"Jacqueline Lichtenberg - Dushau Trilogy 01 - Dushau" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lichtenberg Jacqueline)

shut down, all in-patients transferred to Groundschool Hospital. They're talking about deprogramming
Finemar. I've been recommending mercy; none of this was his fault."

Dinai sat up, hugging his knees to pull his toes out of the piol's grip. "What do you mean? Whose fault
was it?"

"Someone with a very high-priority leptolizer amended his programs and inserted blinds so he wouldn't
notice his oversights. It was a flesh agency, not a Sentient. My only clue is that when Fedeewarn died, a
Lehiroh male of very high birth was trying to question her."

"Question her," said Seum, awestruck at the audacity or stupidity. "Arlai, who was it?" He raked the
room with a glance, as if searching for the threat. "That man is three times a murderer."

"I realize that. I've been trying to reach our embassy, but their Sentient doesn't answer."

Jindigar swept the piol up, fondled it, and asked, "Arlai, do you remember the InterregnumтАФCasey's
Planet? That's our situation, I think. My mind is clearing, but I'm still not sure...."

The Interregnum had ended with the birth of the Allegiancy. Krinata had never heard of Casey's Planet.

Arlai said thoughtfully, "They're coming tomorrow to give me the new programmingтАФ"
Jindigar lunged forward on his seat. "Countermand!" he said. "Don't let anyoneтАФrepeat anyoneтАФtamper
with your programming. Tell them I've restricted your servicing to Dushaun Station only. Let them deal
with me."

"Acknowledged," answered Arlai crisply.

"These matters," said Fiella in a kindly tone, "are way beyond my comprehension, but I do know your
supper has arrived. May I serve you? You all must be famished."

Jindigar nodded. "Please, Fiella; you're marvelous. Arlai, keep trying to get through to the ambassador.
Use all expediency, on my authority, but don't let your requests be traceable to me by any local agency.
Wipe all groundside records, and keep yours under seal. Understood?"

"Use graytime procedures. Understood." He executed an obeisance to Jindigar, made a courteous bow
to Fiella and took his leave of her as if she were a lady of the high court. She clasped her fluttering hands
before her ample bosom and sighed.

As they all rose, Jindigar took Krinata aside. "Now think very hard. Do you really want to harbor us? It
could be very dangerous for you; if not to your life, then to your career."

"I don't see why. This is all some ghastly mistake, Jindigar, and as soon as the EmperorтАФ"

"Krinata, it's the Emperor who's behind it. Not the hand that wakened Fedeewarn, but the one who
ordered it done while he detained us. Think! Where is the Dushau delegation? What is going on here?"

She shook her head, bewildered. "I don't know."

"Only two things are evident. You're going to see the end of a galactic civilization. And the Dushau are
going to be blamed for all the ills attendant on that disintegration."