign,
a sign that would be visible at truly incalculable distances. Only
blue giants were used for the first word--to get the cosmic reader's
attention--and lesser stellar material made up the others. The
advertisement read: Two Distinguished Constructors Seek Employment
Commensurate with Their Skill and Above All Lucrative, Hence
Preferably at the Court of a Well-heeled King (Should Have His Own
Kingdom), Terms to Be Arranged.



Part 2. The Emissary
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