"The Sails Of Tau Ceti" - читать интересную книгу автора (McCollum Michael)

УNope. Just so I wonТt be unpleasantly surprised, howare preparations going?Ф
УYouТve read the reports.Ф
УHumor me.Ф
УAll right.Ф Tory gave him a quick rundown on what they had accomplished in the
last week or so. Most of the work involved software checkout, which could not be
hurried.
УSounds like youТre about to get back on schedule.Ф
УI would if I werenТt interrupted so often. Give me another month and IТll
deliver you a ship ready for space.Ф
Pierce did not respond immediately. Instead, she noted the same look of
anticipation he had worn a few minutes earlier. When he finally did speak, it
was to suggest that they go to the conference room.
#
Conference Room 100 was large enough for a dozen participants to gather round an
oval table. The room was crowded as the two of them arrived, with the project
governing board and staff standing around in small groups chatting with one
another. The scene resembled a faculty tea.
УTory, IТd like to introduce Boris Hunsacker, project coordinator on Earth,Ф
Pierce said after steering her to one of the groups. УBoris, this is Tory
Bronson, of whom youТve heard so much.Ф
УGood to meet you at last, Boris.Ф Hunsacker was smaller than Tory had imagined
from PierceТs stories. She reached out and shook his hand.
УThe same, Tory,Ф he said as he converted the handshake to a kiss on her hand.
УI must confess that I envy you. The rest of us are politicians and bean
counters. You actually work on humankindТs first interstellar probe.Ф
Tory laughed. УYou sound like an engineer, Boris.Ф
She received a smile in return. УIТm afraid that I havenТt been a practicing
engineer for too many years. I still havenТt lost the urge to stroke the
hardware, IТm afraid.Ф
УIТd be pleased to show you around if you make it up to Phobos this trip.Ф
УIs that a general invitation?Ф a familiar voice asked from behind her.
Simultaneously, her implant came alive.УHow you doing, frump!Ф
Tory turned around and gasped. Ben Tallen stood directly behind her with a grin
on his face.
УBen! What are you doing here?And why didnТt you tell me you were coming,
skinker?Ф
УThe subminister brought me. I am his assistant.Perhaps we can go out for a
drink after this is over? Ф
УIТd like that.When did that happen? I thought you worked for Tramton
Industries.Ф
УNot for the past year or so. I find the legislative arena a lot more
interesting.Ф
УI take it you two know each other,Ф Pierce said as he watched the two.
УWeТre old friends, Professor,Ф Tallen replied. As he spoke, he caught the
gesture from a small dark man across the room. УYouТll have to excuse me. The
boss wants something. Would you like to meet him, Tory?Ф
УCertainly.Ф
The two of them threaded their way to the opposite end of the room. УTory, may I
present my boss, Praesert Sadibayan, Underminister for Science. Sir, Miss
Victoria Bronson. I think I may have mentioned her on occasion.Ф